Salt Panels
Salt panels offer added decorative possibilities and significantly reduce the time it takes to adapt a space in the salt-cave style.
Salt panels can be freely combined to create complex salt-cave designs in all manner of shapes. The panels are made using salt chippings of various colours which are then sealed with polyester resin. The colour of the resins is a matter of choice and can be picked to form part of the planned décor. Once the panels are in place, backlighting them will enrich the interior and underscore its character.
Given that polyester resin is used in their construction, salt panels are not recommended for use in very large spaces.
Once dry, the resin presents no hazards. However, it might trigger a reaction in people with allergies.
The use of salt panels is not at all advisable in spaces with increased temperatures such as saunas, for instance, where the body is exposed, which might heighten an allergic reaction. In normal ambient temperatures, though, decorative panels of modest size should not have a negative impact.
DIY salt panels are perfectly feasible. To create your own panels, you will need salt chippings from the salt mines in Kłodawa (Kopalnia Soli “Kłodowa” S.A.), Polkowice-Sierowice (Zakłady Górnicze “Polkowice-Sieroszowice”) or Pakistan. The colour of the chippings varies according to their origin. The red salt characteristic of Kłodawa is the result of its iron content. Crystal salt is available from Polkowice-Sierowice. As to how the chippings are composed… well, that is a matter of individual requirements and imagination.
To make the panel, you will need to use a mould of a size suited to the décor and design you aim to achieve. The shape of the mould should make it possible to remove the panel once it has cured. Alternatively, a mould which can be disassembled can be used.
Coat the mould with a separating agent in order to prevent the resin from sticking to it. Lay out your pattern of salt chippings in the mould and then pour in enough resin to cover the chippings completely. Once the resin has cured, remove the panel from the mould.
To provide extra reinforcement for large surfaces, a fibreglass mesh of the kind commonly used in the construction industry for insulation systems can be used. Simply line the bottom of the mould with the mesh.
Mount your salt panels by screwing them to a frame or directly onto the walls of the halotherapy space.