Forms for artificial stone: 60 photos of options for creating a modern design

Decorating the walls in an apartment using natural and artificial stone has become popular for a long time. Natural material is characterized not only by originality and attractiveness in interior design, but also creates an increased load on the walls, requires special protection from humidity, and is quite expensive. Therefore, the masters are trying to replace it with a more affordable material – artificial stone.

However, there is also a problem here – the high cost of templates for self-production of stone. What types of matrices can be used and how to make them yourself, we will tell in this article.

Summary of the article:

The quality of wall cladding with artificial stone depends on compliance with the technology of its manufacture. To do this, you need to purchase or make special templates yourself, which will help to fill the plate with the desired geometry and dimensions according to a given sample.

The molds for the production of blanks must meet a number of parameters:

Resistance to mechanical stress. It is necessary that this product is strong, has the ability to stretch without breakage and the appearance of breaks. Flexibility is also appreciated, which allows the mold to avoid deformation.
The ability to endow the surface of the produced stone blanks with conceived relief lines.
Resistance to possible negative effects from substances and compounds that will be poured into it.

Currently, different types of molds are used for the manufacture of stone blanks. They differ in the material that underlies their design. For example, rigid templates are made of metal or more economical plastic. They can be solid and collapsible.

This is a reliable and durable option, but there are also disadvantages:

the relief of the resulting stone blocks is not too clear, somewhat blurred;
it is inconvenient to fill volumetric blanks;
the possibility of damage to products.

To create semi-rigid models, not the most expensive plastic, polyurethane, is used. Rubber-type rubber with hot hardening technology is also suitable.

In such matrices, an additional housing is used, but at the same time much more material will be required in the manufacture of stone plates.

Elastic samples are popular among builders. They are convenient, easy to use, flexible enough, effective in the independent manufacture of parts for cladding. We will talk about possible solutions below.

Features of Elastic templates

If you focus on the low cost of raw materials and devices that need to be used, then you can purchase molds from formoplast.

But be prepared that such a material is environmentally hazardous, the work will be very time-consuming, and the template is not too durable. The geometric parameters of the matrix will change quickly, and deforming "bubbles" will appear on the sides of the workpieces.

Plastic molds are affordable, but also not an ideal solution. They:

short–lived - can withstand no more than 850 fills;
they do not allow you to clearly convey the intended ornament and texture;
they can lead to damage to the blanks during removal;
difficult to manufacture independently.

It is quite easy to make silicone molds with your own hands by building a frame, preparing a sample of stone and a special solution. They are perfect for casting gypsum blocks imitating masonry. Solidification occurs at normal temperature, up to 2000 castings can be produced.

But when using them, you need to remember about some difficulties:

high cost;
weak resistance to alkaline environment;
the presence of deformations at the ends of the decorative blocks being created;
difficulties in painting decorative elements under the stone.

It is possible to make stone blanks efficiently and efficiently with the help of a rubber frame. It is made in industrial conditions, it is of good quality and has many advantages.

These include:

abrasive resistance;
reliability and durability;
the ability to save geometric parameters;
accessibility to uniform coloring of workpieces;
low level of deformation of products;
availability of giving the material an original texture;
low costs.

But you will not be able to make such a matrix yourself, since special equipment and skills are required.

High-quality facing material is obtained when working with polyurethane samples. They allow casting up to 4 thousand times, allow the workpieces to harden already at room temperature and have the following advantages:

excellent abrasive performance;
the possibility of using a variety of materials for casting – both gypsum and concrete;
ease of extraction;
creating details of the desired texture and the corresponding relief;
low cost.

However, polyurethane molds can be of poor quality if low-grade raw materials are used or production technology is disrupted. Bubbles may appear on its surface, complicating the whole complex of work on finishing surfaces in the house.

How to make at home

It is not necessary to immediately go to a hardware store in order to buy a template for making stone tiles.

Cheap samples will not be of too high quality, and modern models are too expensive. Therefore, it is recommended to solve this issue yourself. Here you will learn how to make a form quickly and reliably.

Matrix preparation

The use of polyurethane is the simplest and most effective way. It is necessary to prepare the necessary amount of liquid polyurethane, silicone, MDF, as well as auxiliary devices. But you will have to spend a little – be sure to buy a small amount of industrial stone. He will serve as a model for you.

On a sheet of MDF, chipboard or plain plywood, lay out the tiles of artificial stone. The quantity can be different, depending on the dimensions of the workpiece. However, it is impractical to take less than half a square meter.

Tiles are laid out in the order you like with a gap between the blocks of at least 10 mm. With the help of silicone, they are glued to the surface of the base.

Plywood is used to make sides for the construction of the box. They are attached to the base and to each other with the help of screws. Gaps and cracks need to be sealed with silicone or other sealant so that the polyurethane liquid does not leak out.

The manufactured mold must be placed horizontally, without slopes and differences. To fit, use the level.

After the silicone has dried, it is necessary to apply a special separation solution to the surface of the workpieces and formwork, which contains polyvinyl alcohol. As it dries, a thin film forms on the plane, which will allow the manufactured tiles to be removed as easily as possible and without damage.

Preparation of the solution

If you decide to make a polyurethane mold model, you can purchase a two-component solution, for example Duramould ET 45A. Solutions produced by Mold Star, E-Series, NY 600 Series are also suitable.

The package includes two containers with two types of liquid – white and red. It is necessary to select 0.5 liters of each solution, mix in a bucket with a mixer.

Filling the composition

After preparation, the solution is poured into the matrix. The bubbles that appear on the surface will be displaced and disappear.

It is necessary to fill not flush, but above the edges by 10-20 mm. Complete solidification occurs after a day. But for high-quality setting, it is necessary to ensure a temperature of at least 20-22 degrees. However, the form can be used only 3 days after filling.

For the silicone version, it is necessary to carefully distribute the source material according to the sample using a conventional spatula. Dip the brush into a soap solution, and then use it to spread the silicone in layers over the surface. After the final polymerization, the matrix is removed and washed from the lubricant.

As soon as the composition hardens, the formwork can be disassembled. After that, the manufactured mold is removed. With high-quality attachment of the samples to the base, they will remain in place. Otherwise, they may end up in the template. In this case, it is necessary to carefully squeeze out the tiles.

If the technology is followed, you will be able to get a product that is close in appearance to the samples shown in the photo of the mold for artificial stone. The released mold should be allowed to dry. If necessary, the inner surface can be wiped again from moisture and grease.

Thanks to simple actions, you will save money and be able to decorate the walls in the most original way. High–quality preparation of the matrix is the key to successfully completed cladding.