Increasingly in office premises, large organizations and even in ordinary apartments can be seen self-leveling floors 3D, the prices for which are quite high, but the effect produced and aesthetic characteristics tip the scales in favor of choosing just such a floor design. In terms of installation technology, such floors do not differ from conventional self-leveling floors, however, there are some features when selecting and preparing images.
Self-leveling floors and creating a 3D effect
Self-leveling floors are seamless polymer coatings that seem to be “poured” onto the floor surface. Such floors differ according to the main component of the poured mixture: there are polyurethane, cement-acrylic, epoxy and methyl methacrylate floors, and there are also various combined mixtures. The most common are epoxy and polyurethane floors.
Having appreciated the beautiful three-dimensional drawings that modern artists place on asphalt and walls, interior designers came to the conclusion that such an effect would suitably fit into the design of an office or apartment. From that moment on, a kind of “boom” began for 3D images on the floor: positive reviews about self-leveling 3D floors and their many advantages on various construction forums do not dry out.
In addition to the chic aesthetic characteristics, originality and freshness of this design solution, a self-leveling floor with a 3D effect has a number of other advantages:
- strength and long service life,
- resistance to moisture and chemicals,
- ease of care,
- environmental friendliness,
- safety of operation (fire resistance, hygiene),
- Possibility of installation in any room.
Stages of installing a self-leveling floor with a 3D effect
The technology for laying a floor with a 3D effect is not as complicated as it seems at first glance. The main thing that is important to pay attention to is the processes of preparing and laying materials, since the base for the drawing must be perfectly flat.
The entire process of creating a 3D self-leveling floor consists of several stages:
- Base preparation or leveling. Most often this is done using self-leveling floor mixtures. When the material dries, the base is sanded.
Advice! This floor can be laid on different surface: on wood, and on concrete, and on tiles. The only differences will be in the preparation of the base in order to achieve the most even surface possible.
- Primer. The base is filled with primer and the surface is leveled again, preparing it for drawing.
- Applying a base (polymer) layer. You first need to think about its background so that it matches the picture.
- Drawing an image. Depending on the type of material used as an image (artist’s drawing, banner fabric, satin base, vinyl film), the process of its application will also depend. The artist simply paints on the prepared surface, and the finished image is attached using a self-adhesive backing or a thin layer of coating used in the following steps.
Advice! In cases where the image is composed of several pieces, you need to carefully ensure that the result is a single canvas, i.e. You will have to join the parts of the drawing very carefully.
- Filling with finishing coat. Most often, this coating is epoxy resin. Depending on the functions of the room and the required depth of the volumetric image, a layer of 1.5 to 5 mm is applied.
- Final sanding of the floor and varnishing if necessary.
Average prices
If you order a self-leveling floor from one of the specialized companies, the price per m2 will be about 5-6 thousand rubles, and usually the larger the area of the room being repaired, the lower the price per 1 m2. The cost of flooring may vary slightly depending on the region and materials used.
If you make a 3D self-leveling floor with your own hands, you can benefit in terms of price, but you will have to spend a lot of time and purchase necessary equipment, which may not be needed in the future. Deciding what to save on: money or time and nerves is a matter for the individual himself.
Self-leveling flooring is a seamless polymer coating that has a number of advantages over other types of floor coverings. His distinctive features are:
Durability;
- strength;
- wear resistance;
- aesthetic appeal;
- abrasion resistance;
- hygiene;
- fire safety;
- waterproof.
In addition, self-leveling floors made of polymer materials do not slip, are not destroyed under the influence of aggressive chemicals and ultraviolet rays, and have an antistatic effect. To clean the coating made of polymer materials, no aggressive household chemicals are required: you can remove dirt from the self-leveling floor by wiping it with a wet cloth.
When properly poured with a polymer composition, finished floors retain their properties for several decades.
Manufacturing technology of self-leveling 3d floor
Self-leveling 3D floors are a coating that consists of a polymer base layer, a decorative middle layer and a transparent top layer. Making such floors requires time, experience and some effort. That is why their cost is significantly higher than the cost of any other floor coverings.
Before application polymer coating It is important to properly prepare the concrete subfloor. It is necessary to thoroughly dust it with a vacuum cleaner and then prime it. It is advisable to mix the top layer of primer with quartz sand. Using this measure, you can increase the adhesion of the concrete base and avoid the appearance of defects in the finished product. floor covering.
