Laying gypsum tiles with your own hands
Gypsum tiles are a material that is widespread and in demand in our time. It is widely used for renovation work. But what are the features of gypsum tiles and how to lay it with your own hands?
Material features
You can use gypsum tiles to decorate rooms where there is a normal level of humidity. This material absorbs moisture very quickly, so it is not suitable for decorating a kitchen or bathroom.
Stone wallpaper is a great opportunity to focus on certain areas of the room. Usually, gypsum material is produced just in the form of brick or wild stone. You can choose the option that suits your wishes and needs.
It is appropriate to use gypsum tiles in the following cases:
- the material is suitable for small rooms, because it is very thin, so the valuable area will not be reduced;
- it is the best option for creating a background that will emphasize the beauty of a fireplace, picture, furniture or TV;
- it is a suitable option for cladding the entire surface of the walls.
Thanks to the design in the form of imitation of wild or torn stone, the interior becomes more dynamic and presentable.
Such material looks unbeatable if:
- the lined wall is an independent detail of the general decor of the room;
- it is necessary to decorate spacious rectangular areas.
Be sure to take into account the moment that concerns the choice of the shade of the material. Light gypsum tiles are able to visually enlarge the space. Dark material is only appropriate if you have a spacious room. The highlight will be the contrasting combination of different colors, because such solutions radically transform the interior for the better.
Advantages and disadvantages
This material has both advantages and disadvantages.
It's worth starting with the advantages of gypsum tiles:
- the low weight of the material makes it possible to veneer not too thick partitions and walls;
- gypsum tiles are suitable for finishing almost any surface;
- it is very easy to process material in different ways;
- gypsum tiles can withstand both too low and too high temperatures;
- the material contains no components that could harm human health;
- the cost of gypsum tiles is very affordable;
- you can even create a similar material with your own hands.
Due to these strengths, tiles are used for renovation in different rooms.
However, it also has certain disadvantages, which are also worth mentioning:
- you need to work with the material carefully, since it is too fragile;
- gypsum tiles are afraid of exposure to high levels of humidity;
- the material is not suitable for repair work outside the premises.
The shortcomings of this material did not affect its prevalence and popularity. People are increasingly making a choice in its favor, because with its help you can quickly and efficiently carry out repair and construction work.
You can deal with the weaknesses of gypsum tiles by treating them with special compounds. You also need to carefully consider the process of choosing it.Buy products from trusted manufacturers who have proven themselves to be the best in the modern market. Such companies are ready to guarantee their customers the highest quality of goods, as they value their reputation.
How to make a tile with your own hands?
If you decide to create a stone with your own hands, you should choose the right matrix correctly. There are polyurethane and silicone molds. Silicone molds are considered more affordable, while the latter are more versatile.
You can make a mold for making tiles yourself. You can do this kind of work in 24 hours. The basis will be a sample of the stone, since the matrix must absolutely match its dimensions.
When the mold is ready, it is poured with liquid polyurethane with a special hardener. Clean out the mold before pouring the mixture. It is better to pre-lubricate it with products that contain fat so that the solutions do not stick to its surface.
The next step is to fill the solution.
To create an optimal composition, mix the following ingredients:
- one part of slaked lime;
- six pieces of plaster;
- water (1: 0.7);
- add color if necessary.
The components must be mixed very quickly, since the gypsum sets instantly. Pour the liquid mass into the prepared mold and use a spatula to level its surface. The solution must be consumed immediately as it is suitable for single use.
Drying gypsum tiles also needs to be done correctly. Place the molds on a flat surface before pouring. Then they are left for about 20 minutes for the mixture to set. However, to completely dry the stone, do not touch it for 24 hours.
You can avoid the appearance of defects on the tile if it is completely leveled. Thus, all air bubbles escape from the structure of the solution. When the tile is dry, it must be removed from the mold and dried additionally. But be extremely careful, as this fragile material is very easy to damage.
Thanks to these simple tips, you can create a tile with your own hands without spending money on its purchase. Getting the job done is not as difficult as it might seem. The main thing is to strictly follow the indicated recommendations in order to get the material of the highest quality.
What to mount on?
In order to attach this material to the surface of your choice, glue will do.
In the process of work, you should follow simple and useful tips:
- gluing tiles can only be on flat and dry surfaces that have been pre-treated with soil;
- the back of the gypsum plaster is also subject to priming;
- it is necessary to wait until the base and tiles are completely dry;
- it is necessary to cut decorative material with a hacksaw, adhering to an angle of 45 degrees. This is a fragile tile, which must be handled with extreme caution;
- you need to glue gypsum tiles with the help of solutions, the consistency of which is not too liquid;
- you need to lay the material starting from the upper corner, gradually moving down;
- make sure that no glue gets on the front surface of the material;
- laying "under a brick" is performed with a slight offset.
