Decorative stone with their hands: technology and forms 75 photos

Stone for centuries used in construction. The material is strong and durable, thanks to which buildings were built to last. Just a couple of hundred years ago, a house made of stone could afford only the rich and the rest were content with wood or clay-based compositions. Although now there are new technologies of processing material prices have not greatly decreased. For this reason, granite, marble and sandstone in the interior is considered a sign of high-end design that can afford only wealthy home owners. For those who appreciate excellent aesthetic properties of the material, but can not afford it for whatever reasons, the building industry offers a number of imitations, which are by their appearance indistinguishable from original. On the strength they certainly much inferior to real stone, but their main function - a decorative, rather than protective, just like old times. Therefore, a negative can be attributed to the relative list. Those who do not trust the manufacturers of imitation and is free for manual work, we propose to make a decorative stone with their own hands. The process is divided into three stages:

• Preparation of Mold;
• Mixing composition and its pouring into the mold;
• Extraction and fixation on the surface to be decorated.

For each of the stages of the work, we'll talk in detail in this article, which will provide detailed instructions and step by step master classes, which afford to cope even novice.

About Decorative stones

Artificial stone is classified into two main types:

• For exterior trim. He should endure all the vagaries of nature and be strong, because of climate conditions on the street are more aggressive: rain, cold, heat, snow, hail.

• For interior decoration. "Stone" decor in recent years has become popular due to the popularization of styles that it is actively used (loft, chalet, a fusion of art deco).

The basis of classification is another type of material from which the manufactured decorative stone:

• Concrete. The basis of a mixture of cement, pigments, sand, various fillers and reinforcing the connection. The material is durable and is used for decorating the walls inside the house, outside decoration of facades and even as a paving slabs on the garden path.

• Conglomerate. This type of simulation is stronger concrete, because of what is worth more than the other analogues. The basis material of the grit granite and marble, with the addition of sand, limestone and pigments. Conglomerate has the advantage over natural stone: it is much easier. Externally, the material is different from the original, it does not fade in the sun, not afraid of water, so the ranking imitations ranked first. Used to decorate the walls of the house inside and out. From it are made countertops and decorative tile - lining material for finishing the kitchen aprons, fireplaces, floor.

• Granite. In its manufacture using several types of clay, dyes for coloring, and feldspar minerals. The material is strong, is not exposed to the sun and moisture, but is sensitive to household chemicals (abrasive compositions), so it is not recommend to use when decorating the bottom (most brand) of the wall, aprons in the kitchen and other places that require regular cleaning. Visually it looks more like granite tile flooring with a "stone" pattern.

• Acrylic Stone. Practical and inexpensive material, which is used only for interior decoration. Manufacturers offer a wide range of shades. Acrylic stone does not accumulate dirt and easy to clean with a damp rag.

• Quartz. Finishing materials are made from natural minerals, so to attribute it to artificial imitations would be wrong. However, he used it in the decoration, so quartz stone - interior element, acting as a decoration.

• Gypsum. This stone is only used for interior decoration. Fragments of plaster can be done by hand. Material cheap but gives strong impact crack and crumble. To moisture the plaster is not sensitive only in those cases where the special coating is protected, otherwise it will start to soften.

the most expensive options can be included in a separate category. They are sold in the form of solid panels, which, if necessary, cut to pieces by fitting the correct size. Such decorative panels are made of plasterboard, foam and plastics. Polyurethane plastic plate and reliably mimic the contours of each pebble wild, but can easily be damaged by mechanical impact (shock), so durable they can not be called.

One of the most original option considered artificial stone, simulating the texture of wood. Surprisingly, the two are so different material characteristic can create organic duo, who are not ashamed to decorate even the luxurious interior.

Materials and tools

Do at home artificial stone is not so difficult as it might seem at first glance. Scope of work depends on the amount of material that you need for home decoration. For some interiors make quite a couple of samples that defects in the wall will be closed and in other rooms stone dominates accent walls, almost completely displacing the usual plaster. To work required:

• Molds (MDL). They can be bought ready-made or make yourself.
• Base material (gypsum, acrylic, cement).
• Screwdriver packed "mixer" for mixing the composition.
• Buckets and measuring glass scales.
• Sanitary silicone for sealing gaps, plywood, wafer for manufacturing mold.
• Pallets with sand to protect the forms using a plaster and cement composition.
• Wide spatula.
• Drying cabinet.
• Paints, brushes, trowels, airbrush.
• Release agents.
• Special glue or cement to fix the stone on the wall.

The tool list may be supplemented, depending on the complexity of the work: Additional painting, giving special stone surface topography (porosity).

When working with fragile foam need a respirator, stationery knife and a soldering iron. However, we consider the manufacturing procedure more complex and durable products that will last more than one year.

Mouldmaking

The shape of a decorative stone depends on its appearance. For diversity can prepare several different patterns of samples which will alternate during laying. Usually use chute Modle, consisting of at least ten cells. Large stone shapes accelerate the manufacturing process, if you need a lot. As for the materials, they usually use silicone or plastic. Unfortunately the life of such moldov limited to a certain number of fills. As a more expensive option is suitable polyurethane. These Molds can be re-used as much as necessary, and the shape will retain the original appearance. As a sample of the matrix you can use any favorite stone.

