Decorative gypsum stone for interior decoration: overview, types, features and reviews

In recent years in the design of many interiors often used gypsum decorative stone. This durable and very aesthetic material is known for its excellent performance properties. Therefore it is not surprising that its history is estimated in several millennia.

Scope of this material

The gypsum stone is widely and quite successfully used for decorating the interior space of residential and office premises. This material is characterized by a relatively small specific gravity, so it is the best suited for facing thin interroom 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 such properties as:

• Ease. The weight of this material is significantly less than the mass of classic brick or natural granite. Inside the gypsum castings, there are voids, which allow not only to reduce the weight of the product, but also save consumables.
• Cheapness. Gypsum is in the same price category with chalk and alabaster. Its cost is much lower than the prices for materials such as granite or marble. Therefore, the finish of gypsum tiles under the stone - an ideal solution for those who want to save on repairs.
• Ecological compatibility. It is a "breathing" material that perfectly passes the air. Its use allows you to create an effect similar to what is observed when whitewashing the ceiling with natural chalk or when pasting walls with paper wallpaper. Thanks to this, a favorable microclimate is created in the room, for the decoration of which the gypsum stone was applied.

It is also important that this material is characterized by good thermal insulation and soundproof qualities.

The most significant drawbacks include the fragility of gypsum. The larger the casting size, the greater the likelihood of damage to the casting prior to the commencement of installation work. In other words, the product requires careful treatment and compliance with transportation rules.

Main varieties and reviews

Despite the external resemblance to traditional brick, gypsum stone for interior decoration has a completely different structure. Yes, and it is made by completely different technologies. Modern manufacturers offer a wide range of similar products, differing in many ways. The surface of such a tile can be not only matte, but also glossy.

In addition, today you can buy a flat, embossed, concave or convex gypsum stone. So 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 comments about it. According to them, aesthetic gypsum tiles do not need complicated maintenance. And with the right treatment, it can serve more than one year.

Is it possible to produce such products with my own hands?

Despite the fact that in our country is perfectly arranged industrial production of this material, if necessary, decorative gypsum stone for interior decoration can be made at home. Some craftsmen even managed to turn this occupation into a fairly lucrative family business. This business does not require significant investment, and the investment made pays off as soon as possible.

It is very important to use high-quality raw materials and to adhere to the technological process. To increase the durability and extend the life of finished products, it is recommended to use compositions of modified gypsum for their production.

List of materials and tools

For the production of such products it is necessary to have at hand:

• White gypsum;
• Plastic container for mixing components;
• pallet;
• Forms;
• Corrugated glass;
• Dyes on a water basis.

In addition, you need to pre-purchase an electric drill, roll polyethylene and a table.

Main technological stages

First of all, you need to prepare a gypsum dough. To save consumables, the volume of a quick-drying solution 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 a thick gypsum dough, it is recommended to introduce about 10% of sand into it.

To subsequently make it easier to remove the finished product, the working surface of the molds is smeared with a surface active substance consisting of three parts of wax and seven parts of turpentine. A water bath can be used to completely and evenly dissolve the constituents. Prepared in this way the forms are installed on pallets.

To get the right shade, mix the dyes with the gypsum. And only after that, the gypsum dough is poured into molds and neatly leveled with a spatula. Then the containers are covered with corrugated glass and subjected to vibration, ensuring a perfectly flat laying. After fifteen minutes, the gypsum tile (stone) is removed from the molds and dried in the open air.

Ready products are not recommended to be subjected to heat treatment, which contributes to changing properties.

How to lay gypsum stone?

Installation is carried out on a level, pre-prepared surface, with which the old coating is removed. First, the wall must be plastered or gypsum plasterboarded and treated with a primer. Only after this, you can proceed with the marking of the surface, on which the gypsum blocks will be laid. This is done with a ruler, level and rope.

Most qualified specialists recommend starting the installation from the bottom of the room. The tiles are laid on a wall, the surface of which is treated with an adhesive compound. Bricks can be fastened not only by butt, but also at a short distance from each other. To maintain the required distance, you can use pre-cut gipsokartonnymi strips, which need to be inserted in the aisle between the masonry. To give the corner an aesthetic appearance, tiles can be cut with a hacksaw or a stool at an angle of 45 degrees. It takes at least two or three days to completely dry the wall. At the end of this time, it is possible to remove gypsum board strips and begin grouting joints.

Some experienced masters subject the mounted gypsum brick to additional processing with special hydrophobic compounds. These simple manipulations make it possible to significantly facilitate further care of the surface and prolong the life of the device.