Painting decorative stone – with what and how?

There is a lot of interest in painting decorative stones. No wonder, after all, it is a very impressive element of the interior. So how to do it?

Decorative stone or gypsum stone – what is it?

The term decorative stone is used for special stone-like gypsum tiles. They are usually sold in a raw state. Thanks to proper application of paints and agents it is possible to create a beautiful decoration

How to paint decorative stone?

Decorative stone is usually painted with special acrylic paint. It has several important advantages, which make it so popular. Firstly, it is available in many different colors so we can successfully realize our artistic vision. Secondly, acrylic perfectly protects the gypsum surface from various types of dirt. Thirdly, these paints are extremely durable, it is difficult to damage them, and they are also resistant to UV rays and water. Finally, acrylic is characterized by good adhesion and elasticity. So we can be sure that the coating produced will be stable and will not crack.

What paint color to choose?

When choosing acrylic paint color should be guided by two rules. First: the type of room and the style in which it is set. Secondly, our personal preferences. A loft room, which is best kept in a more severe climate, will look different, and we will arrange the space in a Scandinavian style differently

Here the solution will be white paint for gypsum stone, which will brighten the interior. If the room is not intended to reproduce a particular style, the choice depends only on our personal preferences and what effect we want to achieve. As we have already mentioned, white beautifully brightens the room. In turn, the use of various shades of brown and beige will give it a cozier atmosphere. In small spaces, which we want to transform into an elegant interior, we can confidently use black.

What can be used instead of paint?

Of course, acrylic paint is not the only solution. There are coloring and protective substances, which can be successfully used on decorative stone. We can use copper or iron vitriol. This substance not only colors but also perfectly protects stone against external factors. In this case, painting gypsum tiles can be done with a stain.

Step by step for painting decorative stone

How to paint decorative stone step by step? There are only 3 steps that guarantee success. Here they are

1. Surface preparation: first of all we have to clean the gypsum tiles from dust. It is advisable to use slightly damp cloths and sponges. Avoid wet cloths because gypsum absorbs moisture very well.
2. Impregnating tiles: We know that gypsum is an absorbent material. This means that before we paint the tiles, we have to properly protect them with an impregnator. This will help us maintain its pristine appearance longer. To impregnate decorative stone, you can use vitriol of iron or copper or one of the many impregnates available on the market designed for gypsum tiles. It is also worth thinking about covering gypsum tiles with a layer of gypsum.
3. Painting tiles: the proper stage. If we have properly prepared and impregnated the tiles, we can successfully paint the tiles in the color that we have chosen. For painting, you will need a roller, a brush and a spray gun. We can also use spray paint

What should be kept in mind when painting decorative stone?

When painting decorative stone we should remember that not every paint is compatible with every impregnate. The paint can only be applied on a completely dry surface so a bit of patience is needed. It is also worth remembering that decorative stone should wait for at least 24 hours at home to gain adequate temperature and humidity. Only then can we move on to painting