Some use Molde, hammered together from boards. Moreover, the more irregularities and roughness on their surfaces, the better. The composition after casting will repeat these defects, which will give him the look of a wild stone. The sample with such procedure is not needed.

The shape of the silicone

The easiest and cheapest option - silicone sealant. His significant disadvantage is that it is a long time to dry. This material requires careful handling, as stretched pretty quickly and MDL loses its original shape. Generally silicone are distinguished by the degree of toughness. Of the liquid compositions are made form a high level of detail at which the stone creation required. Dense silicone ideal for repetition rough, rough natural sample surface. Stones are placed in orderly rows on the plywood or chipboard sheet. Desirably their pre-glued. Then each stone coat with release agent which prevents it sticking to the form. Thereafter, MDF or plywood formwork construct, which is attached to a planar substrate. All the joints are carefully sealed. The mold is filled with silicone. Now you need to leave the Moldavian dry (overnight). Thereafter dismantle the formwork and form gently separated from the samples. If somewhere Mold can not be, he can gently assist office knife.

To avoid the formation of voids, silicone carefully leveled and lightly tamp with the spatula. The tool is not linked to the solidifying liquid, it is lubricated with grease or any dish detergent.

The form of the compound

Compound - polymer mixture which included two major components is present:

• A viscous substance.
• The catalyst, which under certain conditions starts hardening process.

of the compound produced in the same form as the silicone. By the way, in most formulations, it is also present. Included with the base material is applied with a catalyst bottle. In a separate container, the two components are gently mixed. Strongly whisking compound is not recommended, since in this case the bubbles are formed, because of which can then turn unsightly voids in artificial pebbles. The mixture is then poured designs, attached to a piece of plywood and enclosed with shuttering. If the matrix is ​​small, it can be manufactured in a large bucket or bowl. After solidification forms washed with running water because the smell of the compound is not pleasant.

The compound is often used in the creation of moldov for soap, candles or even repetitive elements of bas-reliefs, sculptures.

Production of stone and casting technology

After Molds are ready, you can start casting decorative stone. How to work with any of the same materials:

• First stir composition.
• Molds then smeared separator to prevent the adhesion of the stones to the matrix.
• Further, the composition is poured into molds.
• Periodically the surface with a spatula tamped to eliminate voids.
• Then the future of the stones give time to "rest", that is cool.

After partial hardening stones removed from the molds and subjected to final drying.

By the way, there are also more simple, budget options. For example, on a cardboard base glued embossed pieces of egg trays. They were then coated with a thin layer of the papier-mache (macerated paper) and stationery adhesive. Completing the process of the final painting. These decorative stones are ideal if you need a "fast decor." For example, it took New Year's decoration of the fireplace in anticipation of the holiday, or an urgent need to close an ugly corner of the room.

On the basis of plaster solution

Plaster solution has a major drawback - it quickly grasped. For this reason, we have to fill in forms promptly. If large amount of work, it is best to carry out his "chunks" or to call someone for help. To slightly slow down the hardening of the plaster, it is possible to add a couple of grams of citric acid. Pour mixture Molde and being shaken gently or they are passed from the top with a spatula to fill the void. After the initial solidification stones removed from the molds and allowed to dry another day.

On the basis of grout

Stones on the basis of cement are created in several stages. The reason for this reinforcing mesh which is necessary to impart strength product.

• Kneaded solution of dry sand and cement in proportions of 1: 3.
• The dye was added water and stirred.
• The colored liquid is poured into a dry solution. Can measure "by eye", since the mixture must be of a consistency similar to sour cream.
• It being shaken thoroughly to all voids are filled.

In the next stage, the mold is placed into each reinforcing mesh: it simply "drown" in the solution. Then, the same mixture has new or without colorant (to save) the preform is filled completely. When the solution is a little will die and become more viscous at its surface, which will be attached to the wall, hold the nail a couple of grooves to ensure better coupling.

Cast Acrylic Stone

This option is probably the most time-consuming. Cast stone is made of four components:

• Acrylic (resin);
• Hardener;
• Pigment;
• Filler (gravel, granite or marble chips).

First, natural stones washed thoroughly with soap and any means (suitable even normal "Fairey"). They were then calcined in fire and rinsed with water. After drying, the filler is mixed with the dye in a separate container. Then diluted acrylic resin with hardener and add it painted pebbles. Now you need to quickly fill Molds solution. The reserve approximately 15-20 minutes to as long as acrylic grab. Pebbles dry very quickly, about 1 hour. They were then carefully separated from the molds and leave dosyhat another day.

liquid stone

By the phrase "liquid stone" is meant a special coating technology for the production of table tops, sinks, walls and furniture fronts. The material is sold in DIY stores. Liquid stone made casting method or sputtering. We are interested in the first option. Of the components (curing agent, polyester resin, filler) are kneaded composition, which was then quickly poured into the mold. To pebbles formed on a surface of the protective film, before pouring the form gelcoat lubricated.

pigments

Paint stone in two ways:

• Add the pigment in its composition.
• Apply a special paint on the surface after manufacture.

