How to make a decorative stone: DIY manufacturing technology
For centuries, stone has been used in construction. The material is strong and durable, thanks to which the buildings have been erected for centuries. Only a couple of hundred years ago, only rich people could afford a house made of stone, while the rest were content with wood or clay-based compounds. Although new material processing technologies have now appeared, prices for it have not dropped much. For this reason, granite, marble and sandstone in the interior are considered a sign of an elite design that only wealthy home owners can afford. For those who appreciate the excellent aesthetic properties of the material, but cannot afford it for one reason or another, the construction industry offers a number of imitations that are indistinguishable from the original in appearance. They are of course much inferior in strength to real stone, but their main function is decorative, not protective, as in the old days. Therefore, such a minus can be added to the list of relative ones.For those who do not trust the manufacturers of imitation 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 mold;
Removing and fixing 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 handle.
Artificial stone is classified into two main types:
For exterior decoration. He must endure all the vagaries of nature and be strong, since the climate conditions on the street are more aggressive: rains, frosts, heat, snow, hail.
For interior decoration. In recent years, “stone” decor 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 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 simulation is stronger than concrete, which is why it is more expensive than other analogues. The basis of the material is crumb of real granite and marble with the addition of sand, limestone and coloring pigments.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 it takes the first place in the rating of imitations. Used to decorate the walls of the house outside and inside. Tabletops and decorative tiles are made from it - facing material for finishing kitchen aprons, fireplaces, and floors.
Porcelain tile. In its manufacture, several types of clay, dyes to give color, feldspar and minerals are used. The material is durable, not exposed to the sun and moisture, but is sensitive to household chemicals (abrasive compounds), so it is not recommended to use it when decorating the lower (by the brand itself) part of the wall, aprons in the kitchen and other places that require regular cleaning. Visually, porcelain stoneware looks more like a tile tile with a "stone" pattern.
Acrylic stone. Practical and inexpensive material that is used only for interior decoration. Manufacturers offer a wide range of shades. Acrylic stone does not accumulate dirt and is easy to clean with a damp cloth.
Quartz. Finishing materials are made from a natural mineral, so attributing it to artificial imitations would be wrong. However, it is used precisely in decoration, therefore quartz stone is an interior element that plays the role of decoration.
Gypsum. This stone is used only for interior decoration. Plaster 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 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 are cut if necessary when fitting into pieces of the right size.Such decorative panels are made of drywall, polystyrene and plastic. Polyurethane and plastic plates reliably imitate the outlines of each wild stone, but can easily be damaged by mechanical impact (shock), so they can not be called durable.
One of the most original options is an artificial stone that mimics the texture of a tree. Surprisingly, two materials that are so different in characteristics can create an organic duet who is not ashamed to decorate even a luxurious interior.
Necessary materials and tools
Making an artificial stone at home is not so difficult as it might seem at first glance. The scale of work depends on the amount of material that is needed to decorate the house. For some interiors, it’s enough to make a couple of samples that will cover the defects of the wall, and in other rooms the stone dominates the accent walls, almost completely displacing the usual plaster. To work, you will need:
Molds (molds). You can buy them ready-made or make them yourself.
The main material (gypsum, acrylic, cement).
Screwdriver with a nozzle "mixer" for mixing the composition.
Bucket and measuring cup, scales.
Plumbing silicone for sealing gaps, plywood and wafers for the manufacture of molds.
Sand pallets for mold protection using plaster and cementitious composition.
Wide spatula.
Drying cabinet.
Paints, brushes, trowels, airbrush.
Release agents.
Special glue or cement to fix the stone on the wall.
The list of tools can be supplemented depending on the complexity of the work: additional painting, giving a special relief to the surface of the stone (porosity).
When working with fragile polystyrene, a respirator, a stationery knife and a soldering iron are required. However, we will consider the manufacturing procedures for more complex and durable products that will last for more than one year.
