Any garden or vegetable garden needs beauty and care. The most best choice, at the same time, there will be laying of tiles on the paths. It will help improve the appearance of the dacha, creating an atmosphere of prosperity and neatness. You can purchase tiles in a store or create your own. All that is needed to accomplish the last point is a little skill, the presence necessary materials and properly selected lubricant. Lubrication is necessary to create the mold paving slabs. It can be self-made or specialized. The choice of what to lubricate with often depends on the level of production, as well as the structure of the formwork.
Varieties of paving slab shapes
Tiles are small pieces of concrete that have different shapes and are laid on the track.
There are several types of structure:
- In the shape of a rectangle.
- Free
- Universal.
- In the form of a model.
- Castle.
- Ecological.
Among other things, tiles can be cast or pressed. The second option involves the presence of special devices, as well as skills and abilities. Doing it yourself is a rather difficult and time-consuming process. It is much easier to make cast tiles. To do this, you just need a little patience, strength and skill.
Materials for pouring: plastic, concrete
There are types of tiles based on the content of materials:
- Made of cement and sand.
- Made from baked clay.
- Made of rubber.
- Made of plastic.
- From granite.
Cement tile has a number of positive properties: it is durable, does not fade even after long term operation, does not allow moisture to pass through.
Clay paving stones are distinguished by a variety of shades, as well as anti-slip properties.
The rubber pieces are made from polyurethane, a material widely used in shoe soles. This tile is characterized by softness and slight surface roughness. 
Starting to ennoble garden plot or the area around the house, we must not forget about the paths. Only they can give your site a finished and aesthetic look. If you decide to create paths from paving slabs, then you can do it yourself. You don't need to be an expert to handle this matter. Having learned all the nuances of the work, such as how and what the tile is made of, how to lubricate the form for paving slabs and how to lay it, you can confidently get to work.
Choosing the shape of the tiles is also an important matter; they are divided into several main types: rectangular, freeform, universal, model, castle and ecological shape.
Features: manufacturing and application
Paving stones are made from concrete, which in turn consists of cement, sand and water mixed in the required proportions. Everything is taken into account here, from the brand of cement to the purpose and area of application of the paving slabs.
What kind of pressure should it withstand and the like. Most often, cement is used either 1:3 or 1:4, for example, if cement is grade M 500 (which is considered one of the best), then the proportion will be 1:4.
Paving stones are made from concrete, which in turn consists of cement, sand and water mixed in the required proportions.
Choosing the shape of the tiles is also an important matter; they are divided into several main types:
- rectangular;
- arbitrary;
- universal;
- model;
- castle;
- and ecological form.
Tiles are also divided according to the production method, among them there are two main ones - cast and pressed.
To produce pressed tiles, special equipment and large investments are required, which means it is very difficult to do this at home.
Such tiles are used for paving large areas and roads; they can withstand very high pressure, due to the fact that during production the concrete is constantly exposed to blows from a special hammer.
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Available application options
This method is available to everyone and makes it possible to create a slab of exactly the shape and size that we need. In order to create it, you will need concrete.
When making it, you can use the “clumsy” method, mixing with a shovel in a trough. But this is a very labor-intensive process that takes a lot of time. It is better to use a concrete mixer that you can buy, rent or borrow. Do not forget to add a plasticizer to the mixture; if it is dry, then it must be dissolved in water.
And to obtain tiles of various colors, they add acrylic paints, so you can create tiles not only of any shape, but also of any color. The paint must be mixed with sand before adding it to the mixture.
To obtain tiles of various colors, acrylic paints are added to concrete, so you can create tiles not only of any shape, but also of any color.
- In addition to concrete, you will also need forms, which can be purchased in specialized stores; the most convenient are forms made of rubber and polymer. But you can also make them yourself.
For example, make frames from hewn wooden blocks. In this case, the shape will depend solely on your imagination and skillful hands. However, to create a drawing, you still have to go to the store to purchase a stencil to your liking. The stencil is applied to the concrete as soon as it is poured into the mold and removed after a few minutes.
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What does the lubrication process involve?
But before you pour concrete into the finished mold, you need to lubricate it. The choice of lubricants is large enough so that you can choose exactly what suits you. These can be petroleum oil concentrates, emulsions, soap and powder solutions and other lubricants used in the manufacture of paving slabs.
A good lubricant should not change the color of the cast tile and should not affect the shape in any way. By the way, if you plan to create a very small amount of tiles, you can ask for it at a service station, and they will give it to you completely free of charge or for a symbolic price.
One of the most popular and frequently used is KSF-1 lubricant. Its advantages are low consumption, ease of application, using any means at hand, and in the end, everything results in a very reasonable price.
Krystal oils are very often used to lubricate molds for the paving system; more precisely, an emulsion is made on their basis, and it is applied using the spraying method.
Nometal lubricant is perfect if you use metal carcass. It will protect it from corrosion.
