How to make a decorative stone: DIY technology

Stone for centuries has been used in construction. The material is durable and durable, thanks to which the buildings were built for centuries. A couple of hundred years ago, only rich people could afford a stone house, while the rest were content with a tree or clay-based compositions. Although now there are new technologies for processing the material, its prices have not decreased much. For this reason, granite, marble and sandstone in the interior are considered a sign of an elite design that only wealthy homeowners can afford. For those who appreciate the excellent aesthetic properties of the material, but can not afford it for one reason or another, the construction industry offers a number of imitations that are indistinguishable from the original in their appearance. In terms of strength, they are certainly much inferior to real stone, but their main function is decorative, not protective, as in the old days. Therefore, such a minus can be attributed to the list of relative. For those who do not trust imitation manufacturers and have free time for manual labor, we offer to make a decorative stone with our own hands. The process is conditionally divided into three stages:

  • Mold preparation;
  • Mixing the composition and pouring it into the form;
  • Extraction and fastening on the surface to be decorated.

We will talk about each of the stages of work in detail in this article, where detailed instructions and step-by-step master classes will be given, which even a beginner can cope with.

About decorative stone

Artificial stone is classified into two main types:

  • For exterior trim. It must endure all the vagaries of nature and be strong, since the climate conditions on the street are more aggressive: rain, frost, heat, snow, hail.

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

Another classification is based on the type of material from which the decorative stone is made:

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

  • Conglomerate. This type of imitation is stronger than concrete, which is why it is more expensive than other analogues. At the heart of the material crumb real granite and marble with the addition of sand, limestone and coloring pigments. The conglomerate has an advantage over natural stone: it is much lighter. Externally, the material does not differ from the original, does not fade in the sun, is not afraid of moisture, therefore, in the imitation rating it takes the first place. Used to decorate the walls of the house outside and inside. Worktops and decorative tiles are made from it - facing material for finishing kitchen aprons, fireplaces, floors.

  • Porcelain stoneware. In its manufacture using several types of clay, dyes to impart color, feldspar and minerals. The material is durable, not exposed to the sun and moisture, but sensitive to household chemicals (abrasive compounds), so it is not recommended to use when decorating the bottom (most brand) of the wall, aprons in the kitchen and other places that require regular cleaning. Visually, porcelain tile is more like a tiled tile with a "stone" pattern.

  • Acrylic stone. Practical and inexpensive material that is used only for interior decoration. Manufacturers offer a wide range of colors. Acrylic stone does not accumulate dirt and is easy to clean with a damp cloth.

  • Quartz. Finishing materials are made from natural mineral, so it would be wrong to attribute it to artificial imitations. However, it is used precisely in decoration, therefore, quartz stone is an interior element that serves as an ornament.

  • Gypsum. This stone is used only for interior decoration. Gypsum fragments can be made with your own hands. The material is cheap, but with a strong impact it cracks and crumbles. Gypsum is not sensitive to moisture only in those cases, if it is reliably protected by a special coating, otherwise it will begin to soften.

In a separate category, you can include the cheapest options. They are sold in the form of solid panels, which, if necessary, are cut to fit the pieces of the desired size. Such decorative panels are made of gypsum board, foam plastic and plastics. Polyurethane and plastic plates reliably imitate the outlines of each wild pebble, but can easily be damaged by mechanical impact (impact), so they cannot be called durable.

One of the most original options is artificial stone, imitating the texture of wood. Surprisingly, two materials that are so different in their characteristics can create an organic duet who are not ashamed to decorate even a luxurious interior.