Mold making
The appearance of a decorative stone depends on its shape. For variety, you can prepare several different templates at once, the samples of which will alternate during installation. Usually use tray modules consisting of at least ten cells. Large forms will speed up the process of stone production, if it needs a lot. As for materials, silicone or plastic is usually used. Unfortunately, the life of such molds is limited by a certain number of fillings. As a more expensive option, polyurethane is suitable. These molds can be reused as much as you like, while the form will retain its original appearance. As a sample for the matrix, any stone you like is suitable.
Some use molds made from boards. Moreover, the more roughness and roughness on their surfaces, the better. The composition after pouring will repeat these defects, which will give it a resemblance to a wild stone. A 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, since it stretches quite quickly and the mold loses its original shape. In general, silicone is distinguished by the degree of viscosity. Forms with a high level of detail, which is not required when creating a stone, are made from liquid compositions. Thick silicone is ideal for repeating the rough, rough surface of a natural sample. Stones are stacked in orderly rows on plywood or a chipboard sheet. It is advisable to pre-stick them. Then each stone is coated with a release agent that will prevent it from sticking to the mold. After that, formwork is constructed from MDF or plywood, which is attached to a flat base. All joints are carefully sealed. Then the mold is filled with silicone. Now you need to leave the mold to dry (about a day).After this, 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 slightly tamped with a spatula. So that the tool does not get stuck in the hardening liquid, it is lubricated with solid oil or any dishwashing detergent.
Compound Form
Compound - a polymer mixture in which there are two main components:
Viscous substance.
A catalyst that, under certain conditions, starts the hardening process.
Compound molds are made in the same way as silicone. By the way, in most compositions, he is also present. A kit with a catalyst is included with the main substance. In a separate container, the two components are gently mixed. Strongly whipping the compound is not recommended, since in this case bubbles form, due to which ugly voids in artificial pebbles can then turn out. Then the mixture is poured into the samples, fixed on a piece of plywood and surrounded by formwork. If the matrix is small, then it can be made in a large bucket or bowl. After solidification, the forms are washed with running water, since the smell of the compound is not pleasant.
The compound is often used in the creation of molds for soap, wax candles and even repeating elements of bas-reliefs, sculptures.
Stone making and pouring technology
After the molds are ready, you can start casting decorative stone. The principle of work with any of the materials is the same:
First mix the composition.
Then the molds are lubricated with a separator to prevent stones from sticking to the matrix.
Next, the composition is poured into molds.
The surface is periodically tamped with a spatula to eliminate voids.
Then the future pebbles are given time to “rest”, that is, to freeze.
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. The final painting completes the process. Such decorative pebbles are ideal if you need a “quick decor”. For example, it took New Year's decoration of the fireplace on the eve of the holiday, or urgently needed to close the ugly corner in the room.
Based on gypsum mortar
Gypsum mortar has a big drawback - it sets quickly. For this reason, you will have to fill in the forms promptly. If the volume of work is large, then it is better to perform it in “portions” or call someone for help. To slightly slow down the setting of gypsum, you can add a couple of grams of citric acid to it. Molds are poured with a mixture and gently shaken them or passed from above 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
Cement-based stones are created in several stages. The reason for this is a reinforcing mesh, which is necessary to give the product strength.
Mix dry mortar from sand and cement in proportions of 1: 3.
Dye is added to the water and mixed.
The colored liquid is poured into a dry solution. You can measure "by eye", as the mixture should be similar in consistency to sour cream.
She is thoroughly shaken so that all the voids are filled.
At the next stage, a reinforcing mesh is placed in each form: it is simply “drowned” in solution. Then, with the same mixture or new, already without dye (in order to save), the preforms are completely filled. When the mortar dies slightly and becomes more viscous on its surface, which will be attached to the wall, a pair of grooves is carried out with a nail to ensure a better adhesion.
Cast Acrylic Stone
This option is perhaps the most time-consuming. Cast stone is made of four components:
Acrylic (resin);
Hardener;
Pigment;
Filler (gravel, granite or marble chips).
