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Making countertops made of artificial stone with their own hands: Materials and technologies. How to make a countertop of artificial stone with your own hands - show and tell how to make a countertop with your own hands the stone

Stone's countertop gives the interior of the cuisine of solidity. She is beautiful and practical. At the same time, natural stone is very expensive. A good alternative is an artificial stone. Consider in this article how to make a countertop from artificial stone do it yourself.

What is an artificial stone? This is such a composite material, which includes:

fillers;
mineral pigments;
polymer resin, which all connected it.

The resin type is determined by the type of artificial stone. Resins are most often used:

Acrylic. It is a leaf artificial stone. It does not withstand very high temperatures - only 180 degrees with, so, applying it in the kitchen, you need to follow the precautions and do not put very hot dishes on the worktop. A good place For him - bathroom.
Polyester. Artificial stone with polyester base. It is able to withstand temperatures up to 600 degrees C. This material is produced in the form of individual components from which a liquid suspension is prepared. It is either applied to the future countertop, or rather the foundation from the chipboard, or the liquid stone is poured into the form.

Advantages of artificial stone

Artificial stone takes not the last place among the finishing materials. From advantages can be called:

relatively low price;
large mechanical strength;
moisture resistance. Due to what, no stains from tea and coffee on the surface are not fixed;
absence;
ease of care;
resistance to high temperatures;
a variety of design solutions;
ecologicaly clean;
the ability to take any shape;
there is no radiation background;
in acrylic artificial stone, the color gamma includes up to 100 shades. In liquid - up to 120.

Making countertops from artificial stone

If you are familiar with the carpentry case, you can make a countertop from an artificial stone yourself. To start work, you need to equip a small workshop, and besides, get:

sheet of artificial stone. Sheets that offer you in the store usually have dimensions of 3.66x0.76 m and a thickness of 12.0 mm. There are also very thin sheets - from 3 to 6 mm;
the substrate in the form of moisture-resistant plywood with a thickness of 30 mm. Sometimes used fiberboard or chipboard, but this is not a very successful solution - swelling due to moisture ingress, they are able to destroy leaf artificial stone;
glue two-component. On average, for one sheet of artificial stone, glue is required to 150 ml and better in the tube;
pencil and ruler.

A set of necessary tools

Making a tabletop involves the presence of a large list of tools and devices, which includes:

grinding machine;
lobzik;
disk and end saw;
orbital sandmashin;
drill;
a vacuum cleaner;
milling, but note, not any, but only excellent quality;
gun glue;
mill;
cutters equipped with carbide blades;
tire guide;
devices for measuring measurements.

Technological process

When using artificial stone, the technology of manufacturing tabletops, consists of a number of operations:

We start with careful measurements of the place where the tabletop will be installed.
Having thought out to the subtleties, make a card cutting or drawing.
Cut the artificial stone on the necessary items:

actually a worktop. Standard sizes: Length - 0.76 m, Width - 0.605 m;

strips for processing ends with a height of 3.5 to 3.7 cm; - Priest plinth or sideboards whose height is 3-6 cm. These sizes are only recommended, and you can choose others.

With the help of a milling of the edge of the workpiece and the contours of cutout cuts and hobs panel.
Processing the profile, for which the worktop blanks turn over the involving side up and using the milling mill, perform the groove under the edge. Its depth is 0.2 cm.
Cut from plywood strips with a width of approximately centimeters 7 to form a frame, and if the thickness of the leaf of the artificial stone is minimal, i.e. 3 mm, the framework is cut into solid, otherwise sufficient rigidity will not be ensured.

It is important not to forget: The edge is installed on a clean surface, so do degreasing using alcohol or acetone.

Final tabletop design

Further work on the table top is to sample edges and frames from plywood:

take a tube with two-component glue, equip it with a mixer, squeeze into a cellophane package, mix, after which we cut off the tip of the package and squeeze the adhesive to the edge or on 2 mm grooves;
tabletop with edge squeeze the clamp. Since glue dries very quickly, we do everything quickly;
after the frozen, we consider the gloves of chosen;
along the perimeter of the workpiece with glue silicone glue, cut from plywood, forming a frame lagging behind the edge by 0.2 cm;
if the countertop has a M-shaped form, then in a place where the 2 elements are joined, the plywood strip is pasted as the ribbon ribs;
clamp the design in the clamp and leave the clock to 7;
silicone residues remove the chisel;
on the plot where the plywood frame lags behind the edge of 2 mm, we still apply silicone and flatter until the level of the frame and silicone coincide. For alignment, the cutter is used with the lower bearing;
spin the Faneru, using the grinding;
placing a tabletop face up, rounded the edge using a mill;
places where there are cutouts under the cooking panel and the sink, from the reverse side, we enhance by gluing the second layer of artificial stone;
we grind the surface of an artificial stone to half-formation;
it remains to take up the rounding of the cluster side and the countertop can be installed.