If the technology for laying the polymer composition is violated, there is a high probability that the finished self-leveling floor will become covered with bubbles, or even peel off completely.
Upon completion preparatory work must be applied to concrete surface polymer base. Its thickness is usually 1.5-3 mm. When this layer is dry, you need to coat it with varnish.
The next step is laying the sheet with the 3D image. It is usually done using computer programs. This can be either a pattern or picture, or a three-dimensional company logo (if 3D floors are installed in an office, shopping center or any other production premises). In addition, the middle layer may include various decorative elements. These can be shells, coins, fragments, sand, wood chips, etc.
At the end of this stage of work, a final transparent polymer coating is applied to the image. With good ventilation of the room, after 5-7 days the self-leveling 3D floor will finally harden and be ready for use. The price of such coverage is quite high. Cost of one square meter floors made using this technology start from 3-5 thousand rubles.
The self-leveling 3D floor impresses with its beauty despite the high price. Covering can not only complement the design of the room, but eliminate the need to purchase a carpet. It is effective and has a long service life.
Self-leveling 3D floors – what is it?
Self-leveling 3D floor is a seamless polymer coating. Exists several types of mixture components for self-leveling floors:
- Polyurethane;
- Epoxy;
- Methyl methacrylate;
- Cement-acrylic;
- Combined.
It started with street artists who painted 3D drawings on the walls of buildings, bus stops and roads. The designers liked this idea. They moved it into offices and apartments. It was then that self-leveling 3D floors began to gain popularity and numerous positive reviews on construction forums.
In addition to its impressive external design properties, 3D self-leveling floor has operational advantages:
- Long service life;
- Resistant to moisture and aggressive substances;
- Safe and environmentally friendly;
- Suitable for any premises;
- Easy to care for.
Selecting a photo pattern for a 3D floor
3D floors are an expensive pleasure; it is not possible to constantly change them; this is a long-term type of finishing. Therefore, the choice of design should be approached carefully. Let's give two important tips:
- When choosing a picture, you should not succumb to momentary moods. You should not choose “fashionable images”, because both fashion and your desire can quickly pass.
- Choose something neutral, preferably nature: mountains, water, beach, sand, etc.
Rooms with 3D floors do not like unnecessary decor. Therefore, all elements of the design and interior of the room must be carefully planned. They should be harmoniously combined with the selected pattern.
Think through everything, right down to the placement of the furniture, so that it doesn’t block important element drawing.
Remember that the coating of a 3D design can be: smooth, rough, glossy or matte. A correctly selected pattern can visually increase the space of a small room.
Materials and tools
Necessary materials for 3D floors
Self-leveling polymer floors are the first thing you need. They are: epoxy, methyl methacrylate and polyurethane. Based on the parameters: convenience, durability and environmental friendliness, it is better to choose epoxy floors for 3D floors.
Whatever composition you choose, The 3D floor manufacturing technology will be as follows:
- Concrete base. You can also use wood if you are confident in its reliability.
- The primer layer, which helps polymer compounds better adhere to the base, is a waterproofing agent.
- Base and sealing layers to create a perfectly smooth surface and complete coverage of the base.
- 3D drawing.
- A transparent top finishing layer that will cover the image.
- Optional varnish coating. It will protect against abrasions, damage, and scratches.
Necessary tools for the job
- Drill or mixer with a special attachment. It is necessary to have speed control, reverse, power from 800 W. Mixer attachment for a drill for mixing two-composite compounds.
- Squeegee with adjustable gap size for uniform distribution and leveling of the mixture.
- Needle roller.
- A centipon roller with a pile size of 1.2 - 1.5 cm and a soft brush for hard-to-reach places.
- Spatulas.
- Paintshoes.
- Container for mixing mixtures.
- Vacuum cleaner for preparing the room.
- Hard plastic brush.
- Work clothes, protective equipment.
- Film for protecting workplaces from contamination.
Do-it-yourself self-leveling floor installation with 3D effect
Installation of self-leveling 3D floor is simple. You can’t make mistakes when preparing the base for the design and laying out the materials.
Stages of installing a self-leveling 3D floor - abstracts
- Preparing the base. Basically, a self-leveling floor is used; after complete drying, it is sanded. But it can be used as a base: concrete, wood and tiles. The main thing is that you need a perfectly flat surface for the image.
