Thanks to the variety of decorative materials, you can add a touch of originality and individuality to any interior. Newly invented flexible stone wallpaper , endowed with the elasticity of traditional wallpaper in combination with a unique type of stonework, recreated on the front side, can cope with this task perfectly.
Properties and characteristics
Flexible stone wallpaper is the thinnest sections of compressed stone granules (crumbs), fixed on a dense base, pre-impregnated with an elasticizing composition.
They are produced in the form of tiles, the thickness of which does not exceed 1.5 cm. The main materials for production are gypsum, sandstone or cement-gypsum mixture.
Most often, in the production of stone wallpaper, it is the gypsum base that is used - a natural material formed from sedimentary rocks.
Gypsum mixed with water is an excellent base for the manufacture of slabs of a wide variety of configurations, from standard rectangular ones to unusual elongated formats.
Casting of elements with the required configuration and geometric dimensions is carried out in polyurethane molds. Coloring agents are usually added directly to the base mass, after which it is thoroughly mixed to ensure deep coloring of the tiles.
It is worth noting that in order to give the products a more saturated color, they can be re-painted after the casting process is completed. The resulting stone wallpaper is somewhat reminiscent of ceramic tile products. The main difference is the texture of the stone.
Specifications
- thickness – 1-3 mm;
- the weight of the canvas with a thickness of 2 mm is 1.3-2.5 kg/m2;
- dimensions – 950x550 mm, 550x315 mm, 315x275, 315x138;
- temperature range of use – from +650 to -30°С;
- service life – 30 years.
Gluing process
Stone-look wallpaper is very light, so it does not sag. This material can be used for any surface: concrete, plasterboard, wood and others. Thanks to their extreme flexibility, such trellises can be used to cover walls of non-standard shapes with niches or protrusions. A significant advantage of flexible wallpaper is its resistance to moisture. Therefore, you can finish the terrace, fireplace or pool.
The material can be easily cut with ordinary construction scissors; it is perfectly “adapted” to any parameters. The material can be glued to the surface using glue for heavy trellises. You can also use the following compositions: “liquid nails”, tile adhesive, mineral glue.
The process of gluing this wallpaper is similar to the technology of laying stone tiles. There are the following methods:
- Overlapping. With this method of laying, each subsequent tile slightly extends onto the edge of the previous one. In this case, a volumetric effect is created.
- With jointing. The slabs are laid at a certain distance, and subsequently these gaps are filled with jointing mixture.
- Joint to joint (seamless installation).
Sticker of stone tiles with jointing
When working, it is necessary to take into account the following nuances:
- You should know that each row must be offset from the previous one. Vertical seams should not be located one above the other.
- Upon completion of the gluing process, flexible wallpaper will become durable and resistant to mechanical damage. Also, you can use some chemical compounds to clean them.
- However, during the repair process you need to be extremely careful because the material is very fragile.
- It is very easy to care for such a surface. Stains and dirt are removed with a sponge, using detergents if necessary.
Appearance
Thanks to existing technologies, tiles are produced that imitate:
- topaz;
- brick;
- sandstone;
- granite;
- slate;
- basalt;
- quartz;
- marble, etc.
The simplicity of the production process allows you to make stone wallpaper with your own hands, significantly saving money.
Types of stone wallpaper
The first gradation includes:
- Classic wallpaper intended for covering floors, walls and ceilings;
- Extra-flexible, used to add texture to steps, window sills, furniture items and other decorative elements;
- Super flexible, the main purpose of which is to texture complex surfaces.
Depending on the type of decorative effect, the coating is produced:
- With a textured relief of a pronounced character, with a depth of the relief pattern not exceeding 2 mm;
- With relief embossing combined with full-color printing;
- With optical relief, characterized by a change in the color of the wallpaper depending on exposure to sunlight;
- With a Stokes shift, visible due to the appearance of a different shade in sunlight.
- Self-luminous;
- With fluorescence imaging;
- With a change in shade depending on changes in room temperature;
- With mother-of-pearl tints, onyx effect or the now very popular opalescence effect.
Stone-effect wallpaper in living room design
As a rule, the living room does not use a coating that imitates wild stone. Often, for interior decoration, they take material with a uniform, clear pattern. It looks very stylish, especially on a wall that serves as a backdrop for a TV or fireplace. A cozy fire source does not have to be real - an artificial fireplace will also fit into the overall atmosphere. Also suitable for the living room is something from the Stone Flower collection, which is available in the assortment of many manufacturers. This decor option is best left for the relaxation area, where there are soft chairs or a sofa.
Advice. Colorful stone-like photo wallpapers look good in the living room.
A fairly popular practice is to use wallpaper to zone a room. If there are arches or columns in the reception room, they can be used as the basis for simulating masonry. To prevent the room from seeming too dark, the interior should be supplemented with light-colored furniture. The material for the living room can follow the pattern of red brick or resemble light gray stone, although other varieties are quite possible.