    

Required materials and tools

Making an artificial stone at home is not so difficult as it may seem at first glance. The scale of the work depends on the amount of material that is needed to design the house. For some interiors, it is enough to make a couple of samples that will cover the defects of the wall, while in other rooms the stone dominates the accent walls, almost completely replacing the usual plaster. To work will require:

  • Molds (molda). You can buy them ready-made or make yourself.
  • The main material (gypsum, acrylic, cement).
  • Screwdriver with nozzle "mixer" for mixing composition.
  • Bucket and measuring cup, scales.
  • Plumbing silicone for sealing gaps, plywood and wafer for the manufacture of molds.
  • Sand pallets to protect molds using gypsum and cement composition.
  • Wide trowel.
  • Drying cabinet.
  • Paints, brushes, trowels, airbrush.
  • Separating compositions.
  • Special glue or cement for fixing the stone on the wall.

    
    

The list of tools can be added depending on the complexity of the work: additional painting, imparting a special relief to the surface of the stone (porosity).

When working with fragile foam plastic, you will need a respirator, a stationery knife and a soldering iron. However, we will consider procedures for the manufacture of more complex and durable products that will last more than one year.

Mold making

The shape of the decorative stone depends on its appearance. To obtain a variety, you can prepare several different templates at once, samples of which will alternate during installation. Usually use tray mods consisting of at least ten cells. Large forms will speed up the process of making stone, if you need a lot. As for materials, silicone or plastic is usually used. Unfortunately, the life of such molds is limited to a certain number of fillings. As a more expensive option suitable polyurethane. These molds can be reused as much as necessary, while the form will retain its original appearance. As a sample for the matrix will fit any favorite stone.

    
    
    
    

Some use molda, knocked out of the boards. Moreover, the more irregularities and roughness on their surfaces, the better. The composition after casting will repeat these defects, which will give it a resemblance to a wild stone. The sample with this technique is not needed.

Silicone Mold

The easiest and cheapest option is silicone sealant. Its significant disadvantage is that it dries for a long time. Such material requires careful handling, as it quickly stretches and mold loses its original shape. In general, silicone is distinguished by the degree of viscosity. Forms with a high level of detail are made of liquid formulations, which is not required when creating a stone. Thick silicone is ideal for repeating the rough, rough surface of a natural sample. Stones are laid in orderly rows on plywood or chipboard. It is advisable to pre-stick them. Then each stone is coated with a release agent, which will prevent it from sticking to the mold. After that, formwork is made of MDF or plywood, which is attached to a flat base. All joints are carefully sealed. Then the form is filled with silicone. Now you need to leave the mold to dry (about a day). After that, the formwork is disassembled, and the form is carefully separated from the samples. If somewhere the mold does not give in, then it can be carefully helped with a clerical knife.

To avoid the formation of voids, the silicone is carefully leveled and lightly rammed with a spatula. To prevent the instrument from being stuck in a solidifying fluid, it is greased with grease or any dishwashing detergent.

Compound Form

Compound is a polymer blend which contains two main components:

  • Viscous substance.
  • A catalyst that, under certain conditions, starts the hardening process.

Forms from a compound are made the same as from silicone. By the way, in most of the compositions, it is also present. Included with the main substance attached bottle with a catalyst. In a separate container, the two components are mixed gently. Strongly beating the compound is not recommended, since in this case bubbles form, which then can result in ugly voids in artificial pebbles. Then the mixture is poured samples fixed on a piece of plywood and enclosed with formwork. If the matrix is ​​small, then it can be made in a large bucket or bowl. After solidification, the molds are washed with running water, since the smell of the compound is not pleasant.

Compound is often used in creating molds for soap, wax candles and even repetitive elements of bas-reliefs, sculptures.

Stone making and casting technology

Once the molds are ready, you can begin to cast decorative stone. The principle of working with any of the materials is the same:

  • First stir the composition.
  • Then the molds are smeared with a separator to prevent the stones from sticking to the matrix.
  • Next, the composition is poured into the form.
  • Periodically surface tamped with a spatula to eliminate voids.
  • Then, future stones are given time to "rest", that is, to harden.

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

    

By the way, there are more simple, budget options. For example, embossed pieces of egg trays are glued onto a cardboard base. Then they are covered with a thin layer of papier-mâché (soaked paper) and clerical glue. Final painting finishes the process. Such decorative pebbles are ideal if you need a "fast decor." For example, it took the Christmas decoration of the fireplace on the eve of the holiday or urgently need to close an ugly corner in the room.