- Filling with primer. It is also perfectly aligned to the drawing.
- Base coat coating. It should match the selected image.
- Drawing. The image is applied depending on the type of material used: banner fabric, vinyl film or satin base using a self-adhesive base. If the drawing consists of several fragments, then they must be carefully joined. In addition, the artist can simply draw on the prepared surface.
- Pouring the finishing layer, mainly epoxy resin, 1.5 - 5 mm thick.
- Final sanding, if necessary, opening with varnish.
Preparing the base for a 3D floor
Since each system of self-leveling floors has its own characteristics, our option will be considered on the domestic system TeoKhim "Elakor-ED". It is not only not inferior in quality to foreign analogues, but also surpasses them in price.
Concrete base should be ideal, its differences should not exceed 1 mm per 1 m. Polymer compositions have the property of self-leveling, but they are too expensive. It is cheaper to use a concrete screed.
Requirements for a concrete base:
- Cement grade from M200;
- The concrete base must gain strength;
- Complete drying of the floor. You can cover a small area tightly with film and check after a day; if droplets of water or perspiration appear, you cannot work.
Working conditions:
- Floor temperature from 5 to 25 degrees;
- The difference in air temperature at a height of up to 50 cm and the base itself is no more than 4 degrees;
- Room humidity is not higher than 80%;
- Component temperature 15 – 20 degrees;
- Fresh air should constantly flow into the room and there should be no drafts.
Thoroughly clean the floor from dirt and dust with a powerful vacuum cleaner. Remove loose concrete. Remove all existing stains of paint, mastic, etc. Fill holes and cracks with putty. Clean again.
Priming the base
In the course of further work, you will have to work with resins that, when mixed, should not fall on the floor. To do this you need to take workspace outside the work room.
All resins have time limits, read the instructions for the compositions. Therefore, it is better if a separate person kneads them as needed.
The time it takes to prime the floor after cleaning is 2 hours. Two-component primer, A and B. Mixed in a ratio of 2 A: 1 B. Mixing speed 500 rpm. Rotation methods must be alternated.
After kneading the mixture, it takes about 3 minutes for the air to come out. After spilling it on the floor, you need to pay attention to hard-to-reach places. It takes a day for it to dry completely. If everything is done correctly, the surface will appear with a glossy sheen.
If repairs are required after this, dilute the epoxy putty in a ratio of 5 to 1 and mix until smooth. Without turning off the mixer, add quartz sand in portions. We fill in the required areas. Wait a day for complete drying. Small blemishes can be removed with sandpaper.
After this, we apply a second layer of primer, this is done in the same way as with the first. Just add quartz sand. As a result, we get a rough, flat surface.
The base layer is needed to completely cover the base and create a perfectly flat, hard surface for 3D floors. Some brands require you to cover them with fiberglass before doing this.
Before pouring the base layer of the 3D floor, we dilute the epoxy mixture again. Fill with a thin layer, avoiding the formation of puddles. After 15 - 20 minutes, cover with quartz squeak, 1.5 - 2 kg per 1 sq. m. Distribute it evenly over the surface. We remove the remaining unabsorbed squeak using a stiff brush.
We dilute the self-leveling composition for the base layer of the 3D floor using the following technology:
- Mix component A for 3 – 5 minutes by direct and reverse rotation of the mixer;
- Without stopping the mixer, slowly add the hardener;
- thoroughly mixed, especially in hard to reach places containers;
- Leave for a couple of minutes for the air to escape from the mixture. Do not keep the prepared mixture in the bucket for more than 10 minutes.
To move freely on the flooded floor, you need to wear paint shoes. You need to lift your leg straight up, without shuffling movements. This will allow the holes to heal quickly.
Pour the finished self-leveling floor and spread it evenly using a spatula to create the required thickness. Pay attention to hard-to-reach areas, where the floor meets the wall.
After 10 - 15 minutes we pass with a needle roller. It allows for final leveling of the mixture and releases remaining air.
The applied base layer of the 3D floor is left for a day. There should be no dust or construction debris on it, and there should be no drafts.
Laying a 3D pattern on the floor
Laying out a 3D drawing is a difficult and important stage. Use clean shoes with shoe covers, they will protect you from unnecessary marks from the soles.