A variant of making a simple rectangular countertop is described. When performing a L-shaped countertop from the artificial stone, the technologies for processing the ends are slightly different: ends are milling mirrored.

Mirror milling of ends

The tabletop L-shaped has two elements and they are joined in a straight line. To perform such docking, both items must be milling simultaneously. This is called a mirror milling. It is executed in order to make the most imperceptible joint of adjacent parts.

The entire process of manufacture of artificial leaf stones is shown in this video material:

Tabletop of liquid stone with their own hands

Liquid stone in the interior looks very elegant. If you can not select enough tools for buying a finished shape and liquid stone, then try it all to make it yourself.

Liquid stone make themselves

To do this, we make a stock of components for liquid stone:

plasticine;
fiberglass;
pastes of different colors;
chemical resin;
filler;
hardener;
acetone;
calcinitis;
epoxy transparent gelkuty;
thermoclause;
there will be more sheets of wood and fiber-based.

Mixing all the necessary components, we obtain a liquid stone. Now we have to decide: what of the 2 options we will make a worktop.

Option number 1 - direct method

This method is fast and not very time-consuming:

after all the necessary measurements, cut out the billet from the fiberboard or chipboard;
we prepare the mixture, which we will spray, for which 60% of the gelcoat, 40% of the filler, 1% hardener;
with the use of a gun, a liquid stone is sprayed on the workpiece. Layer thickness of approximately 0.2 cm;
dry the product, and then grind.

Option number 2 - Inverse way

For this method of time you need more, but we win due to the smaller consumption of materials:

billets make 2 pcs. from the fiberboard, at the same time, compared with the finished tabletop, they are 5 mm more along the entire contour;
glue the blanks, draw and cut the hole under the sink and put them on the table;
cut the strips from chipboard or plywood and with the help of a thermoclaus, fastened along the contour of the workpiece, which in this case serves as a template for obtaining a matrix, establishing them on the edge;
the workpiece is removed and cut off 5-mm allowance;
we celebrate the place where the sink will be;
we take plasticine and smear the gap between the sink and the table;
the place where the edge of the countertop is planned, is also deceived by plasticine, and then give the necessary form by using a special template;
we process the matrix inside the separating wax or other separation composition and we are waiting for 15 minutes until it is absorbed;
in all the surfaces of the matrix spray liquid stone;
after 0.5 hours, the composition will clarify and we place fiberglass, the purpose of which is to increase strength;
the fill line approached, which includes a resin with an accelerator (6% of its mass), 1.5% of the resin of the coloring pigment, 80% calcite and 1% hardener from the total weight of the solution;
tabletop blanks are placed in the matrix and apply evenly apply from above, removing excess soil and air;
withstand 1.5 hours. During this time, the ground will freeze and the cargo is removed;
we apply another layer of soil on the worktop;
milling edges;
processing the surface.

Note: per quarter. M table tops require 8 kg of soil, of which about 5 kg is consumed at the 1st stage and about 3 - on the second. Liquid stone mixtures on this area will take approximately 3.5-5.5 kg.

And here is another way of making countertops from an artificial stone, and the liquid stone itself is obtained from the available materials.

We make form

The outline of the future tabletop depends on the form, therefore, approach the question responsibly:

we measure the installation site of the table top, covering the holes for the sink and the stove, if they are there;
make strong racks for the base. Everything should be durable, as the liquid stone - the material is heavy;
as a base, take the Kronospan - a sheet of chipboard, covered with a polymer film. TO simple chipboard The tabletop sticks and it will not be possible to remove;
screw to the base of the plank, both longitudinal and transverse to the size of the future tabletop;
in the resulting form, insert the form for the parts that will be mounted in the tabletop: washing, cooking panel;
in places where the crane, a mixer or other plumbing, the countertop should be thinner, so they are dripped there small wooden cubes;
we scroll the corners of the shape, sprawling them slightly.

Cooking the mixture

To get a cheap liquid stone we take:

cement is not lower than M400 - 1 part;
3 pieces of sand;
1 part of water;
color.

All mix in suitable capacity.

Start the manufacture of table top

For a tabletop of liquid stone was durable, we observe the following technology:

on the base form we place the reinforcement grid;
we introduce the mixture into the form, trying to distribute it evenly. At the same time, the air from the mixture is removed by means of a vibratingrene or at least a perforator, to an extreme case. This is the first layer;
reinforcing metal wire over the first layer around the perimeter of the form;
we lay out the rest of the solution, equally let the product dries. Time to complete drying for different mixtures is different and sometimes it can last a week 3;
we take out the finished product from the form;
grind the front side, stepping sharp edges;
well polling, rub the plane of the countertop, giving it a glossy shine.

Installation countertops

Installing countertops from an artificial stone on a kitchen database is not a simple matter, because it has a lot of weight, which means one cannot cope.