Based on gypsum mortar

Gypsum mortar has a big disadvantage - it quickly sets. For this reason, the forms will have to fill quickly. If the amount of work is large, it is better to perform it in “portions” or to call someone for help. To slightly slow down the freezing of gypsum, you can add a couple of grams of citric acid. The molds are poured into the mixture and gently shaken them or are passed over the top with a spatula to fill the voids. After the initial solidification, the pebbles are removed from the molds and left to dry for another day.

Cement based

Stones based on cement are created in several stages. The reason for this reinforcing mesh, which is necessary to give the product strength.

  • Knead dry solution of sand and cement in proportions 1: 3.
  • Dye is added to water and stirred.
  • The painted liquid is poured into a dry solution. You can measure off "by eye", since the mixture should be similar in consistency to sour cream.
  • It is thoroughly shaken so that all voids are filled.

At the next stage, a reinforcing mesh is placed in each form: it is simply “drowned” in solution. Then, the same mixture or a new dye without the dye (in order to save) preforms is poured completely. When the solution dries slightly and becomes more viscous on its surface, which will be attached to the wall, a couple of grooves are nailed to provide a better hitch.

Cast acrylic stone

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

  • Acryl (resin);
  • Hardener;
  • Pigment;
  • Filler (gravel, granite or marble crumb).

First, natural stones are thoroughly washed with any soap means (even the usual “Fae” will do). Then they are calcined on the fire and rinsed with water. After drying, the filler is mixed with the dye in a separate container. Then dilute the acrylic resin with a hardener and add colored pebbles to it. Now you need to quickly fill the mold solution. In stock about 15-20 minutes until the acrylic sets. Pebbles dry very quickly, about 1 hour. Then they are carefully separated from the forms and left to dry for another day.

Liquid stone

Under the phrase "liquid stone" means the technology of production of special coating for countertops, sinks, walls, furniture fronts. The material is sold in hardware stores. Liquid stone is made by casting or spraying. We are interested in the first option. Of the components (hardener, polyester resin, filler), the composition is kneaded, which is then quickly poured into mold. To form a protective film on the surface of the pebbles, before filling the mold is smeared with gelcoat.

Pigments

Color the stone in two ways:

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

The second method allows you to create a unique picture with darkened and lighter places, which will only increase the similarity with the original. Inorganic pigments based on iron oxides are used to color the solution itself. They give the mass bright shades, do not incorporate abrasive impurities and have a high dispersion. Decorative stone will not lose its color over time and will not fade from constant contact with the sun's rays.

Delimiters

Separators - special compositions that lubricate molds before pouring the mixture. With their help, ready-made pebbles do not stick to the walls of the mold and easily separate. For different mixtures use special formulations:

  • For concrete used grease or lithol.
  • For gypsum products use a mixture of turpentine and wax in a ratio of 7: 1. Make it easy enough. Turpentine oil is heated in a water bath and wax chips are added in portions.
  • For acrylic used a mixture of styrene and stearin in the ratio of 1:10.

Silicone forms when pouring a mixture of gypsum or concrete, which are heated in the process of solidification, must be further protected. For these purposes, they are placed on 2/3 in a special container with sand.

Artificial Cobblestone DIY

Decorative cobblestones are used in summer cottages for masking hatches or septic tanks that disfigure the landscape. They can also be part of a composition under a waterfall, a fountain, or in a garden near a gazebo. The principle of making a cobblestone is the same as the technology for creating decorative stones. But there will be problems with mold, as the dimensions of the product will require a large amount of silicone composition. The task can be managed without form if the master has the skills of a sculptor. From the reinforcing mesh form the frame, which is filled with foam or other lightweight material.