When laying a pattern, you need to remove all the air from under it. Be extremely careful, the film may have a self-adhesive base. We must not allow wrinkles to appear, especially sticking together. This could completely ruin it.
If the drawing includes more than one fragment, then it is necessary to join it so that the joint line is not visible.
If the film is without an adhesive base, then a small amount of finishing epoxy mixture can be used as glue. It is also used when gluing decor: shells, leaves, etc.
A 3D drawing can be applied by an artist using acrylic paints. After this, it needs to dry completely.
Since paint trowels must be used to apply the finishing layer, the design must be protected with a thin layer of transparent epoxy primer.
Pouring the finishing layer of 3D floors
The finishing layer not only seals the 3D floor pattern, but also serves as a lens. It enhances the 3D effect. After applying it, you need to prevent dust and water from getting on it. Even a drop of sweat can cause local clouding, which will be clearly visible.
The final layer of the 3D floor is poured using the following technology:
- We dilute the transparent mixture “Elakor-ED” in a ratio of 2:1.
- We distribute the composition over the surface; for this it is better to use a squeegee with an adjusted gap.
- The self-leveling properties of the mixture begin to work at a consumption of at least 1 kg per 1 sq. m., and at a room temperature of 5 degrees - 1.8 kg. Therefore, you need to save in moderation.
- After 15 – 20 minutes we pass with a needle roller.
- Initial drying occurs within 24 hours. You can move around in soft shoes only after 4–5 days. And for full operation, the 3D floor will be ready only in a week.
- The varnish used is Elakor-PU Lux. Mix in a 2:1 ratio at mixer speed 1000 for 1 – 2 minutes. Leave for a few minutes to let the air out. We remember that you cannot keep it in a bucket for more than 10 minutes.
- Polyurethane has a strong, smelly odor, so take care of protective equipment and fresh air. There should be no drafts.
- To apply the varnish, we use a velor roller with a pile length of 4–5 mm.
- The varnish is applied in two layers. The break between them should be at least 8 - 12 hours and not exceed 24 hours.
After applying the varnish, the floor will be completely ready within a week, but after 3–4 days it can already be walked on in light shoes. From here you can take away that creating a 3D floor with your own hands will take at least 2 weeks. The work is very difficult and responsible.
Floor care
There are no rules for caring for 3D floors. The usual recommendations apply for this:
- Manual or mechanized cleaning;
- The number of cleanings is not limited, clean as you get dirty;
- Various cleaning products can be used;
- To ensure that 3D floors last a long time, apply polish or mastic a couple of times a year.
Video on installation of 3D floors
Time passes, everything around changes. Including finishing materials. New, more advanced, convenient, accessible ones appear. Let's not lag behind, we will learn everything about modern floor coverings.
Of course, no one forbids laying well-known, proven options on the floor. Wood, ceramic tiles, linoleum, laminate, carpet - each of them has its own pros and cons, area of application, fans and opponents. What about the new products?
TOP 9 innovative floor coverings
Warm tiles
The Japanese presented the world with an interesting development - warm ceramics (foam ceramics).
This coating eliminates main drawback any ceramic floor - it does not seem cold to the touch.
And all thanks to the fact that the tile contains air bubbles that serve as thermal insulation. Everything ingenious is simple!
Marmoleum (natural linoleum)
Yes, linoleum can be natural. Or rather, that’s exactly what he intended.
It contains wood flour, jute, linseed oil and other components.
Take a closer look at it, it’s a very, very worthy option.
Carpet tiles
This is an evolved carpet. Now it is cut into perfectly even squares or rectangles, reinforced with reinforcement and a durable non-slip base. The material is convenient for transportation, installation, and operation. If an individual module is damaged, there is no longer any need to replace the entire coating. Design opportunities are also increasing.
LVT tiles
While many people have already become familiar with vinyl and quartz vinyl tiles and have already appreciated their excellent performance qualities, LVT (luxury vinyl tiles) tiles are not known to everyone. This material is incredibly durable and resistant to any factors and damage. The manufacturer assures that even with the most severe use, LVT tiles do not lose their excellent appearance for decades.
Self-leveling floors
Seamless polymer coatings, especially those with an illusory 3D effect, are popular with many.
Their popularity is growing, as is their scope of application.
