Everything you need to know about gypsum panels

Gypsum 3D panels have become, if not a breakthrough in the design industry, then definitely a fashion trend in this market segment. Because they look non-trivial, they are affordable, and the environmental friendliness of their production meets the consumer demand of the time. To think that the place for such panels is only in a large and luxurious country house is wrong. And in a standard apartment, they can become an exquisite interior inclusion.

Three-dimensional gypsum panels are square or rectangular slabs, on which one print, structure, some kind of pictorial pattern is repeated. On the front side of the gypsum panel there can be virtually any ornament, imitation of different materials. And the back side of such a plate is usually flat. True, it is possible that more and more slabs, bulky on both sides, will be on sale - there are also requests for this. So far, there are not many of them, but some design techniques require just such solutions.

The panels appeared in 2008 in the USA, and very quickly they became in demand in Europe and in our country. In 2011, domestic production was already established. The trim element is surprisingly simple in its technology, which only adds to its points. Gypsum mortar is kneaded on special equipment in the workshop. The material G-16, which is distinguished by its plasticity and non-combustibility, is considered optimal. And in order for the new product to be durable and shock-resistant, fiber-fiber plasticizers can be added to the gypsum mixture in production. But such an additive, as you might guess, will reduce the environmental friendliness of the product.

During pouring, the matrix vibrates somewhat: as it was conceived, thanks to this, the mixture spreads more evenly in shape, the formation of voids in the panel is excluded. Then the drying stage must be fully maintained: this takes place in a room where humidity and thermal indicators are strictly controlled. And only after the final drying, the panel can be considered ready for use for interior decoration. All stages of the production process are automated, so the consumer can count on a high level of the finished product.

Undoubtedly, a new trend in the interior design market also gives rise to the willingness of private craftsmen to repeat the product not on an industrial scale... Indeed, a gypsum panel can be made in fairly modest conditions. If the master clearly understands the technological process, has the necessary materials, tools, equipment, he will get a product no worse than a store one.

Main characteristics of 3D panels:

• moisture resistance is moderate, in all areas of the house, except for the bathroom, you can confidently use the panels;
• the material is easy to restore, for which gypsum putty is used;
• panels increase sound insulation and thermal insulation;
• sharp temperature drops do not affect the quality of the material;
• with proper use, the service life of the panels is long;
• the panels are cleaned of dust quickly and easily;
• approximate weight - one 50 x 50 cm slab weighs less than 5 kg.

Today, the main purpose of gypsum panels - to place accents in the interior, highlight zones... Basically, panels for internal use remain more in demand, but facade options also find their buyer.

Where are volumetric panels used?

• Room wall cladding... Wall panels are the most common option. They can sheathe the entire wall, and it will become an accent in the room. You can only sheathe a section of a wall to highlight a specific area. It also happens that volumetric panels become an adornment of every wall in the room. This happens less often, and most often not in a living room, but, for example, in a photographer's studio, etc.
• For the ceiling. Ceiling panels are less common than wall panels. But this option for decoration can be considered taking into account all engineering calculations. With a high probability, this area of ​​application will develop, with the advent of lighter and more compact forms, gypsum mix panels will be a serious alternative to much less environmentally friendly stretch ceilings.
• For partitions. One of the most successful options. If, for example, a kitchen and a living room are combined in a house, some kind of zonator still remains in the room. It should attract attention to itself, and gypsum panels will quite successfully decorate such a wall or partition. At the same time, the design of the panel can be chosen such that the partition visually looks lightweight.

The choice of the form is a real pleasure for the lover of interior transformations... It should be noted that the forms are invented by specific specialists, artists and designers. Each form from the seller must be notarized and certified.

In general, all forms of gypsum panels can be divided into groups. The first group will have waves and lines - and this is the most demanded category of panels. Soft and flowing shapes harmonize the interior (especially in smaller rooms). The direction of waves and lines can be horizontal and vertical, as well as diagonal. They recreate the gentle curves left by the waves on the warm sand. This form is considered the most suitable for highlighting the relaxation zone.

The second group is honeycomb. It is considered a better option for a hallway or hallway. Honeycombs are made both with large cells and with small ones, hexagonal or slightly elongated, almost smooth and “recessed” in relation to the plane.

The third group is stone. It's hard to get away from this theme, it is one of the most popular in design. Bricks can be smooth and embossed, they can repeat a checkerboard or perpendicular arrangement. Popular and panels that imitate cracked plaster, granite rough surface or even spongy shell. This is a discreet, very natural option for the interior.

The fourth group of shapes is an imitation of fabric and similar materials. Such elements perfectly imitate the upholstery fabric and, which is very nice, even have the same buttons that adorn leather sofas. Sometimes they reproduce a woody structure, the same natural leather, tapestry. In the interior of a library or office, this option will be especially successful.

The fifth group is abstraction. In hi-tech, loft and minimalism, such panels are the place. And the number of patterns used is not immediately calculable. And diamonds, and intricate labyrinths, and fancifully arranged triangles, and braids, and crumpled paper - very interesting and really fashionable.Ornaments like these bring life to life and personalize the interior.