This will significantly reduce the weight of the cobblestone, since its surface will be made of concrete. Then knead the cement composition and trowel put it in layers on the frame. In parallel, the cobblestone is shaped and made irregularities, bends, roughness. You can use special brushes. Then the surfaces give time to harden, after which the cobblestone is turned upside down and also a layer of cement is applied. Next, the boulder is finally dried, if necessary, polished and painted. Alternatively, an unusual fabric mold can be made. In this case, a cast is taken from the original cobblestone. It is wrapped in a piece of cloth soaked in cement mortar. After drying, the piece is once again carefully treated with cement for fixing. Such a disposable mold, as its surface will be the “front” part of the cobblestone. Further, they act according to the principle described above: the framework, the application of cement for bonding, a frozen cast is placed on top. This is followed by bottom processing and painting.

How to dry a stone

To dry an artificial stone it is necessary in the special unit. If it is not available, then you can make a primitive version of it yourself. For these purposes, any suitable old cabinet. All its "insides" take out and make special trellised shelves. It is necessary that the pebbles are dried not only on the top and sides, but also on the bottom, so you can not place them on solid surfaces. If only ordinary shelves are available, then holes are evenly drilled in them for the entry of warm air. Then the walls and cabinet doors sheathed with penofol. It is necessary to close the artificial dryer tightly. Если дверцы нет, то шкаф «драпируют» все тем же пенофолом.

Покраска камня

В зависимости от типа материала, для покраски камня используют различные составы. Для гипсовых изделий подходят водоэмульсионная краска, пропитка для бетона, акриловый лак или глазурь. To obtain bright shades, the application of the composition must be repeated two or three times. To shade the whiteness of gypsum, one layer of varnish is enough. Painting can be carried out "in the old manner" with a brush or use a modern airbrush. Due to the different distances to the surface, the sprayer can give it completely different shades. Concrete is coated with acrylic, silicone, silicate paints, or with a primer with added pigments. Plastic-based water-dispersion formulations are well organic based. It is not recommended to use oil and enamel paints for decorative stone, they are suitable only for wood and metal. If some particular areas need to be highlighted in a different color, then the area around them is stuck with masking tape. She also used to protect the other surface, when the color of the decor is attached to the wall. Do not recommend the use of "pure" colors, as they are not typical for natural stone.

To give the stone an old-fashioned effect, an uneven layer of green paint is applied to its surface that simulates a patina.

A few words about the laying of artificial wall stone

Facing is a creative process that completes the entire decorative stone “epic”. Placed ready-made fragments on any surface. Concrete or brick directly fastened to the decor with special compositions, but the tree will have to prepare. It is additionally covered with a layer of moisture insulation and form a crate. Attach the stone with a solution of cement or special glue. Laying fragments can be jointing and without it. The first option is preferable, as the grout in the gaps gives the decor a more natural look. If the jointing is planned, then no more than 2 cm of empty space is left between each fragment. Then, after mounting the decor, it is filled with grout. Before fixing it is better to place the stones on the floor and try different combinations of their location to find the best option. The laying itself starts from the corners and around the window, door openings. Only then they start to fix the fragments in horizontal rows. Partial decoration of walls around some large element (arch, opening, niche) is popular with us. The “torn” hem gives the composition a casual but stylish look.


    

Conclusion

In order to create an original decoration for the interior of the house in the form of a decorative brick, you have to spend a lot of time and effort. Be patient better in advance. The most difficult thing in this work is not even pouring a stone into molds, but creating the molds themselves. Of course, you can buy them in the store, but samples from such molds will no longer be unique, copyrighted. Strong concrete products are suitable for decorating the facade of the house. With the help of a decorative stone in the interior of the room, you can create the illusion of a ramparts or careless decoration. Organically, this element is poured into the loft (instead of brick), eco style, Art Deco and some ethnic areas. The stone is universal and is combined with different surfaces: wallpaper, wood, plaster. Optionally, you can create a design based on the principle of contrast or analogy with other finishing materials.

Watch the video: Ideas For Miniature Landscape From Stone And Cement. Construction Creative. DIY (March 2024).

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