Attention! Recommendations for decorating the living room also apply to the bedroom.
Scope of application
Stone wallpaper, the price of which varies from 500 to 2000 rubles. per m2, are characterized by a fairly wide range of applications. This:
- interior wall decoration;
- façade cladding;
- finishing of curved and other complex bases;
- decorating fireplace portals, furniture facades, countertops, floor coverings, etc.;
- production of decorative stone frescoes or panels;
- use as a basis for window blinds.
Examples of wall decoration with decorative stone and wallpaper (photo)
Today, more and more often, when decorating the interiors of various rooms in an apartment, combinations of certain materials are used. Decorative stone, which is used to decorate the walls in the hallway, is a very significant example.
The wide popularity of this material has become possible due to the many advantages that speak in its favor. It is no coincidence that buyers are not only private customers who are renovating their homes, but also representatives of professional design bureaus, as well as companies that are engaged in finishing and arranging residential, commercial and administrative premises. Is it possible to glue decorative stone onto wallpaper and how is the correct combination of these types of finishes made? How exactly do the advantages of such coverage manifest themselves? The answers to these questions, as well as more detailed information about decorative stone and wallpaper, are in our material today.
Advantages and disadvantages
Flexible stone wallpaper for interior decoration is universal, temperature-resistant, suitable for decorating any interior items and premises, from living rooms to kitchens, balconies and terraces.
They are also used for facade work, for finishing gazebos and verandas. Stone wallpaper in the interior looks great thanks to the variety of textures and colors. Imitation of the most unusual reliefs, differences and original smoothed and sharp corners significantly expand the possibilities of application.
They are uniquely flexible, as a result of which elements can be easily mounted on complex foundations with various unevenness or differences.
Along with resistance to temperature effects due to the non-flammability of gypsum, stone tiles are 100% waterproof and do not absorb moisture or steam, thereby eliminating the possibility of increasing humidity in the room due to the formation of dampness.
Also, the excellent moisture resistance of the material indicates its practicality. Caring for decorative coating is simple and comes down to periodic wet cleaning with a damp cloth or sponge.
To achieve the best effect, it is allowed to use non-aggressive detergents. Aggressive compounds can seriously damage the surface, discoloring it.
Since gypsum, when heated, does not emit any harmful or toxic substances, flexible stone wallpaper is rightfully recognized as environmentally friendly.
Another feature of gypsum stone wallpaper is its thermal conductivity of 0.1 W, which, of course, does not classify it as an excellent thermal insulator, however, even this value is enough to save precious heat in the room.
It is impossible not to note the phenomenal density and strength of the wallpaper. This indicates not only excellent resistance to mechanical stress, but also the resistance of the tiles to abrasion, which determines their durability.
The service life of the highest quality non-woven fabrics does not exceed 20 years, but here the manufacturers guarantee 30 years.
Impeccable external characteristics are the next advantage. A variety of shades, textures and reliefs allow you to choose a laconic option for any stylistic direction of the room and add originality and nobility to the interior. The possibility of combination with other decors allows you to emphasize the individuality of the finish.
Installing stone wallpaper is a completely feasible task for doing it yourself. Most of all, the installation process is similar to finishing with ceramic tiles, but in a much simplified manner.
The need for careful adjustment of elements is eliminated; it is enough to maintain the correct horizontal and vertical lines. They are easy to process. They can be sawed, adjusted, trimmed and sanded, and their low thickness makes the task even easier.
Flaws
The price for stone wallpaper is an order of magnitude higher than the cost of the most expensive fiberglass or non-woven fabrics today. The high cost is precisely the first disadvantage.
The second is the fragility of the tiles. The material tolerates transportation especially poorly, so craftsmen advise purchasing 15% more than the calculated quantity.
Interior use
According to designers, completely decorating a room with stone wallpaper is overkill. This approach can “overload” the interior. The best option is a combination of flexible wallpaper with other types of trellises. In this case, the “stone” finish will look interesting and attractive.
This material can be used not only in living rooms, but also in other rooms. Let's say that in the kitchen or bathroom, flexible wallpaper will be an excellent alternative to ceramics. You can choose any combination of colors that will fit well into your interior. Any trellises “under the stone” are produced in the color that is inherent in natural stones: brown, gray, gypsum, and so on. Rich color and rich range of colors are factors that make it possible to use this finishing material on walls without additional painting.
Photos of wallpaper with imitation stone make it clear that this finish is an option that is suitable for rooms in any style:
- Eco style. Wallpaper “slate” is perfect for such an interior.
- Urban style. Brickwork is the best solution for this design.
- Classic. Wallpaper made from stone masonry , as well as imitation marble or granite, is suitable.
- Country. Gray shades of stone of disproportionate shapes are suitable for this decoration.
Stone wallpaper can be used not only for these styles, because they are universal. By choosing the right color and texture, you can choose an option for any design, as well as realize various ideas.
