Bas-reliefs have been used since ancient times to decorate various kinds of products and structures. Today, such decorative elements have found application in a wide variety of fields.
The use of bas-reliefs gives a fairly wide scope for interior design. For example, you can create a separate panel in the form of a picture to decorate an empty wall.
Often bas-reliefs are used for. The bas-relief in combination with the original illumination creates a truly original picture - thanks to the illumination, all the bulges of the image will be seen even more clearly.
Bas-reliefs are great for decorating all kinds of openings.
Unlike another popular interior design option - decorative painting - bas-reliefs do not need additional color highlighting.
In the absence of color highlighting, a three-dimensional pattern will appear due to the play of light with well-equipped artificial lighting. Thus, the owner has the opportunity to create accents on the decor elements at the right time for him - just turn on the lighting.
In addition to purely decorative functions, bas-reliefs are also excellent for various functional tasks. For example, volumetric decoration allows you to level out uneven surfaces, decorate engineering communications, visually distort the space at the discretion of the owner, and create smooth transitions between different functional areas.
A competent combination of three-dimensional relief and decorative painting allows you to create truly original and incredible effects.
However, despite its many advantages, the bas-relief remains not such a popular option for decorating rooms. The essence of the problem lies in the high cost of arranging such volumetric elements.
Uninformed people often make the mistake of believing that the bas-relief is a prefabricated structure cast from plaster. In fact, such decoration is arranged by hand and is inherently exclusive. Therefore, it will take a lot of effort to arrange a beautiful bas-relief image, but with a great desire, you can handle all the activities yourself.
To create a bas-relief with your own hands, you can use a wide variety of materials: gypsum, gypsum-based plaster, alabaster, clay, etc. It is easiest for beginners to work with gypsum and plaster based on it.
Assemble a box with low walls from slats and plywood, more like a tray. In terms of its overall dimensions, the box must correspond to the dimensions of the future relief slab - this is where the bas-relief will be created.
Instead of a box, you can use other improvised means, for example, a candy box or a suitable frame glued to the glass with adhesive tape.
Cover the mold with polyethylene. Straighten the film so that there are no wrinkles or there are as few as possible.
According to the manufacturer's instructions and pour it into the mold.
If you plan to create an ornament with a high relief, insert wire into the slab for additional reinforcement of the future composition.
Leave the poured mixture for the initial setting. This indicator is individual for different materials, specify in a separate order.
Start creating a bas-relief. First you need to apply the contour of the created decorative ornament to the plate, and then begin to increase the volume inside the decorated contour from the newly prepared mixture.
Build up volume in layers, allowing each layer to harden slightly.
Convenient enough - while the material is wet, you can easily get rid of its excess with a knife, and adjust the ornament itself with a chisel and cutters for woodworking.
In addition, not completely dried material is simply sanded. It is much more difficult to perform the necessary processing of a hardened surface.
If you plan to create an in-depth image, you can solve the problem in two ways.
Learn how to do it, as well as an overview of the basic techniques, from our new article.
Plaster
To make the process of creating a bas-relief more understandable, you should consider the procedure for arranging such a decor using specific examples. Your attention is invited to the two most popular options - "lilies" and "tulips". Having mastered the order of their arrangement, you will be able to cope with the creation of decorative bas-reliefs of almost any complexity.
First step. Protect the base to be decorated by covering the required space with masking tape.
Second step. Cover the base with putty, let it dry and apply a primer. It is best to use primer paint. This composition is remarkable in that after drying, the grains of sand that make up the mixture remain on the base. Due to the roughness created, subsequent layers of finish are held as firmly as possible. On average, the paint-primer dries within 2-3 hours.
Third step. Apply a starting layer of Marseille wax to the surface with the help. This material hardens quite quickly, on average within 3-4 hours at room temperature.
Fourth step. Unfold the film and draw the details of the bas-relief. To do this, you need to fix a transparent plastic film on top of the working surface for its entire length and width. The bottom edge, at the same time, does not need to be fixed - you should be able to bend it freely.
Fifth step. With a marker, apply a sketch of future “lilies” on a plastic film - stems, leaves, buds.
Sixth step. After the sketch is complete, proceed with the application of Marseilles wax under the plastic wrap in accordance with the sketch. First use a trowel to work, and then a palette knife.