Inviting assistants:

remove the tabletop from the desktop, place it in right place and fix it;
we perform holes under the plumber;
install the washing and cooking panel;
we wipe the finished design.

Manufacturers of artificial stone

Having gathered to make a countertop from an artificial stone, you will definitely ask yourself: - What kind of composite material to buy better? Consider the advantages and disadvantages of the material produced by different manufacturers.

Montelli and Corian.

Manufacturer from America DuPont (DuPont). Materials under this title have the following qualities:

durable;
racks to bacteria, contamination;
homogeneous;
the color palette is wide;
bonding seamless;
price is relatively low.

Acrylic stone Tristone

Produces company from South Korea Lion Chemtech. Several collections are available:

"Classic" - the tones of the monophonic;
"Romantic" - only natural colors;
"Baroque" - the material includes natural and transparent particles;
"Byzantium" is an artificial premium class stone, has a 3D effect.

Hi-Macs.

Releases LG Corporation. The stone has in its composition:

70% of natural materials;
the basis of acrylic resin;

The quality of the composite is high, the price is democratic. Sheet thickness from 6 to 12 mm.

COLGRAN Liquid Stone (Collegi)

Releases a liquid polyester stone of excellent quality and has:

the color spectrum includes 150 colors;
resistant to the formation of spots and scratches;
easy to care. It is cleaned by ordinary household means.

Repair countertops from artificial stone

Despite the excellent characteristics, sometimes there is a need to repair worktops from artificial stone.

Types of possible damage

On the artificial stone countertop, in the case of its improper operation, the following damage may occur:

scratches;
cracks;
bloating;
spots white color from hot dishes;
skoli.

Cracks, scratches and their elimination

If you seduced low price and bought an artificial stone from Chinese manufacturers, the crack may appear due to non-compliance with the manufacturing technology. Eliminate the crack like this:

cleaning and degreased crack, slightly expanding it;
we enter the adhesive in the resulting channel consisting of two components - the same as used for gluing edges;
we grind, and then polish the surface.

Visually, the surface of the table top will not differ from the new, but still the strength characteristics will deteriorate, so:

buy only high-quality material;
clearly observe the technology in the manufacture of table tops.

Not deep scratches, as well as some spots are removed by grinding, using emery paper of different grain, starting with the largest and ending with shallow. Subsequently, these places are grained with a felt nozzle, dressed on a drill. This repair is possible if a sufficiently thick sheet was used for the table top.

Elimination of bloats and spots

If such defects on a thin sheet appeared, then:

cut the damaged place applying for this mill;
from the remnants of the leaf artificial stone cut the patch, picking up the color;
lubricate glue and insert a patch to a damaged place;
i rub and grind the joints.

To learn how to eliminate chuck on a tabletop from an artificial stone Look this video:

It is worth noting that artificial composite material is much cheaper than natural stone. However, in quality, strength and durability, he is not inferior to him. On artificial stone, you can significantly save. It is inexpensive for the price, besides, it is easy to care for him. It has moisture resistance, mechanical strength. Material is resistant to very high temperatures and can take any form.

It's important to know! During long-term or improper operation of countertops
It may arise certain damage to various character. For example, pronounced cracks, different depth of chip, strong bloat, stains and scratches. Therefore, it is recommended to comply with the technology of worktop operating technology.

For the manufacture of a tabletop with their own hands, you will need to choose a leaf of artificial stone. Need to decide on it color gamut and thickness. You can choose a thin sheet up to 6 mm or a thick sheet of stone from 6 to 12 mm. It is also necessary to prepare a sheet of moisture-resistant plywood
30 mm thick. It will serve as a tabletop. From the fiberboard and chipboard, experts recommend refusing. These materials can swell with moisture in them. A two-component glue and a pencil with a ruler will be required.

What instruments need

For the manufacture of countertops, a certain set of construction tools is needed. It includes an electric pubsik, grinding machine, milling mill, roulette, pencil, line, saw, drill, vacuum cleaner, adhesive gun.

Preparatory work

First you need to design the table top design. Determine it optimal dimensions, color, shape and choose a type of stone. If a square or rectangular shape is selected, then there will not be much to make such a countertop time. If a sink or a cooking panel is installed in the table top, then a lot of time and attention will go to work. If you plan to install the sink in the worktop, then there must be a deepening of 60 cm. Next, you need to put the future product layout according to the desired size. Making layout should be glued onto a leaf of artificial stone. After that, the tabletop is cut on the layout.

Method number 1 - acrylic

In the manufacture of acrylic countertops, it is better to buy a sheet with dimensions of 360 × 70 cm. This is the optimal dimensions, the thickness can be chosen at its discretion. Initially, you should collect the frame from plywood and make the layout of the future tabletop. The layout can be made of cardboard. Next, it is fastened with glue to the workpiece from acrylic and
plywood and fasten with glue. Acrylic base must be tightly in contact with plywood. If, after drying, it remains notched and the bases, they are equalized by the milling machine. The sides are degreasing and sampled with special stripes. Strips need to heat. To do this, use good construction Fen. After that, the finished countertop can be screwed to the basis of screws. If niche is needed under the sink or cooking panel, they need to be cut through with the electroll bison.

