In recent years, in the design of many interiors, plaster decorative stone is often used . This durable and very aesthetic material is known for its excellent performance. Therefore, it is not surprising that his history dates back several millennia.
Scope of this material
Gypsum stone is widely and quite successfully used to decorate the interior space of residential and office premises. This material is characterized by a relatively low specific gravity; therefore, it is perfectly suited for cladding thin interior partitions. Fine and light gypsum is often used to create a variety of architectural forms, representing a harmonious combination of original elements.
Advantages and disadvantages
Like any other finishing material, gypsum stone has a number of positive and negative characteristics. The main advantages include properties such as:
- Ease. The weight of this material is significantly less than the mass of classic brick or natural granite. There are voids inside gypsum castings that allow not only to reduce the weight of the product, but also to save consumables.
- Cheapness. Gypsum is in the same price category with chalk and alabaster. Its cost is much lower than prices for materials such as granite or marble. Therefore, finishing with gypsum stone tiles is an ideal solution for those who want to save on repairs.
- Environmental friendliness. This is a “breathable” material that perfectly transmits air. Its use allows you to create an effect similar to that observed when whitewashing the ceiling with natural chalk or when pasting the walls with paper wallpaper. Due to this, a favorable microclimate is created in the room for the decoration of which gypsum stone was used.
It is also important that this material is characterized by good thermal insulation and soundproofing qualities.
The most significant disadvantages include the fragility of gypsum. The larger the size of the casting, the higher the likelihood of its damage before installation. In other words, the product requires respect and adherence to transportation rules.
The main varieties and reviews
Despite the resemblance to a traditional brick, gypsum stone for interior decoration has a completely different structure. Yes, and it is manufactured using completely different technologies. Modern manufacturers offer a wide range of similar products that differ in many ways. The surface of such tiles can be not only matte, but also glossy.
In addition, today you can buy a flat, embossed, concave or convex gypsum stone. Therefore, before you go to the store, you need to decide what exactly you want to receive. Many consumers who have already appreciated the main advantages of this material leave mostly positive reviews about it. According to them, aesthetic gypsum tiles do not need complicated care. And with proper handling, it can last more than one year.
Can I make such products with my own hands?
Despite the fact that in our country the industrial production of this material is well established, if necessary, decorative gypsum stone for interior decoration can be made at home. Some craftsmen even managed to turn this activity into a rather profitable family business. This business does not require significant investments, and the investments made pay off as soon as possible.
At the same time, it is very important to use high-quality raw materials and strictly adhere to the process. To increase the strength and extend the life of finished products, it is recommended to use compounds from modified gypsum for their production.
List of materials and tools
To produce such products, you must have at hand:
- white gypsum;
- plastic container for mixing components;
- pallet;
- forms;
- corrugated glass;
- water-based dyes.
In addition, you need to purchase an electric drill, rolled polyethylene and a table in advance.
The main technological stages
First of all, it is necessary to prepare gypsum dough. To save consumables, the volume of the quick-drying mortar should correspond to the number of forms. The proportions of the components are selected independently. In a container filled with water, gypsum is gradually added. In this case, you need to constantly mix the solution. To increase the strength of the thick gypsum dough, it is recommended to introduce about 10% of sand into it.
To make it easier to subsequently remove the finished product, the working surface of the molds is lubricated with a surfactant consisting of three parts of wax and seven parts of turpentine. For complete and uniform dissolution of the components, you can use a water bath. Forms prepared in this way are mounted on pallets.
To obtain the desired shade, mix dyes with gypsum. And only after that the plaster dough is poured into molds and neatly leveled with a spatula. Then the containers are covered with corrugated glass and subjected to vibration, providing a perfectly even installation. After fifteen minutes, the gypsum tile (stone) is removed from the molds and dried in the open air.
Finished products are not recommended to be subjected to heat treatment, contributing to a change in properties.
How to lay gypsum stone?
Installation is carried out on a flat, pre-prepared surface from which the old coating has been removed. First, the wall needs to be plastered or sheathed with drywall and primed. Only after this can we start marking the surface on which the gypsum bricks will be laid. This is done with a ruler, level and rope.
Most qualified professionals recommend starting installation from the bottom of the room. The tile is laid on a wall, the surface of which is treated with an adhesive. Bricks can be fastened not only end-to-end, but also at a short distance from each other. To maintain the required distance, you can use pre-cut plasterboard strips that need to be inserted into the aisles of masonry. To give the corner an aesthetic appearance, tiles can be cut with a hacksaw or miter box at an angle of 45 degrees. It will take at least two to three days to completely dry the wall. After this time, you can remove the strips of drywall and start grouting the seams.
Some experienced craftsmen subject the mounted gypsum brick to additional processing with special hydrophobic compounds. These simple manipulations can significantly facilitate further surface care and extend the life of the device.