The Marseille wax used is white. To make the created decor more noticeable, cover the finish with a suitable composition. For example, you can use water that is lightly colored with maklovitsa. Such compositions can only be applied to a dried surface.
After tinting, you will once see in which places the finishing material needs to be given the outlines of stems, flowers, etc.
Your task is to make the planned bas-relief as realistic as possible and correspond to the sketch. This will take you a very long time, so there is no need to rush to finish everything as quickly as possible. Work carefully, thoughtfully and gradually.
Bas-relief "Lilies" after the final decorationAfter giving the bas-relief the desired shape, let the composition harden and proceed to apply the second layer of decorative finishes - the desired color.
Prepare the paint according to the manufacturer's instructions. On average, such paints and varnishes dry for 5-8 hours. Specify the specific time in the description of the paint used.
In conclusion, you will have to apply the finishing layer of the finish - polished or another composition with similar properties. Using a wide brush, apply Otocento in a double layer over the entire area of the wall to be decorated. The second layer can be applied only after the first has dried. On average, it takes 1-3 hours. You must carefully paint over each element of the composition.
To give the composition additional visual volume and expressiveness, apply white ottocento to certain parts of the bas-relief.
And directly the work on creating "tulips" is carried out according to the scheme already familiar to you, namely:
Read, a practical guide for, in our new article.
Creating a bas-relief with your own hands is a rather complex, painstaking, time-consuming and significant financial undertaking. However, with the right approach, you can give the interior of your home a unique look.
Successful work!
Gypsum decor is diverse, which allows it to be used in interiors of any style, size and purpose. To decorate a house with relief decor, it is not necessary to purchase ready-made elements or order them in workshops. It is not difficult to work with alabaster, it is enough to study the technology and features of the material. From the article you will learn how to make gypsum stucco with your own hands.
When we see intricate embossed decorations, it's hard to believe that we can do it ourselves at home. The secret lies in the fact that such decor is not molded, but cast in special patterns. Sculpting an elegant figure from alabaster is accessible to people with artistic skills. Additional devices help the rest to create gypsum products with their own hands at home. They greatly facilitate the process of obtaining decor.
The appearance and durability of the jewelry depends on the correctly selected raw materials. Experts recommend using alabaster grades from G5 to G25. For large works, stamps from G4 to G7 are suitable. The powder is sold dry in paper bags from 5 to 30 kg. In order for do-it-yourself gypsum products to be white and durable, it is recommended to purchase raw materials in large hardware stores or in specialized markets.
Alabaster packages
Advice! When purchasing gypsum by weight, make sure that there are no sand impurities, caked lumps. The color should be uniform, fine grinding.
Some manufacturers produce raw materials marked "for artistic stucco". Works from it are distinguished by increased whiteness. It is fine-grained, durable, with a high solidification rate.
In departments for needlework or hardware stores, special gypsum plasters are sold - containers for pouring the mixture into the model. Previously used rubber balls cut in half. By squeezing one edge of the plaster, it is convenient to fill the details of the template with the contents.
Do-it-yourself stucco molding from gypsum at home is created in stages:
Advice! You should not install large complex stucco decoration in small rooms. It will look out of place, make the space heavier. It is better to give preference to concise images of small sizes.
Before proceeding with production, it is necessary to prepare the site. Well, if it is a separate room - a garage or a workshop. In the absence of such a room, when work will be carried out in a residential area, nearby surfaces must be covered with a film to protect dust from dirt.
For work, you will need a table or other surface corresponding to the size of the elements. It is important that the countertop is absolutely flat, horizontal. This can be achieved with a level.
In the process of creation, you will need tools and materials:
In order for gypsum stucco molding to look beautiful with your own hands, you need to choose or make the right matrix for casting yourself. This should not save money or time. Cheap templates stretch, have inaccuracies, and can tear. Metal patterns are of high quality and durability. They cost many times more expensive, they are usually made to order.
Silicone is suitable for home-made template creation. When handling it, you need to take into account the features:
These problems are solvable. For greater strength, under the silicone template, a frame is made of alabaster or other rigid material (plastic, wood). To make the gypsum mortar easier to distribute over the impression, the latter is lubricated with a liquid that improves sliding.