Method No. 2 - Ceramic Tile

To make your own hands the tabletop from the ceramic tile, you will need moisture-resistant plywood sheet, OSB sheet and tile. Instead of tile, you can use the tile. The sheet thickness should not be less than 2 cm. The pattern is made of the drawing of the required dimensions for the future table top. Next is formed by the end and is screwed to the plywood. The end is drawn up tiles. Edging of the countertops can be made from any materials: metal, wood, laminated strip. The tile on the finished base is placed on the adhesive basis.

Method number 3 - Liquid stone

One of the most sought-after modern methods Make a tabletop with your own hands is a way to use liquid stone. For the manufacture of such a countertop, specific components are required that are sold in any building store. For example, special paints, plasticine, fiberglass, filler, harvesting, calcium, acetone, epoxy, thermoclay. We also need plywood and wood sheets. All specified components between themselves are mixed in proportions 1: 1. After the desired dimensions are cut from the chipboard and the resulting mixture is sprayed onto it. Next, the product will be dried and grinding. The finished tabletop can be installed on the prepared place.

If the countertop formed, cracks, scratches, chips or other flaws, then they can be removed by returning the coating the initial appearance. Initially, the crack will be needed to clean and degrease. In the damaged place you need to enter special adhesive for gluing edges. After that, the place is grouped and polished. If scratch is not deep, then it is enough to just pass the grinding machine. You can pass off the damaged place by sandpaper. This is especially true if the countertop contains granite or marble crumb. If there are noticeable stains or bloats on the surface, then the damaged place must be cut out the milling machine. From the remnants of an artificial stone you need to cut a patch and insert it on a damaged place. The surface is pre-lubricated with glue. Next, the surface is maintained and grinding.

For furniture in the kitchen and the bathroom is very important reliability and functionality. And it is also necessary to easily clean the cleaning - it is necessary to follow the cleanliness. Many of these criteria responds to the artificial stone countertop. But you need to choose the correct material so that it does not turn out that the expensive thing did not meet expectations.

Types of artificial stone

IN lately The trend towards the use of more natural materials. The same tabletop in the kitchen or bathroom. Let MDF be a good option, but I want something more reliable and solid. The most optimal choice is a natural stone. But this option is too expensive. More budgetary countertop from an artificial stone, although it is very difficult to name naturally. Only one of the species, and that with the stretch.

The countertop of artificial stone looks good. It is important that she is also in operation to be comfortable and "long-playing"

When finding out the topic it turns out that artificial stone can be different. And different are fundamentally from different materials With different properties. Or use different technologies, such as injection molding. So seamless countertops of any form are made. Or stick sheet material based on the basis, but here we can not do without seams.

But do not hurry with the conclusions. It seems that the tabletop without seams is better. Maybe. But with injection molding technology, plastic is used, and it is inclined to the appearance of scratches. So it is better for well-processed seams. With the high quality of the work, they do not affect the complexity of cleaning, but noticeable from close range. In general, we understand with technologies for the production of tabletops from artificial stone.

Countertops from Acryla

Seamless countertops make an acrylic stone. It is plastic, which is sold in liquid form. Natural stones or sand can be mixed in the composition, but the bulk is, after all, plastic with all its merits and disadvantages. There may be such a material to call a liquid stone, liquid marble, etc. The essence does not change. Unless the agglomerate is hidden under this name. But here it is necessary to specify the percentage of the mineral component. If it is less than 90%, and acrylic is used as a binder, then, no matter how cool, it is an acrylic countertop, and not stone.

Advantages are a variety of colors, the compositions of the composition, a low price (this is if without mad cheating). Disadvantages - the surface is scratched, it is afraid of hot. After the scratches appear, they can be polished, but this is a notched service. View after recovery for a while will be restored. But for a while - it is before the emergence of new scratches.

Technology manufacturing tabletops from acrylic stone is simple. For the specified sizes and form make formwork. Acryl poured into it, the time will wait until the final hardening. Formwork is removed. Further, in theory, it is necessary to wait until the hardening processes are finished. It is about two weeks. During this time, all volatile components will evaporate from plastic, it will take maximum strength. But firms that produce cast countertops most often, the exposure stage is passed. It's time, and costs - storage in warehouses finished productsWhen you can get money.

And this is a view after several months of use. And do not say that the use of "hard mode". An ordinary family

This option is the most inexpensive, attractive externally, but also the most unreliable. After a month, scratches appear, which very much spoil the appearance and mood of owners.

Agglomerate

This is a stone crumb and a little binder (4-6%). Most of the stone crumbs (ideally 96%) - durable quartz or granite. Polyester is used as a binder. The composition can "for color and diversity" add various natural and not very stones / substances. It can be marble crumb, colored glass, sequins, etc.