First, natural stones are thoroughly washed with any soap product (even an ordinary Fairy will do). Then they are calcined on fire and rinsed with water. After drying, the filler is mixed with the dye in a separate container. An acrylic resin with a hardener is then diluted and colored pebbles are added to it. Now you need to quickly fill the molda solution. In stock about 15-20 minutes until the acrylic sets. The stones dry very quickly, about 1 hour. Then they are carefully separated from the forms and left to dry for another day.
Liquid stone
By the phrase “liquid stone” is meant the production technology of a special coating for countertops, sinks, walls, furniture facades. 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. So that a protective film forms on the surface of the pebbles, they are lubricated with gelcoat before pouring.
Pigments
There are two ways to color a stone:
Add pigment to its composition.
Apply special paint to the surface after manufacturing.
The second method allows you to create a unique picture with darker and brighter places, which will only increase the similarity with the original. Inorganic pigments based on iron oxides are used to stain the solution itself. They give the mass bright shades, do not have abrasive impurities in their composition and have a high dispersion. Decorative stone will not lose its color over time and will not fade from constant contact with sunlight.
Delimiters
Separators are special compounds with which molds are lubricated before pouring the mixture. With their help, the finished pebbles will not stick to the walls of the mold and will easily separate.For different mixtures, special compositions are used:
For concrete, solidol or lithol is used.
For gypsum products, a mixture of turpentine and wax in a ratio of 7: 1 is used. Making it is quite simple. Turpentine is heated in a water bath and wax shavings are added in portions.
For acrylic, a mixture of styrene and stearin in a ratio of 1:10 is used.
Silicone molds when pouring a mixture of gypsum or concrete, which are heated during solidification, must be further protected. For these purposes, they are placed on 2/3 in a special container with sand.
DIY artificial cobblestone
Decorative cobblestones are used in summer cottages to mask hatches or septic tanks that spoil the landscape. They can also become part of the composition under a waterfall, fountain or in the garden by the gazebo. The principle of making cobblestones is the same as the technology for creating decorative stones. But there will be problems with mold, since the dimensions of the product will require a large amount of silicone composition. The task can be dealt with without form, if the master has the skills of a sculptor. A framework is formed from the reinforcing mesh, which is filled with polystyrene or other lightweight material.
This will significantly reduce the weight of the cobblestone, as its surface will be made of concrete. Then the cement composition is kneaded and trowel applied in layers on the frame. In parallel, cobblestones are shaped and bumps, bends, roughnesses are made. You can use special brushes. Then the surfaces give time to harden, after which the cobblestone is turned upside down and a layer of cement is also applied. Next, the boulder is finally dried, if necessary, polished and painted. As an alternative, an unusual mold can be made from fabric. In this case, an impression is taken from the original cobblestone. It is wrapped in a piece of cloth soaked in cement mortar. After drying, the piece is again carefully treated with cement to fix.Such a mold is disposable, since its surface will be the “front” part of the cobblestone. Then they act according to the above principle: the frame, the application of cement for bonding, a frozen mold is placed on top. Then comes the bottom treatment and painting.
How to dry a stone
You need to dry the artificial stone in a special unit. If this is not available, then you can make its primitive version yourself. For these purposes, any old cabinet is suitable. All of its “entrails” are removed and special lattice shelves are made. It is necessary that the pebbles are dried not only from above and on the sides, but also from below, therefore they cannot be placed on solid surfaces. If only regular shelves are available, then holes are drilled evenly in them for the entry of warm air. Then the walls and cabinet door are lined with penofol. Close the artificial dryer tightly. If there is no door, then the cabinet is “draped” with the same penofol.
Stone painting
Depending on the type of material, various compositions are used to paint the stone. For gypsum products, water-based paint, impregnation for concrete, acrylic varnish or glaze are suitable. To obtain bright shades, the application of the composition must be repeated two to three times. To tint the whiteness of gypsum, one coat of varnish is enough. Painting can be done "the old fashioned way" with a brush or use a modern airbrush. Due to the different distances to the surface, the spray can give it completely different shades. Concrete is coated with acrylic, silicone, silicate paints or a primer with added pigments. Organic-based water-dispersion compounds are well placed on plastic. It is not recommended to use oil and enamel paints for decorative stones; they are suitable only for wood and metal. If any individual sections need to be highlighted in a different color, then the area around them is sealed with masking tape.It is used to protect another surface when the color is given to the decor already on the wall. It is not recommended to use “pure” colors, as they are not characteristic of natural stone.