Each lubricant, in addition to its individual properties (if any), must perform certain functions:
One of the most popular and frequently used is KSF-1 lubricant. Its advantages are low consumption and ease of application.
- With its help, paving slabs are easily removed from the mold.
- Thanks to the lubricant, pores do not appear on the front of the tile.
- Appearance should only improve, but not change in color.
Only when these goals are achieved is the use of a lubricant considered appropriate, otherwise its use is pointless and is not worth the material costs and lost time.
Not bad economical option for lubrication is the well-known Agate series; this product has long proven itself on the positive side.
It is used for absolutely all types of formwork, and one liter is enough for 35 sq.m. surfaces.
Release concentrate is also used as a release agent, typically for metal and polymer molds. It is most often used to create large slabs. When using it, know that it is water-repellent and does not react to temperature.
Don’t forget that lubricants are highly soluble in water, which allows you to get about ten liters of ready-made mold processing product from one kilogram of concentrate.
You also don’t need to have any special skills for dilution, just add the concentrate to the water and mix for about 5 minutes.
- No special clothing is required when lubricating the tiles. Ordinary work clothes are quite suitable, since lubricants do not have any harmful effects or contraindications, and are completely in harmony with the environment.
Lubricating the mold will not only make it easier for you to release the tiles from the mold, but will save you from having to wash the mold itself later.
In order for the tiles to be perfectly flat and the installation process to be quite simple, before greasing the mold must be cleaned of dirt, debris and small parts.
This is done with a 10% solution of hydrochloric acid.
By the way, you can find a replacement for lubricant, for example, use an antistatic agent instead. But if you use a lubricant, which is actually preferable to an antistatic agent, then do not forget that you need to apply it in a thin layer.
First, be sure to clean the mold from dirt, debris and small parts that can get there, even with the help of the wind. Only on a thoroughly cleaned form can you begin to grease the prepared mixture or pollinate it. It is better to do this with gloves, just so as not to get your hands dirty.
And of course, if you are not lubricating, but pollinating, then it is better to wear a respiratory mask. If you use a brush to apply the lubricant, make sure that no hairs from it remain inside the mold.
Any detail, even the smallest one, will definitely be imprinted on the surface of the tile, which, of course, will ruin its appearance and your mood. In general, using a lubricant will make your work easier and improve significantly.
Lubricant for paving slab molds plays an important role in the production of tile products. Certainly, concrete mortar, dyes, plasticizers and the right technology directly determine the quality of future tile products. Good lubrication makes it easier to remove products from molds and preserve (or even improve) them appearance. Moreover, it prevents the appearance of pores on front side paving slabs and paving stones.
For quality styling tiles, it is necessary to carefully prepare the molds for its manufacture.
Before pouring concrete into molds, they must be thoroughly cleaned and lubricated. By the way, they are made from various materials and there are metal, plastic, polyurethane, wood (formwork).
High-quality lubricant does not affect the shape, does not change the color of the cast tile and does not have a destructive effect on it.
The choice is quite diverse: all kinds of emulsions, powder and soap solutions, mineral oil concentrates, etc.
Variety of mold release agents
To produce a small volume of tile coverings, you can contact the nearest service station and for a nominal price or purchase lubricant for free. For large volumes of tiles and paving stones, special domestic and foreign lubricants are used. We list the most popular and frequently used in the manufacture of paving slabs and paving stones:
At home, you can make lubricant based on motor oil.
- KSF-1. Available in the form of a homogeneous paste, it is characterized by low consumption, ease of application, provides an even, smooth surface and does not leave colored stains on it. The lubricant is non-toxic, dissolves well in cold and warm water. It is used in the form of an emulsol - a 9-10% aqueous solution. You can lubricate the molds with any means at hand. Used for plastic, metal forms and formwork.
- Kristal, based on light mineral oils, is an environmentally friendly product, has excellent anti-corrosion properties, and is used for metal and wooden forms. Apply with a brush or spray.
- Nometal also protects metal forms from corrosion, cracks and pores.
- Agate, used for any shape, is a very economical lubricant, allowing 1 liter to cover 35 square meters. m. surface, has many positive reviews.
- Anti-adhesive concentrate Tiprom 90 based on silicones, which has water-repellent properties, is usually used for the production of large slabs in metal and polymer forms. Does not respond to temperature.
- Emulsol, made on a mineral basis, is often used in construction to lubricate formwork. Consists of biodegradable substances. It is applied with a sponge or spray, is quite affordable and is very suitable for the manufacture of paving slabs, without requiring subsequent grouting or finishing.
Many lubricants are available in the form of concentrates. Concentrates differ in that you can get more of the finished product from them. To do this, add them to water and stir for 5 minutes.
How is lubricant applied and is it possible to save money on it?
For easy removal of paving stones, the mold must be lubricated.