Externally, the agglomerate does not distinguish from acrylic, but for operational characteristics they can very vary

Quartz or granite agglomerate is much stronger. In essence, it is a stone with a small addition of plastic. It is resistant to mechanical influences. You can scratch, but it will have to attach solid efforts. If scratches still appeared, they can be soldered. This process is long and tedious. But the countertop looks great for a long time.

Sellers acrylic say that quartz and the granite "Foreground". It's true. Many natural stones are the same marble, quartz, granite - have a certain natural radiation background. But the main thing here is natural. It is not harmful and on health in such doses can not influence. The second "minus", which is attributed to natural stones - their fragility. Well yes. They are split, if they are very hard to hit them. But the action must be attached point and such force that it is impossible to create it in the kitchen. In general, if there is an opportunity, it is better to choose an agglomerate for the table top.

Leaf artificial stone

This technology is used if you need a considerable thickness table. The same agglomerate of large thickness is very hard and expensive. And there is no sense in the use of a special array. The whole agglomerate is done with a thickness of no more than 2-3 cm. If you need a thicker plate on kitchen cabinets, cheaper to bore the base.

On the basis - moisture-proof MDF, chipboard or plywood (plywood - the most the best way) - lay a layer of "stone". Skin planes and ends. Use special superproof and fast-hardening glue. The glue is toned in a tone with a coating. After pouring the seams, joints, the drops are grinding. With well-done work, such countertops are very durable and practical.

Sheet "Stone" There is different. This may be one of the types of acrylic or agglomerate. With agglomerate everything is clear. It is really durable and reliable. Simply in this case, more expensive varieties are used more often, for example, with marble. Sheet acrylic is a cheaper option. Despite the fact that it is plastic, on operational characteristics it is better than the injection molded fellow.

Makes a tabletop based on plywood (the best of the foundations)

Builds to say that the agglomerate can be "not very." If it use crumbling aggregate if the binder is not high-quality, there will be scratches, and stains, and chips. If you decide to order in some firm, it is better to find those who already use their products. And ask about guarantees. But note that in our realities, often one legal entity is closed, open another. And that's it. All guarantees from Jurlitz burned. More reliable in this plan warranty from a private owner.

What technology is easier to master yourself

If speak about independent manufacture, it is easiest to make a countertop from casting acrylic. True, if you use ready-made mixtures, the price will work almost the same as when ordering on the company. The following is the complexity process of manufacturing table top - from agglomerate. Since the binder is a bit, to achieve a smooth facial surface is not so easy. If it does not scare a long grinding to obtain a normal result, you can try to master this technology. Tabletop of artificial stone based on agglomerate is the best choice in terms of durability and appearance.

The latter "By lightness", the technology of manufacturing countertops is made of leaf stone. Very much accurate trimming, gluing parts and grinding. Need professional tools - disk saw with guides, jigsaw, disk grinding machine with a set of polishing disks. There is still a lot of clamps for attracting and fixing the glued fragments.

Countertop from casting acryl do it yourself

Many it seems that a one-piece countertop without seams is the best of possible options. It is easier to care, there can be no leaks. It is so, but the material itself (acrylic) is not good everywhere in operation. Acrylic himself is an excellent material. For the bathroom, a tabletop of artificial stone - a good choice. There are very few possibilities to scratch the surface, there are no high temperatures. And moisture, couples, soap and others detergents Plastic is not scary. If you decide to master the acrylic countertop casting technology, you can try to make it for the bathroom.

Preparation

For the pouring acrylic make shape. For its manufacture use laminated chipboard or MDF. If the surface of the table top should be smooth, the material for formwork should also be smooth. If the texture is needed - it should be on the form. After removal from the shape of the acrylic stone, all the notes and tubercles will repeat. Therefore, to the selection of material for the form we apply scrupulously.

From the same material make sides. The edges of the slats are grinding first with a coarse cloth, then an ever-thin emery disk. Use increasingly decreasing grain. Remember that all defects will then be cast in acrylic. And they are very noticeable if the stone has chosen one-window, without inclusions. The seams are sealed, aligned. The design is carefully cleaned, dried, then from the inside is covered with wax.

Making countertops

Fillers are added to acrylo - stone or marble crumb, pigment, decorative components. Everything is mixed. Lastly, the hardener is poured. Acrylic is poured into several layers, so the hardener is added only to the part of the composition.

An acrylic composition is poured into the finished formwork. Distribute it evenly in all areas. It must grow on all elements of the form. At the same time, it is impossible to allow the appearance of bubbles - the air must be deleted. After the composition was distributed, a sheet of chipboard is stacked from above, which is also lubricated with wax. The load is installed on the chipboard. It must be selected carefully so that the composition does not squeeze on the sides. The load leave half an hour. Then he is removed, the chipboard is raised. The form poured the second portion of plastic and leave one day. During this time, Acryl will clarify. You can remove formwork.