The finished model is covered with silicone using a brush. At this stage, it is important to avoid bubbles, which will lead to irregularities in the plaster decor. After applying the first layer, reinforcement is made - gauze is laid, then repeated 2-3 more times. The thickness of the silicone should be 3-5 mm. Gauze should not be stretched so that when compressed it does not deform the product. Each layer of silicone dries for 2-3 hours.
After the final drying, the silicone blank is removed from the model. For greater stability, a frame or base is constructed. The first is made from boards according to the size of the workpiece. The second is cast from alabaster. It repeats the outlines of the silicone template and does not allow it to change when pouring plaster.
Removing the silicone mold from the model
Advice! For small stucco units, ready-made silicone blanks are suitable for creating soap, candles, and confectionery. They are presented in a wide range in the departments for creativity.
In order for gypsum stucco molding to turn out beautiful and durable with your own hands, you should choose high-quality dry raw materials. They differ in composition. Some manufacturers add additional components that make working with the mixture more convenient, and the final thing is highly durable.
Cooking rules:
Solution preparation
Beginners in handling gypsum should know the features of the material:
The solution hardens within 5 minutes. During this time, it is necessary to complete all the blanks. For those who are faced with such work for the first time, the task will be impossible. The hardening mixture will not penetrate into all recesses, especially small and narrow ones.
Advice! To slow down the hardening of the gypsum mixture, add a gelatinous or mezdrovy adhesive solution, borax, slaked or quicklime. They allow you to delay hardening by 30-35 minutes.
In some cases the curing needs to be accelerated, for example if a figure is being formed on a wall. The easiest way is to pour hot water. And also for this purpose add alum, sodium sulfate or ordinary table salt.
First, a silicone pattern is prepared - it is cleaned of dust and small particles. To facilitate the removal of the plaster figure, a silicone release agent is applied to the template. To do this, brush the entire surface with a brush, leaving no uncovered places. In untreated places, the composition will firmly seize, it will be problematic to remove the hardened product without damage.
The prepared solution is poured into greased matrices. It is recommended to do this in two steps:
Advice! Large-sized or works with fine details are recommended to be reinforced with fittings. To do this, after applying the first layer of gypsum, a paint grid is placed in the mold. Then fill in the remaining space.
After, the structure must be gently shaken to release air bubbles. The back part must be leveled with a spatula. If it turns out to be bumpy, then fixing it on the wall or ceiling will be unreliable. And also gaps between the figure and the wall will be noticeable. Additional efforts will be required to cover the cracks and leveling.
The gypsum solution is kept for 20 minutes, after which it is carefully removed. If this is done earlier, then the alabaster that has not fully set will be damaged. If left for a longer time, the plaster will harden strongly and seize with the silicone template. Removal may result in deformities.
The finished part is left to dry for a day. The air temperature should not be lower than +16℃.
Drying finished parts
If all the steps are done according to the instructions described, then the stucco molding with your own hands should turn white after 24 hours of drying. At this stage, the part is polished, defects are removed, and brought to the desired look. For smoothing, use fine sandpaper. It is necessary to act carefully so as not to damage the fragile part. Then the parts are coated with a primer.
Grinding finished products
The plaster figure has a matte white color. Having covered it with a colorless varnish, we get a decoration ready for installation. Alabaster stucco molding of a natural shade is used in many interiors. But if, according to the idea, the figure should have a different color, then it is painted with water-based paint or patinated. Coloring is more convenient to do before attaching the parts.
Three days after the tide is out, the figures are ready for installation. Gypsum units of small sizes are fixed on the adhesive composition. It consists of PVA glue and water in a ratio of 1 to 1.5. Previously, notches are made on the back side for better adhesion to the surface. Glue is applied to the wall or ceiling, to the element. Then connect with rubbing movements. In this case, excess glue will come out at the edges. They are removed with a spatula until they harden.
Large figures are heavy. They are additionally fixed with dowels. To do this, holes are drilled in the product and screws are screwed into the wall or ceiling. The resulting recesses are covered with a gypsum mixture and polished. The cracks are rubbed with the same composition and the figure is corrected if necessary.
Tips and a description of the technology on how to make gypsum products with your own hands will help you make a unique decor for your apartment or house. Tastefully selected three-dimensional composition will create a harmonious space with a special mood.