To give the stone the effect of antiquity, an uneven layer of green paint imitating patina is applied to its surface.
A few words about the laying of artificial wall stone
Facing is a creative process that completes the entire decorative stone epic. Lay the finished fragments on any surface. Concrete or brick is directly bonded to the decor with special compositions, but the tree will have to be prepared. It is additionally covered with a layer of moisture insulation and form a crate. They attach the stone with a cement mortar or special glue. Fragments can be laid with jointing and without it. The first option is preferable, since the grout in the gaps gives the decor a more natural look. If jointing is planned, then no more than 2 cm of empty space is left between each fragment. Then, after installing the decor, it is filled with grout. Before fixing, it is better to place stones on the floor and try different combinations of their location to find the best option. The installation itself starts from the corners and around the window, doorways. Only then they take up fixing fragments in horizontal rows. Partial wall decoration around some large element (arches, openings, niches) is popular with us. The “torn” edge gives the composition a sloppy 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 will have to spend a lot of time and effort. It is better to be patient in advance. The most difficult part in this work is not even pouring stone into forms, 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. Durable concrete products are suitable for decorating the facade of the house.With the help of decorative stone in the interior of the room, you can create the illusion of a rampart or sloppy decoration. Organically, this element merges into the loft (instead of brick), eco-style, art deco and some ethnic trends. The stone is universal and combines with different surfaces: wallpaper, wood, plaster. Optionally, you can create a design based on the principle of contrast or analogy with other finishing materials.
For centuries, stone has been used in construction. The material is strong and durable, thanks to which the buildings have been erected for centuries. Only a couple of hundred years ago, only rich people could afford a house made of stone, while the rest were content with wood or clay-based compounds. Although new material processing technologies have now appeared, prices for it have not dropped much. For this reason, granite, marble and sandstone in the interior are considered a sign of an elite design that only wealthy home owners can afford. For those who appreciate the excellent aesthetic properties of the material, but cannot afford it for one reason or another, the construction industry offers a number of imitations that are indistinguishable from the original in appearance. They are of course much inferior in strength to real stone, but their main function is decorative, not protective, as in the old days. Therefore, such a minus can be added to the list of relative ones.For those who do not trust the manufacturers of imitation 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:
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 handle.
Content
About decorative stone
Artificial stone is classified into two main types:
Another classification is based on the type of material from which decorative stone is made:
In a separate category, you can include the cheapest options. They are sold in the form of solid panels, which are cut if necessary when fitting into pieces of the right size.Such decorative panels are made of drywall, polystyrene and plastic. Polyurethane and plastic plates reliably imitate the outlines of each wild stone, but can easily be damaged by mechanical impact (shock), so they can not be called durable.
Necessary materials and tools
Making an artificial stone at home is not so difficult as it might seem at first glance. The scale of work depends on the amount of material that is needed to decorate the house. For some interiors, it’s enough to make a couple of samples that will cover the defects of the wall, and in other rooms the stone dominates the accent walls, almost completely displacing the usual plaster. To work, you will need:
The list of tools can be supplemented depending on the complexity of the work: additional painting, giving a special relief to the surface of the stone (porosity).
When working with fragile polystyrene, a respirator, a stationery knife and a soldering iron are required. However, we will consider the manufacturing procedures for more complex and durable products that will last for more than one year.
Mold making
The appearance of a decorative stone depends on its shape. For variety, you can prepare several different templates at once, the samples of which will alternate during installation. Usually use tray modules consisting of at least ten cells. Large forms will speed up the process of stone production, if it needs a lot. As for materials, silicone or plastic is usually used. Unfortunately, the life of such molds is limited by a certain number of fillings. As a more expensive option, polyurethane is suitable. These molds can be reused as much as you like, while the form will retain its original appearance. As a sample for the matrix, any stone you like is suitable.
