Due to the changing trend of stone design and decoration, the antique processing of natural stone is increasingly widely used in the decoration of various buildings, and is highly loved and favored by architectural designers and consumers. In fact, the antique surface of natural stone is not a new processing method that has only been developed in recent years, as early as the 1990s. It has also been used very early in China, such as the National Grand Theater in Beijing, which partially uses this antique treated stone material. In this article, let’s talk about the relevant knowledge of antique stone.
1.What is antique stone?
The so-called “antique stone” refers to the natural or special treatment that causes natural waves or cracks on the surface of the stone, and the natural effect of the stone after long-term use. Simply put, it means processing natural stone to create an antique effect that looks like it has been used for hundreds of years.
2. Advantages of antique stone processing
Stone antique processing can have a bumpy satin mercerizing effect, showcasing the natural crystal luster of the stone and providing a unique decorative effect; At the same time, it also improves the anti fouling and waterproof properties of the stone, and can play a role in anti slip. Antique processing of stone can also avoid light pollution of buildings due to mirror reflection of light. At the same time, antique stone is easy to repair after wear. At the same time, the color difference is smaller than that of polished processing, and it also better reflects the value concept of natural and environmental protection.
3. Main tools for antique processing of natural stone materials
The main equipment for antique processing of stone is the stone grinding brush, which mainly includes three types: nylon brush, steel wire brush, and mixed brush.
Nylon brush is a grinding wire composed of high-quality silicon carbide and special nylon material, firmly fixed on a brush base, mainly used for antique grinding brushes of marble. Steel wire brushes are made of stainless steel wire or low-carbon steel wire, mainly used for brushing and grinding hard stones such as granite. A mixed brush is a grinding brush made of special nylon and stainless steel wire.
Stone grinding brushes are classified according to specifications, including Frankfurt type, circular type, Fickett type, etc; Classified by mesh size: wire brush, 36 #, 46 #, 60 #, 80 #, 120 #, 180 #, 240 #, 320 #, 500 #, etc. The Frankfurt type is used in the industrial production of stone materials, such as hand mills, production lines, and ground refurbishing machines; Circular for small manual polishing machines, ground refurbishing machines, etc; The Fickett type is used for automated continuous mills.
4. Processing process of antique surface of natural stone
Due to the different materials and structures of granite and marble, each with its own characteristics, the processing and production methods of granite antique stone and marble antique stone are different.
5. Processing of granite antique surface
Due to the hard texture of granite, the first step is to use fire or high-pressure water flushing to form a rough surface of the fire fired board or rough panel. It should be noted that when processing into a rough rough surface, it should be rougher than a regular fired board. This can avoid the next step of using a stone grinding brush to make the stone board too smooth and lose its three-dimensional sense.
Next, use a stone grinding brush for brushing and grinding, preferably using a steel wire brush first; Perform a rough brush to remove the loose material on the granite board surface and shape it. This not only has high efficiency, but also reduces equipment wear and can extend the service life of the grinding brush.
Afterwards, according to the specific requirements of the customer, use a grinding brush from coarse to fine mesh to grind and polish in sequence until the board surface reaches the required effect and luster. If the customer requests a smooth matte effect, they only need to use four processes: steel brush, 36 # (or 46 #), 60 # (or 80 #), and 120 #; If you want to achieve the effect of mercerization, you need to add three more processes: 240 #, 320 #, and 500 #. Of course, if all processes are done, the effect will be better. As for some outdoor boards that do not require much glossiness, they can be directly brushed with a steel wire brush.
6. Marble antique surface processing
Due to the significant differences in the materials of different marbles, the processing method should be selected based on the differences in the characteristics of each type of marble.
Marbles containing more calcium and magnesium carbonate or with cracks and pores can be soaked in hydrochloric acid for corrosion, with a soaking time of about 10-20 minutes; Afterwards, use a steel brush to remove the residue from cracks and holes to enhance the three-dimensional feel of the stone surface. Finally, use a grinding brush from coarse mesh to fine mesh to grind and polish in sequence until the surface meets the customer’s requirements for gloss.
If there is a lot of calcite in the table, the marble can be directly processed with a steel brush. Similarly, the uneven three-dimensional surface can be first brushed with a steel wire brush, and then polished with a grinding brush from coarse mesh to fine mesh in sequence. Generally, 180 #, 240 #, 320 #, 500 # grinding brushes are used for processing. If the marble is hard, the previous processes can be appropriately added.