Who said that stucco has no place in a modern interior? It's all about the number and design of the elements. Walls, ceilings, niches, fireplace facades, window and door openings are decorated with relief decor. The shape of the stucco is also different. Let's look at some types.
Gypsum sockets are used for the base under the central chandelier. In classic interiors, it has a round shape with various ornaments. The options are extensive, in the rooms of modern styles they are found in the form of geometric patterns, abstract figures.
Plaster rosette on the ceiling
They make out part of the wall inside the room or outside. A variety of plots of the picture allows you to organically fit three-dimensional images into the interior, highlighting a certain wall. If there are defects on the surface, then thanks to the panel they can be hidden.
Gypsum panel
Gypsum panel
One of the most popular stucco forms in interiors of any style. They are decorated with junctions of walls with a ceiling or floor. By varying the width of the plinth, visually increase or decrease the height of the ceiling. Often they are painted in a contrasting color with the walls, which gives the room solidity.
Ceiling plinth in the interior
Another popular stucco decor. Smooth moldings without a pattern are suitable for rooms in a minimalist style, high-tech, modern classics. Products with various ornaments will look good in baroque, art deco, classic styles.
Gypsum molding in the interior
Gypsum molding in the interior
More often, cornices are found in the exterior decoration of buildings, but are also popular for interior decoration. They emphasize the junction of the wall with the ceiling. In modern apartments, this type of stucco is installed as part of the lighting solution. Between the eaves and the ceiling, a space is left in which the LED strip or other light sources are laid.
Gypsum cornice in the interior
Came to interior design from classical architecture. In rooms, gables are installed above door and window openings, arches, built-in wardrobes. Traditionally, they have the shape of a triangular vault, which is not always appropriate in living rooms. The clear geometry makes the space uncomfortable, and the size of the element allows it to be used only in spacious rooms. In this case, the option with a gap at the top is used. The figure becomes less elongated and takes on an interesting shape.
Gables in the interior
Gables in the interior
Decorative gypsum panels are a trend in modern interiors. They decorate the walls, giving them expressiveness and interesting texture. They are dyed and tinted. Thanks to the illumination, the convex parts of the structure emphasize the three-dimensionality.
This element is used to decorate door and window openings, to divide space and design niches. Classical have the form of a regular arc. Modern options are represented by a wide variety: square, irregular in shape, with niches and lighting.
Gypsum arch in the interior
Over time or with mechanical damage, the gypsum decoration is destroyed. In this case, the restoration of worn parts or their complete replacement will be required.
When restoring measures take into account the recommendations:
To restore the relief decorations that have lost their original appearance, no special skills are required. It is enough to get acquainted with the technology and find out the important nuances of the work:
In some cases, the stucco loses its original color, then re-staining will be required:
Restoration of plaster products
Gypsum is easy to restore - this is another advantage of the material. If some parts of the decor were damaged, they can be restored with your own hands.
Having learned how to make stucco molding with your own hands, you can safely proceed to the implementation of original ideas or make simple elements. The main thing is that you will enjoy the creative process, and a do-it-yourself thing will please the eye and be the pride of the owner of the home.
Since ancient times, technologies using gypsum have been used to decorate a home in architecture. And at present, the arrangement of the interiors of private and public premises is not complete without the use of plaster moldings. Stucco molding on the walls is used as a highly artistic decoration and gives any building a touch of aristocracy and elegance.
To create an exclusive interior, plaster moldings are made in the form of a variety of sculptural outlines, ledges, ceiling patterns, reliefs, ornaments, vases and many other components. In certain situations, gypsum stucco molding can bring fundamental touches to creating the interior of a room. The production of gypsum elements is currently carried out in different directions:
Now you can make stucco with your own hands at home. True, it will take some time to create products, but material costs will be minimal.
Despite the fact that gypsum is a very brittle and masterful decorative material, it was he who was chosen when creating stucco, due to such a quality as swelling. This property allows the gypsum to get into the smallest gaps, providing high precision to the cast masterpieces.
During the operation of pouring the mold with gypsum, it is necessary to shake it, which allows you to remove air bubbles and completely fill the in-depth ornament. To avoid the effect of warping, use a composition using ordinary lime mortar. During the process of making the casting solution, the proportion of water and gypsum mixture of 1:0.7 is applied. The elongation operation requires the use of a denser composition (the ratio of water and gypsum is 1:2).