Apply a thin layer of lubricant to each mold with a brush or spray, depending on the chosen lubricant. Before application, as already mentioned, you need to thoroughly clean the molds of debris and dirt. They need to be lubricated immediately before pouring concrete. No special clothing is required to apply the lubricant. It is enough to wear gloves to protect your hands from contamination. If the spraying method is chosen, it is better to wear a respirator.
When applying with a brush, you need to ensure that all corners are treated and the bristles do not remain in shape. Any little thing can ruin the appearance of the tiles.
It should be noted that lubricant not only improves the process of removing tiles, but also significantly extends the service life of the molds, reducing the load on them.
Now here is a recipe for a simple and cheap DIY lubricant. Take 50 g of motor oil and dilute it in 1.5 liters of water. We shake. This needs to be done for quite a long time. We test on the product. You can experiment with proportions. A greasy lubricant can create holes in the tiles or oil stains on the surface, and a weak lubricant will worsen the removal process.
Some tilers use a saline solution to rinse molds. Hydrochloric acid is diluted with water, and forms are lowered into a 7-10% solution. Then they don't smudge.
Some people use soapy water. It is prepared from ordinary soap or dishwashing liquid. Naturally, the savings are obvious, and the slipping of the tiles out of the molds will also please you, but they remain very dirty after it.
To summarize, let us once again outline the three main functions of a release agent:
- easier removal of products:
- reducing labor costs for cleaning molds and formwork;
- maintaining the quality of products and their appearance due to the fact that the concrete does not stick to the form and the tiles do not have to be “torn off”.
By saving on lubricant, you can lose much more on discarding. Even when producing tiles for their own needs, everyone wants them to be beautiful, strong and durable.
The range of lubricants used, emulsions, concentrates, various petroleum oils, as well as powder and soap solutions, too wide. The choice of lubricant largely depends on the manufacturer, formwork configuration and production volume. The most popular lubricants are based on various concentrates and, in particular, KSF-1. Low consumption square meter, the possibility of application with any means at hand, make this product interesting from a material point of view.
As a rule, types of lubricants do not affect or change the color of the cast product and do not have a destructive effect on the shape of paving slabs. In the case of their production in small quantities, for example, for summer cottages, yard or street paving, lubricant can be purchased at the service station for free. But remember that the lubricant must be applied to a completely clean surface.
Krystal molding grades of oils are also widespread. Based on them, emulsions are formed, which are applied by spraying. They are used in the production of a wide range of paving and facing slabs, decorative pillars, laying lawn fences, borders and others.
Nometal lubricant is also of interest. This type of oil not only facilitates the separation of the concrete product from the formwork, but also protects the metal form from corrosion. Lubrication gives:
- high-quality appearance of the external surface of the product;
- prevents the appearance of pores on the front part of the product;
- Easily separates the finished slab from any type of mold.
You can lubricate the forms of paving slabs with the so-called anti-adhesive concentrate. It is used for polymer and metal molds in the production of large-sized slabs. The properties of such a lubricant give the surface of the product water-repellent qualities with the formation of a film; it differs from other lubricants in its independence from temperature changes.
It should be borne in mind that lubricants are highly soluble in water, which makes it possible to obtain 100 or more liters of lubricant from 10 kilograms of concentrate. This especially applies to concentrates like KSF-1. A homogeneous lubricating solution is obtained after 4-5 minutes of stirring.
We should not forget about the AGAT series lubricant. This generation of highly effective lubricant is used for all types of formwork. The most economical, since 1 liter of lubricant is enough to process 35 square meters. surfaces.
In general, lubricants are not harmful to health and have no impact on the environment.
The issue of lubricating paving slab molds is not considered problematic due to the presence of their variety, including homemade ones.
Before the concrete solution is poured into the mold for making paving slabs, it must be properly lubricated. When wondering how you can lubricate a mold for paving slabs, it should be noted that there are plenty of options:
- concentrates based on petroleum oils;
- emulsions;
- powder and soap solutions;
- other lubricants.
The main condition is that the lubricant should not affect the final product in any way: neither the shape, nor the color, and especially not the specifications products. It is also very important that the lubricant allows the paving slabs to be removed from the mold fairly easily.
Types of lubricants for paving slab molds
One of the most common lubricants in tile production is KSF-1. Its main advantages are low consumption, ease of use and low cost. For metal forms, it is better to use Nometal, which can protect the metal from corrosion processes and the formation of cracks.
An anti-adhesive concentrate can also be used as a lubricant for paving slabs. Its use is justified for metal and polymer workpieces. This substance has water-repellent properties and does not react to temperature.
The good thing about the concentrate is that it can be diluted with water at any time. You don’t need any special skills for this, just stir the solution for 5 minutes. No special clothing is required when applying the lubricant.
If you want to not only freely remove tiles from the molds, but also skip the washing procedure, then you should use a 10% hydrochloric acid solution. There is a method that completely eliminates the use of lubricants by using a simple antistatic agent. However, he is not that good.