The second method allows you to create a unique pattern with dark and lighter in places that will only increase the similarity with the original. For coloring of the solution used inorganic pigments based on iron oxides. They give bright shades weight, have in their composition are abrasive particles and have high dispersibility. Decorative stone does not lose its color over time, and will not fade from the constant exposure to sunlight.

separators

Dividers - specific compositions which lubricate Molds before pouring the mixture. With their help, ready pebbles not stick to the mold and lungs. Different mixtures are used special formulations:

• Concrete used grease or litol.
• To a mixture of gypsum products of turpentine and wax in a ratio of 7: 1. To make it simple enough. Turpentine is heated in a water bath, and added in portions to it wax shavings.
• For acrylic and styrene, a mixture of stearin 1:10.

Silicone mold when casting a mixture of plaster or concrete, which is heated in the process of hardening, must also be protected. For these purposes, they are placed at 2/3 in a special container with sand.

Artificial cobble their own hands

Decorative stones used in suburban areas to mask hatches or septic tanks, which disfigure the landscape. They can also become part of the composition under a waterfall, a fountain, or in the garden gazebo. cobblestone manufacturing principle is the same as the technology for creating decorative stones. But there are problems with Malden, since the dimensions of the product will require a large amount of silicone composition. The task can be handled without the form, if the master is the sculptor skills. From reinforcing mesh frame is formed, which is filled with foam or other lightweight material.

This will significantly reduce the weight of rubble, as its surface is made of concrete. Then knead the cement composition and trowel applied his layers on the frame. In parallel, the cobbles are shaped and do bumps, curves, roughness. You can use special brushes. while the surface is then allowed to solidify, whereupon cobblestone inverted upside down and is also applied to the cement layer. Further boulder finally dried, sanded and stained, if necessary. Alternatively, one can produce unusual MDL fabric. In this case, the original cobblestone remove mold. It is wrapped with a cloth soaked in the slurry. After drying the piece once the treated cement for fixing. Such disposable MDL, since its surface and will be "front" part kibble. Further operate on the principle described above: frame for applying a bonding cement, is placed on top solidified cast. This is followed by the bottom of the processing and painting.

How to dry stone

Dry artificial stone need a special machine. If such is not available, it is possible to make it the most primitive version. For these purposes, you can use any old case. All his "innards" are removed and special lattice shelves are made. It is necessary that the stones were dried, not only at the top and on the sides, but also from below, so you can not place them on solid surfaces. If, however, there is only ordinary shelves, then they are uniformly drilled holes for admission of hot air. Next, the cabinet door and wall sheathe penofolom. Close tightly need artificial dryer. If the door is not, the cabinet "drape" in the same penofolom.

stone painting

Depending on the type of material used for painting various stone compositions. For gypsum products are suitable latex paint, impregnation for concrete, acrylic varnish or glaze. For bright colors, coating composition must be repeated two or three times. To set off the whiteness of gypsum only one layer of lacquer. Painting can be done "the old way" brush or use a modern airbrush. Due to different distances from the surface, the spray can give it a completely different shades. Concrete coated with acrylic, silicone, silicate paint or primer with added pigments. It fits well to the plastic water-dispersed organic-based compositions. Not recommended for decorative stone oil and enamel paints, they are only suitable for wood and metal. If some separate areas should be allocated in a different color, the area around them sealed with masking tape. She also used to protect another surface when color decor is already attached to the wall. Does not recommend the use of "pure" colors, as they are not characteristic of natural stone.

For imparting a stone antiquity effect is applied to the surface of the uneven layer green paint simulating patina.

A few words about the laying of artificial stone wall

Cladding - creative process that completes the whole of decorative stone "epic." Finished piece is placed on any surface. Concrete or brick is directly bonded to the decorated special structures, but will have to prepare the wood. It is further coated with a damp-proofing and form a crate. Stone attached with cement mortar or a special adhesive. Fragments can be laid with jointing and without it. The first option is preferable, since the gaps in grout gives the decor more natural appearance. If you plan to grouting, the left empty space is not more than 2 cm between each fragment. Then, after the installation of its decor filled with grout. Before securing better place the stones on the floor and try different combinations of their location, to find the best. The very start with the laying of corners and around window and door openings. Only then are taken for securing the fragments in horizontal rows. We have a popular partial decoration of walls around some major elements (arch, doorway, niches). "Torn" edge gives sloppy composition, yet stylish look.

conclusion

In order to create an original decoration for the interior of the house in the form of decorative bricks, have to spend a lot of time and effort. Patience is better in advance. The hardest part of this job is not even filling in the form of stone, but to create moldov themselves. Of course you can buy them in the store, but the samples of these molds will no longer be unique, copyrighted. Durable concrete products are suitable for decorating the house facade. With decorative stones can create the illusion of the ramparts or inadvertent finish of the room interior. Organically this element flows into the loft (instead of brick), the eco style, art deco, and some ethnic areas. Stone is versatile and goes with different surfaces: wallpaper, wood, plaster. Optionally, you can create a design based on the principle of contrast or analogy with other finishing materials.