If you stick to these simple tips, you will be able to do all the work quickly and efficiently.
Suitable bases
You can apply gypsum plaster on different substrates. Let's take a closer look at the features of each option.
Unplastered brick
If we are talking about such a surface, it is necessary to prepare it in advance for further work. Those elements that are weakly adhered are removed from the masonry. You also need to get rid of the excess amount of solution. It is necessary to wash and dry the surface, and also treat it with an antiseptic and fixative.
Plaster tiles can be attached to such a surface using:
- a special adhesive composition on a polymer gypsum base is a tool that will reliably fix the material on the surface without plaster. But it is worth adding a little 10% PVA to the glue so that the water absorption properties become better;
- adhesive mastic - a solution that is very difficult to apply in a thin layer;
- cement mortar - they are very easy to prepare, and they dry out for a long time.
Plastered surfaces
You can also attach the material to the plaster. But cement mortar is not suitable for this. The solutions are flaky, so their adhesion will be very weak. It is better to use special tile adhesive, which will allow you to cope with the repair without unnecessary problems.
The plaster holds the gypsum tiles securely. That is why the structure will serve you as long as possible, without deforming and without losing its original appearance.
Wood
To attach gypsum tiles to wood you need:
- remove the old coating, stripping the material to clean fibers. It is also worth treating the surface with an antiseptic;
- new lumber is coated with products that eliminate the risk of fire.
It is better to use PVA glue to securely attach the material to wooden substrates.
Plasterboard surfaces
Drywall requires the use of quick-drying compounds. There is no need to process the surface with putty, so you can get rid of unnecessary problems.
It is better to use PVA glue, which has the following advantages:
- the composition dries very quickly;
- PVA is not subject to shrinkage processes;
- it is a fairly plastic adhesive composition;
- you can apply it in a thin layer;
- excess can be removed with a regular rag;
- the cost of the compositions is affordable.
You can choose the best option based on the above features. Only in this case an effective work result awaits you.
How to lay?
To properly lay the tiles on a wall or other surface yourself, you need to strictly follow a certain technology for performing work:
- prepare the base - any clinker tile requires a perfectly flat base for cladding surfaces, so be sure to level the walls or ceilings. Eliminate those bulges and sagging that are present on the surface using special tools;
- treat the surface with a primer - if the base for the brick is not too even, you can sheathe it with plasterboard;
- apply glue to the base - you can attach the material to the stone, for example, for decorating a fireplace, using tile glue;
- final preparation of the base - this stage implies leveling the adhesive with a notched trowel. Then you need to lay out the gypsum tiles, following the pre-applied markings. Be sure to use a laser or mechanical view level.
Decorative plaster tiles are laid in rows in a horizontal direction. It is worth starting from the bottom corners, gradually going up. Press the material very gently against the substrate. Remember that it is fragile enough to break easily. Remove excess adhesive that appears between the seams with a rubber spatula.
How to process after installation?
Correct processing of gypsum tiles after installation will extend its life. For this, it is appropriate not only to prime the surface, but also to process it with special varnishes.
This processing method has its own significant advantages:
- varnish protects the material from exposure to high levels of moisture;
- mold and mildew will not be afraid of gypsum tiles;
- it will serve you as long as possible, keeping its original appearance;
- you can create a flat surface that attracts attention with its brilliance.
These are the main points that relate to the treatment of gypsum tiles after installation.If you choose the right material, you can achieve an incredibly effective repair result.
Beautiful interior solutions
The interior is radically transformed for the better if you use gypsum tiles for its decoration. You can connect imagination and creativity to create the room of your dreams.
This is a good example of using plaster brick tiles. The material is lightweight, so it can save valuable space in a small room. It will be a great backdrop for pictures. They are used to decorate bars and openings in the walls.
Brick-like gypsum tiles can be decorated in different shades. Its surface looks presentable, which instantly draws attention to the walls. Laying the material will not cause you any special problems and difficulties.
You can opt for stone-like plaster tiles. This is an excellent solution for decorating a bar or arch. The material is suitable for decorating a separate section of the wall, since it is a certain accent inside the room.
However, some designers argue that you can decorate a whole wall with plaster tiles under a stone. In this case, you can create a beautiful background for the interior that will instantly attract attention.
Due to the high indicators of fire resistance of the material, it can be used to decorate fireplaces. This is a good background for the flame, which creates a cozy and comfortable atmosphere in the house. Plus you will be able to touch the tiles, which will not heat up when the flame is burning.
These are the main features of gypsum tiles. If you opt for such a material, you can create the interior of your dreams. The main thing is that the tiles are strong, durable and reliable.
For information on how to lay plaster tiles, see the next video.
The comment was sent successfully.