Installation on frame and polishing

After removing the plastic plate from the formwork, it is fixed on the frame. Acrylic - elastic material. Even with a thickness of 20-30 mm, it bends. To ensure the stability of the shape and collect the framework. It is made of wood (timber-thickness 50 mm or more) or from moisture-resistant plywood (thickness 27 mm). The frame is the planks along the anterior and rear rack, transverse jumpers installed in a step of 40-50 cm. Also, the planks put in places of refractory on the furniture frame. We need even gain in places of the greatest load. This is where the cooking surface or washing will be installed.

The framework is done with the thickness of acrylic more than 10 mm. For a thinner layer, a solid base is required. That is, from the same plywood you need to cut the repetition of your countertops and these two sheets glue with each other. Plywood thickness - 27 mm or so. You can glue two thinner sheets. It turns out cheaper. For normal gluing sheets are fixed by clamps.

Final finish - grinding. First, with small grain discs - from 320 and higher, in the final - nozzle for polishing. This stage is important for the appearance. You can remove most of the flaws. But you can harm.

From sheet stone

It would seem that of the sheet plastic or, as they call, an artificial stone, to do something is not a problem. So it is so. The details of the desired shape and size are cut from the sheet, they glue them with each other. The seams are polished, removing at the same time and possible differences in height.

The collected design is either glued on a solid base (with a stone thickness up to 10 mm), or make a frame of wood or plywood. It seems everything is easy. Except that:

The sheet of material weighs a lot, to strive it - then the pleasure.
The cuts must be perfect, fitting parts too. This requires professional equipment and skill with it.
The joints are sampled and fixed by clamps. They are raised approximately every 20-30 cm. Even for gradual slow operation, the number of clamps is about ten.
For grinding joints you need a good grinding. You can do and grinding discs on the Bulgarian. But the instrument at the same time should be with the possibility of adjusting the revolutions.

And so yes. You can make a countertop from a leaf artificial stone with your own hands. To have an idea of \u200b\u200bhow and what we are talking about, watching the video. Explanations are practically no, but the technology of work can be traced. That's just for a better connection of parts (when gluing the edge), it is better to choose a quarter to choose a quarter. So the seam will not be so noticeable, and the connection is more reliable.

Usually, the countertops with artificial imitation of the stone are made by their own hands either for the sake of interest and improve skill, or in order to master the mass production. In any case, the technology know is very important, and we want to tell you about the manufacture of "stone" tabletops from a polyester chipboard.

Some simple rules

You will need a closed room, properly prepared. In fact, it is the so-called clean room of 3x4 meters, the walls and the ceiling of which are covered with a polyethylene film, and the floor is purely revised, washed and forms dust. The room should have good ventilationAt the same time, the temperature is maintained at no lower than 25 ° C.

Pay attention to quality control and safety. Work is carried out only in closed long sleeves. Since the polymerization process is accompanied by abundant release Styrene, it is possible to work only in cellulose-coal respirators and protective glasses, this gas is extremely poisonous. All actions are performed only in rag gloves, no fat traces and prints should not be.

To work, you will need a durable and steady table 2x2.5 meters and a height of at least 80 cm. Its tabletop - a 16 mm thick chipboard sheet, the bottom of the wooden slats 15x60 mm, supplied on the edge and forming the lattice with a step of 35x35 cm. On The surface should not be joints and traces of fastening, so the countertop is aligned with acrylic putty and slightly polished. The table should be stable, on it you will have to walk, sit on the edge - the tabletop at the same time should not be fed.

Making form

First on the surface of the table, a simple pencil is applied a drawing of table tops on 1: 1 scale. Installation sites are noted, niches for inserting, facial edges and radius elements.

On the direct faces of the sink, the planks of LDSP height 55-60 mm are installed. All corners and ribs are strictly straight, so the cut must be conducted on professional equipment. The planks are fixed strictly along the lines of markup with the help of thermal oil and wooden cubes with outdoor. So the outer formwork is formed, for the formation of radius elements of which flexible plastic plates are used.

After forming an external circuit, the formwork of cutout cuts is added to it or cook surface. If the washing is planned cast, you need to get a acrylic matrix. It sticks exactly on the markup of the thermoclaim, then attached to the table with its own weight. Speaking excess glue must be cut off a shoe knife.

Sealing and formwork preparation

The inner surface and face of the matrix fully determine the form of the future product, so there should be no flaws on vertical and horizontal surfaces. The gaps between the planks and shocks are closed sadovy Vary., Surplus which is cut or picked up with a spatula. The creamy ends of the chipboard and all sorts of surface disorders are closed, as a result, the form must adopt the perfect geometry and a smooth surface without flaws. Additionally, over the matrix of the sink is installed washer made of garden bottle, forming the deepening of the drain hole.

