Artificial stone is widely used in modern design. They decorate both the outer walls of the houses , and the interior decoration of the rooms. Imitation stone is a very fashionable trend and is used in various styles when decorating an interior and exterior. And did you know that such a stone can be made on its own using special forms? They are plastic, molded, polyurethane and silicone. Each of these materials has features that you need to consider when buying. So, let's find out what silicone molds are for artificial stone.
Advantages and disadvantages of silicone molds for decorative stone
As is known, in the production of artificial stone often use colored concrete. Unlike polyurethane, silicone molds are not so resistant to aggressive alkaline environment of concrete solution, and this is their main disadvantage. Such forms are quickly destroyed with intensive use. Gypsum is not as aggressive as concrete, but when it comes into contact with silicone, it gives an unpleasant effect of bubbles that appear on the front side of the product. And the third drawback of compound silicone is its not low cost: silicone molds for making artificial stone are much more expensive than plastic ones.
As for the advantages, the silicone is still more durable than plastic or plastic. In addition, it conveys the relief much more accurately, which is important when trying to make a surface under a stone with the help of silicone molds. For them, shrinkage deformations are also not unique, since silicone material is very soft and pliable. It is very convenient that reusable silicone molds for stone tiles allow easy removal of the finished product.
How to make silicone molds for stone?
Such forms can be made with their own hands. So, the technology of their manufacture is this:
- Pick up a ready-made box for mold filling (matrix) or do it yourself. It should be made of a rigid material, such as chipboard, fiberglass, wooden boards, etc. Please note that there should not be any gaps between the sides of such a box, through which a leakage of silicone is possible.
- At the bottom of the matrix we lay sculptural plasticine (not self-hardening, but usual). Adjust its layer to approximately half the box. Plasticine must be well compacted, so that it lay flat and even.
- From above on plasticine we put the model for which the form is made. It can be a stone of any shape or a ready tile under a stone.
- To avoid the shape shifting, it is desirable to make several holes in the clay in the future - locks.
- Now we calculate how much form-building material is needed. To do this, take any bulk material, pour it into the mold, and then pour it back into the measuring cup and measure the volume.
- Then the matrix must be treated with a separator. It can be soapy
solution, grease, wax or special separation system. Do not use any lubricants based on silicone. - Mix the ingredients of the molding mass as indicated in the instructions, and pour the silicone into the matrix. This should be done neatly, in a thin trickle, starting with the shape contour to prevent the formation of bubbles.
- When the upper part becomes solid, the plasticine must be carefully removed, the surface and model should be smeared with a separator and then poured with a two-component mold silicone.
- A day later the form is separated, and the model is extracted from the matrix. It's ready to use!