Artificial stone - what is it?
Artificial stone can rarely be distinguished from the natural, it has the same face as its counterpart, but its underside is made smooth for easy installation. And, given its weight, which is several times less than that of a natural analog, installation takes place quickly and without special tricks, it can be planted even on glue, like a conventional tile, while a natural stone needs bolting.
The composition of the stone can be different, it depends on the application and effects that you want to achieve from the stone. These can be acrylic resins with fillers or Portland cement. In the production of stone from cement, it can be facilitated with additives of ceramsite of a certain granularity, this does not change the quality, but significantly facilitates the material. Often additives are added that increase strength or give the stone corrosion resistance. Still use pigments for creation of the necessary shade. Coloring can be created after production - painting, this allows you to imitate any natural stone.
Advantages and disadvantages of artificial stone
Good qualities in artificial stone are much more than bad qualities. It really weighs little and can be easily mounted on any surface, aesthetically pleasing, inexpensive and in its own way universal, that is it can be used for decoration anywhere - interior, exterior or garden.
Materials from this stone are usually resistant to time, it does not fade, does not stain and is well washed, of course, these features already largely depend on the production method and fillers, as well as on the final surface treatment.
It can not be said that this is an ideal finish for all occasions, because there is a flaw. Some varieties of artificial stone are not resistant to abrasion, that is, when a sharp object falls or strikes sharply, the surface can easily get very noticeable scratches, every carelessness will spoil the finish.
How to make an artificial stone with your own hands?
Doing your own artificial stone is not difficult, however, it is unlikely that you will manage with improvised materials. Let's see what we might need. First, we define the appearance. For all the elements to be the same, get the casting mold and the spacer, which will help you easily remove each tile and thus extend the life of the mold. Do not get too cheap on this, plastic is not worth taking, it does not contribute to the creation of a clear texture on the front side of the stone, polyurethane is better for this.
We further define the composition from which we will create masterpieces. The simplest option is to create an artificial stone from gypsum or cement .For cement stone we purchase cement and sand with a fine fraction, for gypsum stone - gypsum. Another essential ingredient is water. Now we are completely ready for production.
It's time to go directly to the process description, how to make an artificial stone. The general procedure, with slight differences for different materials, will be as follows:
- Mix the solution of the basic material for pouring( cement or gypsum);
- Spread casting form with a release agent;
- Do not allow the separating compound to dry, then pour cement or gypsum;
- Leave to dry until completely ready;
- Get ready tiles of artificial stone;
- Color the stone.
You can paint the stone in different ways:
- add the dye directly to the main casting compound;
- color the shape in before pouring;
- to paint ready-made stone with special paints.