For the formation of milling on the front edge, as well as for edging cuts and washing, you need to use a special steel plate, the angle of which is cut on a negative form to the manner of the figure spatula. The task is simple: the angle of the form is filled with a garden boiler, then the plate smoothes a curly transition. It is important not to tilt the tool and tightly press its edges to the table with the formwork.

When the form is fully ready, a layer of wax-separator is applied to it, and after 20 minutes polished soft cloth and blow up compressed air. Next, the entire surface is covered from the manual sprayer with polyvinyl alcohol and is left until complete drying. The form is ready for the fill.

Chemistry, resins, mixtures

To prepare a high-quality mixture, the exact respect for proportions is very critical. The ingredients are dosed by mass, weigh them need digital scales.

At first, the base of the stone is prepared: 30% of the gelkuty is mixed with 70% of the bulk filler. It is necessary to mix with a wooden wand, it is impossible to beat this mixture. After stirring, it is selected near a kilogram of the base and clocked in plastic container as a repair kit. The amount of finished gelcoat is 3.5-4 kg per each m 2 surfaces.

The second mix - polyester ground. This is an ordinary polyester resin, which is toned in painting paste as close as possible to the main color. To strengthen the soil and reduce shrinkage in the resin, up to 40% of calcite can be added. The soil will take from 4 to 6 kg per each m 2 table tops, on the average litter, the car wash is spent approximately the same.

These mixtures can be stored without access with decades, it is necessary to add about 1-2.5% hardener (catalyst) to solidify them. If the room temperature is below the recommended, after the catalyst stirring in the mixture is injected not a large number of cobalt. Chemistry for liquid stone is sold to sets and accompanied by comprehensive information on mixing techniques, proportions and characteristics of the mixture, it is these recommendations that should be followed.

Pouring countertops

At first, a gelkout with a filler is sprayed on a prepared matrix, at each stage with a catalyst, about 1 kg of the base is mixed. The average lifetime after the administration of the catalyst is from 15 to 30 minutes. Application is carried out as thin as possible layers to avoid the formation of micropores.

First, vertical surfaces are sprayed, and it is necessary to ensure that the composition does not slip, occasionally giving the surface to dry. Next, the gelcoat is applied to the maximally covered layer on horizontal sections. Congratulations, you made the first applying. After the surface is polymerized so that it will remain a fingerprint on it, but the resin will lose stickiness, you can start the second. In total, 3-4 application is required, an additional coating of vertical front edges is performed at the end.

After 40-50 minutes, the tabletop can be poured. A little more than a third of the soil is mixed with the hardener, it is poured into the shape and thoroughly spatter. Then it is put to the ground, the in advance of the stripping canvas is applied, pressed and smoothes with a spatula so that the impregnation was maximum. Now you need to leave half of the soil, and the rest evenly distribute over the fiberglass.

The sink is also affected by the soil at this stage, but it uses a thicker glassball to its strengthening.

After the cloak of the first layer, when the reinforcing fabric is well surveyed and all the bubbles of air are squeezed, the liner from the chipboard is mounted. It is cut in size, 5 mm less form and each of its items, for convenience of movement, you can fasten several door handles.

The detail of the chipboard does not have to be solid, but the gaps of more than 5-6 mm are unacceptable. In the liner you need to do 8-10 holes on square meter With a diameter of 6 mm to exit surplus soil. On top of the chipboard for 10-15 minutes, the oppression of about 40 kg / m 2 is installed, you can also spread the liner from the ceiling with thin wooden planks

While the oppression is installed, it is filling with the soil of all cracks and gaps. When the cargo is removed, half the remaining soil is poured into the form, the protruding edges of the fiberglass are bent and another canvas is stacked. The remnants of the soil are poured over it, they roll up with a spatula and the countertop remains to dry and harden about 14-16 hours.

Grinding and polishing

The next day, after the fill, it is necessary to knock down the formwork with a hammer and undermine the table top, drove a flat spatula under it and pressing it with a motion. After the wash matrix is \u200b\u200bremoved and the entire countertop is installed on soft foam blocks. With the origin of the side, the Opports are neatly cut and grinding the back side with the skins P80 and P120.

After that, the countertop turns over and thoroughly grinds with an alternate increase in grain grain from P80 to P420, best quality The front surface is achieved by using carborunda as abrasive. For the processing of embossed areas and washing under the grinding skirt, a foam gasket is installed.

Grinding should be carried out with a disk machine, in the last two stages of the movement exceptionally circular. ESM and ribbon machines for these purposes are poorly suitable. If the project Table is a glossy - the final stage will polish the stone with a foam-circuit with abrasive paste.

Table tops from natural stone always produce a charming impression, this is the necessary element of the interior of the bathroom and kitchen. A variety of shades, sometimes a unique pattern of the surface - will give your furniture respectability and a very expensive look.

Of course, heavy and labor-intensive plates are quite expensive, an alternative to artificial stone allows you to save and provides a huge selection of both colors and textures.