The latest stucco interior decorations are made using special forms. Metal forms with a flat inner edge are quite suitable, which allows you to make products that do not need to be adjusted. The use of metal containers is also expedient in large quantities, since the metal is able to withstand almost 2500 repetitions without transformation when filling and cleaning the container.
There are cheaper options for forms - on a latex basis. Silicone molds are less reliable, and gypsum stucco moldings formed in such molds need extra processing, because their appearance is unfinished.
Stucco molding from gypsum is made in stages. It is required to foresee the presence of all the required fixtures and raw materials in advance. We will need:
First you need to make a model of the part, that is, mold it from plasticine. You can make such a model with your own hands, or use a drawing or a finished product. After that, its inner face is smeared with silicone grease using a brush. The model must be installed on a level base so that it does not turn over while filling it with gypsum mortar.
The consistency of the resulting mixture should resemble sour cream, which will contribute to good filling of the form. It is advisable to apply the first layer with a brush, and then fill the entire form. You can use a special spatula. According to the technology, when creating large forms of medallions or columns, after laying the first layer, it is necessary to place a layer of copper mesh for reinforcement.
The reverse side of the finished product is leveled, after which the form is left to dry, for a period of 1 to 4 hours. After drying, the finished product is removed from the container, which can be broken if necessary. The extracted masterpiece is first polished, and then covered with a layer of transparent varnish.
The surface of the gypsum is almost perfectly white, in connection with which the ornament comes out pearl-clean and refined. In the interiors, painted stucco molding is often crushed, under the background of the walls or being their complete contrast. When painting plaster moldings, it is preferable to use the same paints that were used when painting the walls in an apartment, for example, water-based. If the gypsum stucco molding was treated with varnish, it is recommended to first apply two layers of primer on it, and then paint.
In preparation for work, the paint must be stirred and, if necessary, diluted with water. The paint is applied with a brush having an elongated pile - this is very practical when applying paint to convex surfaces.
To give products additional effects (for example, the effect of aging, gilding, fading), the “time raid” technology is used. Using pieces of fabric, synthetic materials or a sponge on plaster, you can create various natural textures: serpentine stone, artificial marble, granite.
For several centuries, such decor as stucco has not gone out of fashion. Only the patterns and methods of mounting the finish are transformed. The article will discuss how to make a decorative element with your own hands using plaster.
Stucco molding successfully fits into many interior styles. Original decoration patterns give the room pomposity and respectability. The curly border under the ceiling and the screen by the fireplace look interesting in combination with stylish wallpaper or painted walls.
The decor is ideal for rooms with high ceilings and good lighting. It not only decorates the room, but is also used for the purpose of zoning space, masking communications and technical objects (hood, riser, chimney channel). They make out zones along the stairs, cornices along the borders of the panel.
The classic decor is made from gypsum mixture. Modern products are light in weight, due to the properties of the polyurethane from which they are made.
All decorative products belonging to the "stucco" group are divided into several varieties. Classification is built on the basis of functionality.
Cornice - located at the junction of the ceiling plane and the wall. The decor performs the following tasks: masking the edges of the wallpaper, visually increasing / decreasing the space in the room, hiding small flaws in the upper part of the wall. Models are in the form of a plank and patterned, made in different parameters.
Molding - decorative strips used to decorate walls, paintings, panels, inserts in decoration. Visually, stucco can increase space with a certain arrangement of elements. The parameters of the slats are also available in assortment.
Due to the physical properties of the material, the stucco molding turns out to be light, it will not be difficult to fix it according to the selected level. It has polyurethane and increased moisture resistance, which makes it possible to use decor in the bathroom and in the kitchen. This type of product is not afraid of mechanical effects, temperature changes. The material does not absorb odors, care is also carried out without difficulty. Significant disadvantages are: the synthetic origin of stucco, surface graininess and flammability.
The process of creating stucco at home is quite exciting, you can involve other family members as helpers. Before starting work, you need to prepare tools and materials.
Knife with a thin blade.
Read also: How to connect a double socket? Basic Connection Methods
Scalpel.
Wire.
Gypsum (construction purposes).
Container for mixing solution.
Water tank.
The mixing container should not be large, the gypsum hardens quickly, a large portion will not have time to be produced. The procedure for preparing the mixture is simple, first, a dry component is introduced into the container, after which water is added in portions with continuous stirring. The degree of density is determined by the parameters of the future design. The larger the mold, the thicker the solution should be. Stucco molding of a complex shape involves laying in a mold before pouring the wire twisted into a frame. These products are durable and highly durable.
The prepared form is filled with the mixture and allowed to harden. After 2-6 hours, the product will be ready. Use immediately for fixing it is not recommended. Stucco must finally dry out for 1-2 days. The room in which the blanks are stored is selected dry with good air circulation.
Before installing the stucco molding, it is worth checking the similarity of the lines of the pattern when joining the elements. If everything is in order with the quality of the products, you can proceed with the installation.
Workflow steps:
Clean the surface on which it is planned to fix the stucco molding from the old finish or whitewash;
With a pencil, mark the outline of the decor;
With a chisel, make notches on the surface of the wall (or ceiling) and on the reverse side of the stucco;
It is worth starting the installation from the corner, for this the decor needs to be cut at an angle of 45 degrees;
Add a little glue for carpentry work (3% composition) to the working solution from gypsum;
Decorating with stucco is currently especially popular, as it helps to add nobility and restraint to the room. This design can give unusualness not only to walls and ceilings, but also to decorate a fireplace, windows and the like. With the help of stucco molding, it becomes possible to hide uneven surfaces, emphasize the attractiveness of light sources, or decorate upholstered furniture.
A characteristic feature of this decoration on the walls is the experimentation of styles from classical to minimalism.
In working with stucco molding, a special molding technique and an asymmetric arrangement of parts are used. Stucco molding can hide communication elements or beautifully decorate a niche in the wall.
Stucco molding is made of wooden material, gypsum or polymer. The tree is environmentally friendly and high cost. Gypsum stucco requires certain skills during installation. Excellent material - polyurethane and polystyrene.
What to choose among such a variety?
Polyurethane is cheap compared to polystyrene, it is also durable and does not cause allergic reactions. It lends itself well to priming and laminating.
Gypsum is able to expand during solidification and penetrate into small holes.
Creating stucco moldings from gypsum is quite an exciting activity. To work, you must have:
Gypsum will be the basis of the design, since it can be made in any shape, the material is flexible and can quickly harden.
In order to sculpt from gypsum, it is first filled with water and thoroughly stirred. It turns out the material for creativity. The consistency of the solution depends on the massiveness of the future structure: for a larger product, the gypsum should be thicker.
Stucco molding of complex shape is made on a frame of copper wire, such a frame is flexible and durable.
When connecting several elements, they are fixed to each other with a solution of gypsum;
to give the product color and texture, additives and pigments are used.
After the material has hardened, gypsum stucco sanded with fine-grained sandpaper. Thus, the design will be smooth and matte.
For those who have not yet learned how to work with plaster, we advise you to buy a special form for modeling. It is made of plastic or silicone.
In order for the interior to have one stylistic direction, professionals advise creating the same patterns on the walls and ceiling. It is important not to visually reduce the space. Don't use heavy pieces in small spaces as the room will look unnatural.
First, select the location of the decor, taking into account the area of \u200b\u200bthe room;
firmly fix large parts with dowels and screws;
before starting the fastening, it is necessary to thoroughly wash the surface and remove the whitewash;
then outline the outline of the installation with a pencil;
on the details, wall and ceiling surfaces, notches are made with a chisel;
it is required to install the cornice from the corner of the room, cut the stucco molding with a hacksaw in two at an angle of 45 °;
prepare a solution of gypsum, add 3% glue for carpentry to it;
moisten the wall with water and apply glue to it;
put the structure in place and move it a little;
remove excess gypsum mortar with a plaster spatula.
First, make holes in the wall.
Place plugs in them, then screw in the screws.
Opposite to the screws on the reverse side of the eaves, holes are made in the wall a little wider in depth, filled with gypsum and the structure is pushed onto the fasteners.
We fix the socket:
we form holes through the socket, they are placed in the ceiling opposite to the plugs with screws;
we fasten a flexible wire to a separate screw, it is coated with nitro-varnish in advance;
we stretch the wire through the holes and wind it onto the screw;
Cover the holes with gypsum mortar.