Monuments made of polymer granite are tombstones, the main material for the creation of which is polymethyl methacrylate, as well as granite chips. The combination of these substances allowed us to create an artificial stone. This material has a certain number of basic features, thanks to which it was able to find its niche in the market of funeral services.
Production of monuments
Ordinary granite is very popular for the manufacture of monuments. However, there is a significant drawback that lies in the cost of this raw material. For this reason, polymer granite monuments have become quite popular. The cost of these products is much lower. Manufacturers claim that it is possible to order monuments from this material at any time, since they can be stored for a very long time from the moment of their production. In addition, they will not take up much space.
It is possible to erect a monument from polymer granite to the grave within 1-2 days after the funeral ceremony. However, here it will be necessary to clearly determine the date, since the process of manufacturing one plate takes about two weeks. It became attractive that you can install them yourself. In many ways, this became possible because a set of tools, materials for installation, as well as installation instructions are included with the stove.
Processing and parameters
It is important to note that it is much easier to process monuments made of polymer granite than, for example, marble. This is largely due to the fact that the former does not have the fragility that is inherent in the latter. In addition, if we continue the comparison with this material, the artificial stone also wins in such properties as excellent resistance to sunlight and other atmospheric influences.
A distinguishing feature among the positive qualities was the fact that the monument made of polymer granite does not fade under the influence of the sun. Another property is that the stone of artificial production perfectly tolerates temperature conditions from -50 to +50 ° C.
What can be made of artificial granite?
It is very important to note that the manufacture of monuments from polymer granite can be varied. It is understood that the use of artificial stone allows you to create more complex patterns, drawings, portraits, inscriptions, and more. It will be convenient to read the inscriptions made on such material both on a sunny day and in the rain. It is also worth adding here that the life of an artificial stone is approximately 70 years. Although it is fair to say that products made of real granite are completely eternal. When carrying out the correct installation, almost any company engaged in the manufacture of monuments gives a guarantee of at least 20 years.
Another rather convenient advantage of polymer granite tombstones is that it weighs much less, which allows you to transport it yourself in a passenger car.
How to make monuments
The method of producing monuments made of artificial stone is different in that they are not cut from a single piece, but produced by casting. To do this, prepare several source components. The main one is fine-grained granite or granite chips. A substance such as a polymer synthetic resin is added to it. It is very important to know the exact proportion. The amount of natural granite chips should be greater than the amount of synthetic resin. In addition to these two components, the composition contains a variety of additives, dyes, and several other other elements that perform an auxiliary function. This solution is poured into a specific form, which is then placed on a vibrating table, where the composition is carefully rammed. Such manipulations are necessary, since at this time the solution gets rid of air bubbles, voids, and also acquires a greater density.
After completing this step, the monument is left to dry. When the object completely hardens, you can proceed to engraving. The final stage is the coating of the tombstone surface with a variety of protective agents and varnish. Photos of monuments made of polymer granite, which are made in this way, can be found on the websites of enterprises engaged in the sale of such goods.
Positive and negative sides
If we summarize the discussion of the positive qualities of monuments made of artificial stone, we can say the following:
- The tombstone has no restriction in height, as well as in shape.
- Polymer granite is considered to be a fairly lightweight material, and therefore for its installation there is no need for pouring a powerful concrete base.
- If we talk about the appearance, the color of the artificially made stone will be more uniform than that of real granite. This often leads to the fact that at first such products look even better than natural materials. However, this effect does not last long.
The following can be said about the shortcomings:
- The production technology will not allow you to create a product with a wall thickness of more than 4 cm. This quite often leads to the formation of cracks and chips at the joints, and under the influence of precipitation and the sun, there may be blisters or dips.
- After a fairly long period of exposure of the polymer granite monument in the sun, the engraving can simply fade. It is necessary to periodically tint it with acrylic paint.
- This compound is considered quite flammable. This means that lighting candles, lamps and other things is not recommended in the immediate vicinity of the monument to avoid fire.
Reviews of monuments made of polymer granite
Despite the advantages of artificial stone, most still tend to the fact that such tombstones are not aesthetic, as well as durable. Especially if you compare them with marble or real granite. In addition, if we take into account the appearance of a polymer granite and granite monument, the first strongly resembles plastic. It is also noted that there is a strong restriction on the size of polymer granite products, although the abundance of various shapes is still a bit pleasing.