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, since it stretches quite quickly and the mold loses its original shape. In general, silicone is distinguished by the degree of viscosity. Forms with a high level of detail, which is not required when creating a stone, are made from liquid compositions. Thick silicone is ideal for repeating the rough, rough surface of a natural sample. Stones are stacked in orderly rows on plywood or a chipboard sheet. It is advisable to pre-stick them. Then each stone is coated with a release agent that will prevent it from sticking to the mold. After that, formwork is constructed from MDF or plywood, which is attached to a flat base. All joints are carefully sealed. Then the mold is filled with silicone. Now you need to leave the mold to dry (about a day).After this, 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.
Compound Form
Compound - a polymer mixture in which there are two main components:
Compound molds are made in the same way as silicone. By the way, in most compositions, he is also present. A kit with a catalyst is included with the main substance. In a separate container, the two components are gently mixed. Strongly whipping the compound is not recommended, since in this case bubbles form, due to which ugly voids in artificial pebbles can then turn out. Then the mixture is poured into the samples, fixed on a piece of plywood and surrounded by formwork. If the matrix is small, then it can be made in a large bucket or bowl. After solidification, the forms are washed with running water, since the smell of the compound is not pleasant.
Stone making and pouring technology
After the molds are ready, you can start casting decorative stone. The principle of work with any of the materials is the same:
After partial hardening, the stones are removed from the molds and subjected to final drying.
Based on gypsum mortar
Gypsum mortar has a big drawback - it sets quickly. For this reason, you will have to fill in the forms promptly. If the volume of work is large, then it is better to perform it in “portions” or call someone for help. To slightly slow down the setting of gypsum, you can add a couple of grams of citric acid to it. Molds are poured with a mixture and gently shaken them or passed from above 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
Cement-based stones are created in several stages. The reason for this is a reinforcing mesh, which is necessary to give the product strength.
At the next stage, a reinforcing mesh is placed in each form: it is simply “drowned” in solution. Then, with the same mixture or new, already without dye (in order to save), the preforms are completely filled. When the mortar dies slightly and becomes more viscous on its surface, which will be attached to the wall, a pair of grooves is carried out with a nail to ensure a better adhesion.
Cast Acrylic Stone
This option is perhaps the most time-consuming. Cast stone is made of four components:
First, natural stones are thoroughly washed with any soap product (even an ordinary Fairy will do). Then they are calcined on fire and rinsed with water. After drying, the filler is mixed with the dye in a separate container. An acrylic resin with a hardener is then diluted and colored pebbles are added to it. Now you need to quickly fill the molda solution. In stock about 15-20 minutes until the acrylic sets. The stones dry very quickly, about 1 hour. Then they are carefully separated from the forms and left to dry for another day.
Liquid stone
By the phrase “liquid stone” is meant the production technology of a special coating for countertops, sinks, walls, furniture facades. 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. So that a protective film forms on the surface of the pebbles, they are lubricated with gelcoat before pouring.
Pigments
There are two ways to color a stone:
The second method allows you to create a unique picture with darker and brighter places, which will only increase the similarity with the original. Inorganic pigments based on iron oxides are used to stain the solution itself. They give the mass bright shades, do not have abrasive impurities in their composition and have a high dispersion. Decorative stone will not lose its color over time and will not fade from constant contact with sunlight.
Delimiters
Separators are special compounds with which molds are lubricated before pouring the mixture. With their help, the finished pebbles will not stick to the walls of the mold and will easily separate.For different mixtures, special compositions are used:
Silicone molds when pouring a mixture of gypsum or concrete, which are heated during solidification, must be further protected. For these purposes, they are placed on 2/3 in a special container with sand.