Stone countertop do it yourself - not fiction

The ability to add on the stage of casting a blank one or another filler makes it possible to create a unique tabletop with your own hands.

The product under the stone is reliably, durable and does not require much care. The only exception is an acrylic countertop, the surface is very sensitive to hot objects.

Heated frying pan, without a stand under it, can leave a very ugly stain. However, in the rest of the problems in operation.

At home, you can make a tabletop from:

artificial stone - acrylic or polyester
ceramic tile with the basis of the sheet chipboard
Concrete
chipboard sheet with applied cement mortar

If desired, make a stone slab for home interior The following tasks must be solved:

decide with materials for the workpiece
prepare all the necessary tool
create drawing
check for accurate match
perform the fill of the slab in compliance with all the necessary conditions
perform thorough processing
achieve complete identity when installing the plate

Each item must be treated with a sound approach. Often, due to non-compliance with the conditions of fill or insufficient processing, the stove is obtained with flaws, either not at all is placed on the base, requiring cutting or alignment in height.

Several tips, which will make your work facilitate:

necessarily dense clothes and respirator, especially when
work when working with cement and concrete
production materials better purchase with a little
stock to eliminate possible time loss with an unsuccessful attempt
pre-decide on the color of the flaker and / or filler
Before filling again check the size of the sizes

Tools required in work:

measuring devices
building level
drill with a solution for a solution of solution (for
small volumes) or concrete mixer
screwdriver for fastening formwork
spatula, master
grinding machine or a set of millennium skins

This is the minimum tool that will be needed for manufacture.

It is necessary enough space to install the frame and formwork, as well as sufficient tank for mixing the solution and fillers.

Stove of artificial stone

Making countertops made of artificial stone at home is possible from the purchased base (acrylic stove from different manufacturers) or by mixing components and binder resin.

When using the finished mixture of liquid stone, you should not violate instructions. When own manufacture The standard is mixed by two parts of sand with one part of cement (high-quality), liquid and filler.

Stone countertop with their own hands, the photo of which is presented here, the complexity of manufacture is not difficult.

The formwork is usually made from the LISP sheet. To create the finished edge of the inner seam plasticine. All inner side Formwork is evenly labeled with wax (to eliminate the adhesion of the liquid acrylic base).

For ease of manufacture of table tops, a pattern of a chipboard, cut from all sides by 6-8 millimeters, is used.
How the liquid stone is applied when using a template:

apply the first layer with filler, 1-1.5 mm
after a few minutes they apply a second layer with filler, up to 3 mm
the final layer is then applied, up to 5-6 mm, together with a hardener, filler and dye, layer the layer
lower the chipboard template and with a small cargo leave for 30 minutes
remove the load and poured the residual layer of liquid stone, so that the chipboard is covered evenly and equally from the top and from the edges
day - on solidification
polish and grind countertop

The stove of artificial stone is most interesting for manufacture, a large number of colors and fillers allows you to enter it in any.

Small weight and ease of operation are those advantages for which it costs to spend time on its creation.

Concrete table top

It is often made by stone countertops with their own hands from concrete, using various fillers. The stove is obtained heavy and very reliable.

In addition to consumer qualities, close to natural stone, such a stove is also much cheaper. And with a high-quality difference, little noticeable.

The manufacturing process itself can be divided into five stages:

preparation of shape and her lubrication
alsystem of concrete solution, adding additives in it (fillers - granite crumb, broken glass, gravel) and kolas
forming work
frozening the solution
grinding concrete slab and its final finish

The manufacturer includes the time of solidification and on average takes 4 - 5 days, the thickness of the concrete slab increases the production time.

To prepare a formwork for formwork from materials:

wooden boards or bars will most likely need
additional grinding
glass leaf or smooth chipboard with lamination
cement is not lower than M400, and even better M500
plasticine used as a sealant formwork
Lubrication, the simplest option here will be sunflower oil
small crumb or other filler
wire for reinforcement, if the thickness of the concrete slab will require
filling of possible holes in the stove (pipe sections of the desired diameter)

The edges of the plate are formed by plasticine in the formwork, a rich lubricant is applied to all inner surfaces. The solution with fillers is poured to the middle of the thickness of the plate, then the reinforcing mesh is superimposed on top and is slightly pressed into the beginner to stick the solution (the extremely unwanted close arrangement of the grid to the edges of the plate).

Final fill, smoothing the outer surface and again a break in 2 - 3 days (directly depends on the thickness of the future table top).

After the stove finally hardens, the formwork is removed from it and proceed to surface grinding.

It is best to make grinding in 2 - 3 clips, with wetting surface.

If you consider the most economical and simple version of the manufacture of a stone countertop with your own hands - this is a chipboard plate coated with cement mortar, polished and refined with decorative design or simply painted.

A reliable countertop will last long and will not require special efforts to repair, in case of small scratches or chips. More can be viewed on the video: