Stucco for the fireplace: classification, design, do-it-yourself formation

05/08/2017 6816 Pechnik (Moscow) Any decoration of the portal allows you to embody and emphasize a certain style and design. Fireplace stucco has a number of unique properties. It is perfect for decorating the surface of a product in classic, retro, Provencal styles.

You can make this type of decor either with your own hands, using the tips and recommendations of this article, or by purchasing a ready-made frame in the required style and with a certain finishing with stucco details.

Choosing stucco elements

First of all, you need to decide on the style and method of decorating the hearth. It is equally important to take the operating conditions of the heating unit as a basis. It can serve both a purely decorative function and efficiently and fully heat the entire house or apartment.

Also decide on the type of hearth itself; it can be one of the following varieties:

• Electric. Allows you to simulate real fire using three-dimensional images and sound effects. It has several levels of power adjustment and operating methods. Operates from a standard electrical network;
• Classic wood-burning. Suitable for installation in private homes. A real flame burns in the hearth; logs and coals are used as the main fuel. Installation requires installation and installation of a chimney.

Gypsum stucco molding in loft style

Decorating the frame and adjacent walls in a single style

A beautiful and voluminous portal with an abundance of stucco: the work of a professional craftsman

Advice: before planning to decorate the portal with stucco and plaster, it is necessary to take into account the operating features of the hearth. Since in the future problems may arise associated with the appearance of soot, melting of the material and partial destruction of the coating itself.

In order to familiarize yourself with the cladding options in more detail, we recommend viewing the photos in this article.

Artificial plasterboard fireplace

Drywall and profiles allow you to create decorative fireplaces of any size and configuration. First of all, you need to decide what size portal you want to make, draw it on a piece of paper or in one of the design programs, put down the dimensions, and think about the type of finish. Only then, based on the finished drawing, can work begin. This is the right thing to do.

Calculation of proportions and preparatory work

To make it easier to estimate the proportions, you can use a ready-made drawing. You can and should change the dimensions to suit your conditions - this is not a real brick fireplace, in which all dimensions must be observed for normal operation, but only its imitation. So, feel free to adjust the dimensions to your own ideas and the size of the source of fire.”

Production capabilities and technologies

Mostly, gypsum stucco is applied to the area of ​​the fireplace opening. The type of material, the price of which can vary significantly, depends on the technology and method of its production.

Depending on the selected technological process used in production, fireplace portals and cladding are divided into the following types:

Tip:
the instructions allow you to use various volumetric decor and gypsum stucco not only in classic, retro and Provencal styles, but also partially in art deco, country, hi-tech, loft designs.

Advantages of the material

Gypsum is a type of inexpensive and accessible material used in home crafts for decorating various surfaces, including fireplace portals.

Comparative characteristics of technical parameters of gypsum

It demonstrates a number of advantages that attract craftsmen:

• environmental Safety;
• the ability to absorb excess moisture from the surrounding atmosphere and release it if the air becomes excessively dry;
• fire resistance, which allows the use of gypsum in the design of the facades of fireplaces that operate by burning different types of fuel;
• durability without loss of decorative qualities;
• no shrinkage causing deformation.

Artificial stone made of gypsum
Attracts the possibility of using a variety of techniques for decorating gypsum elements: tinting with acrylic or water-based paint, imitating the natural textures of stone, brick or wood, gilding, painting.

Before painting, two coats of primer must be applied. Since gypsum is not a conductor of electric current, it is an ideal finishing for portals for electric fireplaces.

Choosing the style of stucco molding

In order for the frame with the hearth to look as harmonious as possible and fit best into the overall interior and design of the living room, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the following features and criteria for choosing such a finish:

1. Classic performance. Allows you to simulate a stone surface. Fireplaces made of stucco take on the most natural appearance and natural structure;
2. Stucco molding in medieval style. Presented with large and textured elements and three-dimensional images;
3. Antiquity and antiquity. Such decoration will give the installation a medieval design and mystery. The main technique of such execution is the aging of the surfaces of finishing materials.

Decorating the fireplace shelf for the New Year and Christmas

Massive portal in the classic design of a small living room

You can learn more about these trends and decoration features by watching the video in this article.

Classification of stucco

When choosing gypsum and other stucco molding, you must first carefully familiarize yourself with its classification and characteristic features of application:

• Using polystyrene foam as stucco molding. This method is one of the simplest and most cost-effective. The low cost of this design is achieved due to the availability of polystyrene foam. This material is distinguished by its good flexibility and ease of processing. This makes it possible, if necessary, to bend it, thereby giving it a certain shape, or to cut out any, even the most complex elements. The disadvantages of such material include its fragility;
• Plaster stucco. The cost of such coverage is quite high. However, this material has a lot of unique advantages. It is distinguished by its durability, environmental friendliness and high strength. The design is made of plaster and will last quite a long time. In addition, gypsum has good fire-resistant properties and is perfect for both partial and complete decoration of portals;

Plaster molding for a fireplace: classic frame, for subsequent installation of an electric fireplace

Decorative base made of polyurethane

Purchased frame with plaster elements and natural stone trim

Important: despite the fact that gypsum absorbs and absorbs moisture quite well, installations with this design should absolutely not be installed in rooms with high humidity. As a result of the accumulation and exposure of its surface to excess moisture, the material will become very flimsy and will collapse.

• Polyurethane. Polyurethane stucco for the fireplace is distinguished by its increased rigidity. The base does not collapse even in conditions of high humidity. Polyurethane stucco for the fireplace is absolutely safe for health, durable, strong and reliable.

We make the interior cozy with our own hands - install a false fireplace

Creating a cozy living room with a blazing fireplace and crackling flames is only available to residents of private or country houses. In a modern multi-storey building, this is very difficult to achieve, and in some cases impossible. But creating a high-quality imitation in a classic or modern style is quite feasible. Making a false fireplace with your own hands is not as difficult as it seems. Modern materials, when handled skillfully, help to implement a variety of design solutions. Let's try to figure out together what and how you can build a decorative portal in your city apartment.

Use of gypsum decor and its use

Fireplaces with plaster stucco can be found quite often. The main advantages and advantages of the material include:

• Fireplaces made from stucco are not prone to shrinkage. Due to this, they perfectly maintain their original shapes and sizes over a long period of operation of the fireplace;
• It has good fire resistance. Which allows, from a fire safety point of view, to use it for decoration both in a house and in an apartment;
• Cladding the fireplace with plaster makes its surface durable. Gypsum is distinguished by its durability, strength and high quality;
• Eco-friendly. Belongs to the category of natural, environmentally friendly and natural coatings. Which makes it absolutely safe for health. When heated, it does not smolder and does not emit combustion and decay products dangerous to life and health into the air;
• Used for finishing portals with an electric fireplace. Since its electrical conductivity is zero.

Decorative plaster cast portal

Large and massive wall frame with stucco molding

Making gypsum stucco with your own hands

In order to make such a decor with your own hands, you need to use the following step-by-step guide:

1. Select the shape and size of the required element. It is equally important to think about its color design and place of attachment, so that each element is ideally suited and combined with the chosen location;
2. The solution for forming the part can be either purchased at a specialized hardware store and diluted according to the manufacturer’s instructions, or prepared at home yourself;
3. For 1 kilogram of dry powdered gypsum, take about 700-800 milliliters of water;
4. If a solution of medium consistency is required, for 1.5 kilograms of gypsum, take about 1 liter of water;
5. To apply and create shapes, it is recommended to use a special stencil. You can make it yourself;
6. Apply a layer of plaster to it and remove all excess;
7. After the solution has completely dried, we process and polish the surface.

Marking and removing excess gypsum mortar

Quite a complex and delicate pattern made by a professional

Tip: to create more voluminous elements, you can use special purchased forms that have a clear structure. In order to cast such a volumetric part, it is enough to pour a gypsum solution into it and, after waiting for it to dry, remove the finished element, and then fix it on the surface of the portal.

Important: when purchasing materials in winter, make purchases exclusively in stores. Goods and materials purchased in open tents may lose their adhesive and adhesive properties as a result of regular exposure to sub-zero temperatures.

Production of volumetric figures

If you want to make a fairly voluminous figure or an entire complex composition, we recommend using the following tips and instructions:

• Prepare a soap solution. For these purposes, it is recommended to use special liquid soap. This will make the process as easy as possible and at the same time avoid the formation of lumps and other compactions;
• Lubricate the special mold with the prepared solution;
• The gypsum solution must be poured into the mold in portions. Such consistency and unhurriedness is necessary so that the previous layer partially dries;

Important: the approximate thickness of each layer should not exceed 1-1.5 centimeters.

• After all layers have completely dried, you must carefully remove the product from the mold;
• We grind the surface of the element, adjust its shape if necessary and fix it on the surface of the fireplace portal using special gypsum glue.

Ready-made gypsum stucco molding for decorating the surface of the fireplace

Production of volumetric elements using a stencil

Tip: to make and shape parts, you can use both your own prepared and purchased molds. If necessary, the form can be made from simple plasticine. To do this, mold it into a hollow part of the required shape and, having lubricated the inner surface, apply one layer of plaster to it. After complete drying, continue sequential application of layers with a special spatula.

Working tools

To work you will need some tools and materials:

• drywall (give preference to German products from Knauf);
• profiles for the frame (use Yandex Market when searching for the cheapest products);
• dowels and screws;
• circular saw or jigsaw (an economical option is a regular drywall saw or calcium silicate);
• metal scissors;
• putty knife;
• dry putty mixture;
• decor to your taste (polyurethane foam baseboards, stucco molding or stone tiles);
• pencil, tape measure, building level (every owner should have).

To save on materials, take everything at once in one place - there is a high probability that you will be given a discount.

Large construction markets such as OBI, Leroy Merlin and others constantly hold promotions. All information is available on the official website.

Also actively use the Internet to search for inexpensive missing goods in your region.

You will need 2 types of screws:

for connecting profiles (1.4-1.6 cm) and with a countersunk head - for fastening gypsum boards. If you plan to create curved elements (an arched firebox opening, a rounded podium, etc.), you will also need to purchase a special cutter. This is a roller with teeth, which will be necessary when making curved surfaces.

DIY decoration

When starting to decorate portals made from plasterboard, you should explore different options and draw up a preliminary sketch.

You have to choose from a wide range of gypsum elements:

• floral designs;
• atlases supporting the fireplace tabletop;
• plant forms;
• columns or bas-reliefs;
• animalistic images.

Decorating a fireplace with plaster rods [ads-mob-1][ads-pc-1]
Making molded decor from plaster

In any combination, they should not cause dissonance with the environment. All decorative elements must form a harmonious composition and fully suit the plasterboard structure that should be decorated.

Variety of fireplaces

Traditional wood-burning fireplaces are widespread throughout the world. Specialists are involved in construction, because the chimney device is directly responsible for removing soot from the home.

In addition to wood-burning fireplaces, there are electric and gas fireplaces, and there is also a category of bio-fireplaces. The gas option will also require a chimney. An electric fireplace is convenient and practical in urban environments; it operates from the mains.

A biofireplace is a device that runs on bioethanol or alcohol fuel. Electric and biomodels are suitable for owners of city apartments, where placement of a traditional combustion source is not allowed.

Preparation of the solution

To give plaster fireplaces and ensure strong adhesion to the surface of the plasterboard portal, it is necessary to properly prepare the solution. Its consistency depends on the dimensions of the cast piece, as well as on the type of image.

Proportions for preparing plaster mortar

A liquid solution is necessary if there are small parts. It is prepared from 0.8 liters of water and a kilogram of gypsum. If the convex fragments of the decor are large enough and there are no thin reliefs, then the amount of gypsum powder increases by one and a half times, and one liter of water will be needed. A thick paste may be needed to apply stucco without casting directly to a drywall surface. In this case, the weight of gypsum diluted in a liter of water is two kilograms.

Where to place the structure

Corner option

False fireplaces are also distinguished by their shape, which determines their location:

• Rectangular wall
• Angular
• Ostrovny

A wall-mounted specimen is placed in the middle of the wall, in a free area. It is placed permanently or built into furniture walls. The top edge is strengthened so that it can be used as a shelf.

The durable design with a metal frame can serve as a stand for a large TV. The device can also be placed in place of the radiator to aesthetically disguise it. They are placed in niches, between columns, in any room.

A corner hearth requires more careful measurements so that in the end the structure does not seem bulky. The depth of the firebox should appear proportional to the height and width of both sides of the triangle. The dimensions can be chosen arbitrarily, but it is advisable to first draw a sketch on paper.

An island fireplace requires a lot of space in the room. It helps to zone the room. Looks good in an apartment with a modern interior, in which there are no partitions and an abundance of furniture.

Fireplace in the house