DIY artificial cobblestone
Decorative cobblestones are used in summer cottages to mask hatches or septic tanks that spoil the landscape. They can also become part of the composition under a waterfall, fountain or in the garden by the gazebo. The principle of making cobblestones is the same as the technology for creating decorative stones. But there will be problems with mold, since the dimensions of the product will require a large amount of silicone composition. The task can be dealt with without form, if the master has the skills of a sculptor. A framework is formed from the reinforcing mesh, which is filled with polystyrene or other lightweight material.
This will significantly reduce the weight of the cobblestone, as its surface will be made of concrete. Then the cement composition is kneaded and trowel applied in layers on the frame. In parallel, cobblestones are shaped and bumps, bends, roughnesses are made. You can use special brushes. Then the surfaces give time to harden, after which the cobblestone is turned upside down and a layer of cement is also applied. Next, the boulder is finally dried, if necessary, polished and painted. As an alternative, an unusual mold can be made from fabric. In this case, an impression is taken from the original cobblestone. It is wrapped in a piece of cloth soaked in cement mortar. After drying, the piece is again carefully treated with cement to fix.Such a mold is disposable, since its surface will be the “front” part of the cobblestone. Then they act according to the above principle: the frame, the application of cement for bonding, a frozen mold is placed on top. Then comes the bottom treatment and painting.
How to dry a stone
You need to dry the artificial stone in a special unit. If this is not available, then you can make its primitive version yourself. For these purposes, any old cabinet is suitable. All of its “entrails” are removed and special lattice shelves are made. It is necessary that the pebbles are dried not only from above and on the sides, but also from below, therefore they cannot be placed on solid surfaces. If only regular shelves are available, then holes are drilled evenly in them for the entry of warm air. Then the walls and cabinet door are lined with penofol. Close the artificial dryer tightly. If there is no door, then the cabinet is “draped” with the same penofol.
Stone painting
Depending on the type of material, various compositions are used to paint the stone. For gypsum products, water-based paint, impregnation for concrete, acrylic varnish or glaze are suitable. To obtain bright shades, the application of the composition must be repeated two to three times. To tint the whiteness of gypsum, one coat of varnish is enough. Painting can be done "the old fashioned way" with a brush or use a modern airbrush. Due to the different distances to the surface, the spray can give it completely different shades. Concrete is coated with acrylic, silicone, silicate paints or a primer with added pigments. Organic-based water-dispersion compounds are well placed on plastic. It is not recommended to use oil and enamel paints for decorative stones; they are suitable only for wood and metal. If any individual sections need to be highlighted in a different color, then the area around them is sealed with masking tape.It is used to protect another surface when the color is given to the decor already on the wall. It is not recommended to use “pure” colors, as they are not characteristic of natural stone.
A few words about the laying of artificial wall stone
Facing is a creative process that completes the entire decorative stone epic. Lay the finished fragments on any surface. Concrete or brick is directly bonded to the decor with special compositions, but the tree will have to be prepared. It is additionally covered with a layer of moisture insulation and form a crate. They attach the stone with a cement mortar or special glue. Fragments can be laid with jointing and without it. The first option is preferable, since the grout in the gaps gives the decor a more natural look. If jointing is planned, then no more than 2 cm of empty space is left between each fragment. Then, after installing the decor, it is filled with grout. Before fixing, it is better to place stones on the floor and try different combinations of their location to find the best option. The installation itself starts from the corners and around the window, doorways. Only then they take up fixing fragments in horizontal rows. Partial wall decoration around some large element (arches, openings, niches) is popular with us. The “torn” edge gives the composition a sloppy 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 will have to spend a lot of time and effort. It is better to be patient in advance. The most difficult part in this work is not even pouring stone into forms, 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. Durable concrete products are suitable for decorating the facade of the house.With the help of decorative stone in the interior of the room, you can create the illusion of a rampart or sloppy decoration. Organically, this element merges into the loft (instead of brick), eco-style, art deco and some ethnic trends. The stone is universal and combines with different surfaces: wallpaper, wood, plaster. Optionally, you can create a design based on the principle of contrast or analogy with other finishing materials.