Sixth group - spheres and bubbles... A little space theme, unexpected associations, but even such a design for someone will be an ideal interior solution. Interesting are the shapes that resemble raindrops on the wall. And although gypsum boards are not often found in a classic bathroom, there are modernized, moisture-resistant panels that are appropriate precisely in a wet area, also due to the spheres and bubbles in their design.

Finally, the seventh group is a floral ornament. These are flowers of all shapes and sizes, with beautiful, delicate weaves. These are leaves of different sizes, huge orchids, daisies, ivy - whatever. These panels are so powerful that they can oversaturate an already colorful interior. That's why they need to be determined in a room where the dosage of bright elements is observed.

Decorative panels are interesting for their variety. This or that drawing, print, texture looks interesting with backlighting, with laminated interior details. It is always curious how the panel will get used to the already existing interior.

Examples of textures.

• Kant - one of the simplest and most concise forms.
• Alomite - the polygon at the head of the composition resembles a very large mosaic.
• Concept - at the base of the form is something that resembles elongated bricks.
• Abstract - creates a pattern that looks like a volumetric wallpaper.
• Aphelia - an interesting drawing for sophisticated interiors.
• Multicolor - a more complex topic with twisted elements.
• Rail - visually lengthens the wall.
• Diagonal rail - sets the dynamics of the room.

In the interior, a gypsum panel can become part of any room, even in a bathroom, moisture-resistant options seriously change the space.

The living room or hall is the most demanded area for gypsum mix panels. In this room, it is important to create an atmosphere of relaxation, pleasant for the gathering of the whole family in the evening. The slabs easily fit into any style of the living room without conflict with other interior elements. If the living room is made in a classic style, then the panels are chosen such that an association with stucco arises.

Reliefs with wavy elements, geometric shapes, and abstraction are developed in modern living room interiors. The choice of pattern and shape should be subordinated to the already created interior conditions. If the room has a lot of plant motifs, sophisticated forms, plates with clear and strict geometry are unlikely to be in tune with the image of the living room. But each case is individual, therefore you need to try, experiment, arrange "fitting" in special programs. Sometimes even paradoxical solutions turn out to be the most successful.

More often in the bedroom, the area at the head of the bed is made out with panels. There are also ample opportunities in color: it all depends on the preferences of the owner, someone sleeps well only in a bright room with light textured accents, someone needs darkness, depth of shades for a restful sleep. And the panels are ready for any options.

If the bedroom is large, you can create an antique style in it, which is perfectly built precisely due to such decorative elements as gypsum panels. But it is undesirable for the relief of the panels in the bedroom to literally cut the eyes. The best is a project in which the design is subordinated to the use of shades of the same color or adjacent colors.... It is believed that for the nervous system, this is a very good interior idea.

In the kitchen space, gypsum panels are used less often, since high humidity dominates... But, firstly, you can use panels with moisture-resistant impregnation, and secondly, remove the panels from the cooking zone as much as possible. And if they decorate the wall of the dining area, and even in a really spacious kitchen, it will be an interesting and stylish option. If the panels are coated with enamel paints of the desired shade, they can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Anyway for a huge number of people, this option is much more interesting than a boring tile.

If the corridor is small and narrow, the gypsum panels may not take root here - they will further emphasize the modest size of the space. But there is a solution: these are panels with imitation of a carriage coupler. In a classic corridor, such slabs look very organic and stylish. It is difficult to immediately understand whether this is a real leather tie or an imitation of it.

If you decide to do the installation yourself, you need to prepare the tools according to the list. And this: the panels themselves (according to preliminary calculations), a primer for the walls, gypsum mounting glue, sandpaper, a hacksaw with small teeth, paint, a large rubber spatula, a roller / brush / spray gun.

The stages of installation of plates look like this.

1. Walls need to be cleaned of dust and dirt, old finish. It is more convenient to start installation work from the left or right bottom corner of the wall.
2. Is applied to the walls soil composition deep penetration, necessarily - 2 layers. The back surface of the panels is also primed.
3. While the ground coat dries you can do the markup using a level.
4. The guide profile is being installed, on which the first row of panels is fixed.
5. Before installing panels they need to be laid out on the floor to match the pattern - this will give an idea of ​​how the whole composition will look on the wall.
6. On the surface of the panel with a comb trowel glue is applied, it is applied to the wall along the marking lines. The glue will harden quickly, so you don't need to dilute it a lot in advance.
7. Interpanel seams are clogged with putty... You need to wait until it dries and apply another putty layer.
8. Stitches in the usual way overwritten sandpaper.
9. Surface of slabs primed spray gun or roller.
10. You can start painting: it is better to do this either with water-soluble acrylic paints or latex compounds. The paint is applied in 3 layers with a spray gun or a simple roller. The surface can be varnished over the paint, but this is optional.

If there is any doubt that the installation of the panels can be carried out on their own with high quality, professionals will do it... Although there is nothing complicated in the installation initially, it is just that this is not yet the most familiar front of work for many.

The following video explains how to install wall panels.