Today, subfloors can be found both in home interior, and in the commercial space, both in production and in medical institutions.
Glass floors
In some houses with unusual design, hotels, clubs, museums and other places you can find such coatings.
Most often, this is not a solid glass floor, but decorative inserts. The easiest way to install such a covering is using a raised floor system.
It looks very impressive and unusual, don’t you agree?
Live tiles
The so-called live tiles is a modular polymer coating filled with gel.
When it comes into contact with the floor, the drawing seems to come to life and change, striking the person walking on it.
For this property, the tiles are called interactive floors.
Cork floor
Resilient, warm, quiet and natural flooring.
Can be rolled or in the form of boards.
Easy to install, looks good, although the range of colors is small.
Leather floor
Do you love leather goods? Shoes, handbags, furniture... Do you want to have leather floors in your home?
An unusual coating consisting of high-density HDF boards covered with calfskin.
This option, of course, is not for everyone, but the coating looks quite original.
Here is a small selection of modern floor coverings. Can you expand the list? Do it in the comments, we'll be waiting!
Every time you think about carrying out repair work When updating the interiors of our apartments, we involuntarily begin to imagine what the new ceiling and floor will be made of. Therefore, today our topic is aimed at studying completely new technology making floors.
Not so long ago, ordinary residents of high-rise buildings learned that in ordinary apartments it is also possible to create beautiful paintings under your feet using self-leveling floors in 3D. Self-leveling floors are considered a fairly durable and load-resistant synthetic coating, which today is actively being used for the design of retail premises, exhibition halls, public centers, swimming pools and others.
However, the technology for creating 3D floors is gradually moving into our apartments, and many companies specializing in construction and renovation have begun to provide such services. Pouring floors using a 3D effect in some rooms has slowly but surely begun to replace the use of laminated flooring, as well as ceramic tiles, and has become one of the most promising areas in this area. Although the price for these types of work is still steep, over time it will come down to more acceptable values and will find its customer on the market.
Beautiful, voluminous, reliable - 3D floors
Self-leveling 3D floors can easily withstand loads, meaning you can not only walk on them, but even ride a bicycle. This type of floor is not afraid of a damp environment or spilled water, which is often another reason for choosing this type of floor for damp rooms such as a bathroom or kitchen.
Of course, you can get by with the cheapest option by choosing a plain floor without any patterns, but your soul wants a more sophisticated design option, so it is possible to create full-fledged paintings with a 3D effect, which can rightfully be considered an entire art object.
If you want a sea wave or a waterfall under your feet, please, if you want frolicking dolphins, for God’s sake, but if you want a sandy beach in Egypt with marine life, there is nothing simpler... Self-leveling floors are not only multifunctional and reliable, they can also be a whole at the same time a work of art with textures and colors applied to them, which allow you to realize any customer’s fantasies.
That is why this technology quickly began to be mastered and applied famous designers interiors. With the help of such floors you can easily visually increase the space of a room, emphasize the depth of the floor, change the atmosphere of different zones or separate one zone from another without using additional materials. The multilayer structure of the 3D floor can be transformed into almost any material known in decoration, for example decorative stone, expensive wood, ancient paving stones or expensive pebbles from the seashore.
How a self-leveling floor is installed
As a rule, self-leveling floors are installed on a well-prepared base. First, an image that was specifically designed by the customer, a picture, a photograph, a company logo, or an image of mammals, any fantasies, is applied to a smooth surface, after which it is covered with a layer of a special transparent polymer.
The polymer coating in turn consists of a thickener and a hardener. After some time, when the floor reaches a certain hardness, a layer of protective varnish is applied to its finishing surface.
In addition to the image used on the floor to give an even stronger 3D effect, any decorative elements can be added inside the polymer coating: shells, balls imitating pearls, pebbles, sand, and so on...
Advantages of self-leveling floors:
- durability of use;
- high strength and wear resistance;
- do not cause harm to human health;
- simple installation that does not require much time;
- the opportunity to realize fantasies in the interior.
But despite all the advantages of the new 3D floors, they, like any other material existing in the world, have some disadvantages. One of which today is the rather high cost of their installation. Another disadvantage is the difficulty of removing such a floor and replacing it with another covering, however, this problem can be solved by laying the laminate directly on top of the self-leveling floor.