Types of plastic kitchen aprons
It is known that plastic panels have been used to protect the work wall in the kitchen for many years. Such designs are suitable for decorating surfaces with defects and irregularities. Let's take a closer look at the existing species.
The PVC panel is easily installed on a wooden floor under the headset PHOTO: vplate.ru
Kitchen apron made of PVC panels
A kitchen apron made of PVC can be slatted (resembles clapboard in appearance) or sheet. The dimensions of the latter do not have standards, so it is better to purchase to order. The pattern is applied to the surface of the material using a special technology. The texture of the structure can be glossy or matte. The first option is easier to clean.
ABS plastic kitchen apron
These structures consist of substances such as acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene. A kitchen apron made of ABS plastic has an excellent independent decor and can have either a glossy or matte surface. When making a drawing, the photo printing method is used.
You can cover a work area of any complexity with panels in the kitchen PHOTO: dekor-td.ru
Externally, the surface can imitate glass. To make it heat-resistant, it is coated with a special varnish in several layers.
Apron made of acrylic glass (polycarbonate)
This is one of the worthy options for decorating a work area in the kitchen. It has long been an alternative to traditional glass surfaces. Using a polycarbonate kitchen apron, you can create the most unusual designs; it is even possible to combine them with each other.
It is advisable to stick transparent polycarbonate directly onto existing wallpaper PHOTO: avglass.ru
From this material, you can choose a plain panel or order a surface with a specific pattern using photo printing technology. You can even use an enlarged format of a family photo for this purpose.
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Types of material
From polyvinyl chloride you can create finishing materials of any shape and different appearance:
- in the form of a lining board;
- square;
- leafy;
- in one color;
- with thermal or offset printing;
- covered with laminate;
- varnished;
- having a frieze.
If the apron should be a monochromatic covering, it is convenient to use lining. The planks measure 10 by 300 centimeters. This allows you to quickly decorate the wall with them.
In some cases, it will be more convenient to take panels for operation. The common width of such products is 25 centimeters with a three-meter length, although there are other options. During installation, the seams between the panels are practically invisible. If you use sheets with a width of 80 to 200 centimeters and a length of 150 to 405, you can get a flat surface that gives the impression of a single sheet.
As for the decorative possibilities of PVC for the kitchen, they are unusually wide. You can choose slabs not only in one color, but also with patterns that make up entire pictures. Images are applied to PVC using photo printing; thermal film is used for this.
You can choose decor in country, Provence or any other style. Many images are aimed at whetting the appetite.
With one or another design of the apron, you can achieve a specific effect in the perception of the kitchen space, making it the highlight of the entire interior of the apartment.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
This type of plastic has the most affordable price. This solution is often chosen by people with a limited budget; it is also preferred for decorating an apron at the dacha or in a rented home. The material is produced in the form of individual slats (lining) or wall panels of various sizes.
Products are produced in a wide range of colors and can imitate natural cladding.
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Another important advantage of PVC panels is their easy installation. Installation is carried out using liquid nails, a special adhesive composition or screws. The material is light weight, so one person can handle its installation.
The cladding is fixed quickly, and the installation itself does not require special knowledge or experience.
The disadvantages of PVC panels include:
- poor resistance to mechanical damage - one awkward movement, and the panel will easily break and require replacement;
- susceptibility to abrasion - during use, scratches and abrasions will soon form on the apron; numerous consumer reviews confirm this fact;
- the appearance of yellowness and fading - all this occurs when exposed to ultraviolet sunlight and with frequent cleaning using detergents;
- fragility - products will not last long, no matter how carefully they are handled.
PVC panels have poor resistance to high temperatures - when it rises above 80 degrees, the panels become deformed and can ignite. If low-quality plastic is chosen, when melted it will release toxic substances that are hazardous to health. To reduce the risk of deformation of the cladding and its fire, you should choose other materials, for example, glass, ceramic tiles or mosaics, to decorate the area above the hob.
Polycarbonate (acrylic glass)
This is a material for the manufacture of which carbonic acid and phenol are used. There are two types of polycarbonate:
- cell phone;
- monolithic.
Externally, polycarbonate looks like silicate glass - it has a smooth and shiny surface. The material can be plain or decorated with photo printing. Advantages of a polycarbonate apron:
- excellent decorative qualities;
- resistance to force loads - the material is resistant to bending and can “resist” even strong impacts;
- resistance to direct sunlight - the surface will not fade or fade;
- fire resistance - if acrylic glass is close to hot objects, it will not catch fire, but it may melt;
- easy installation.
Polycarbonate cladding also has some disadvantages. For example, high cost compared to other types of plastic. If we compare acrylic glass with ordinary glass surfaces or mosaics, the latter will cost more. Another disadvantage is poor abrasion resistance, which is why you should not use products with abrasives when cleaning the apron.
ABS plastic
This is a material made from acrylic nitrite, butadiene and styrene. The products are lightweight sheets of various sizes. Such cladding can be matte or glossy, or have a metallized mirror layer.
There are options with photo printing.
Advantages of ABS plastic:
- financial accessibility - this material is cheaper than glass, MDF or ceramic tiles;
- Impact resistance, bending strength;
- abrasion resistance;
- good flexibility, thanks to which the sheets are easily fixed even on uneven walls;
- easy transportation - if necessary, the product can be rolled up and it will take up minimal space;
- easy DIY installation using liquid nails;
- easy cleaning - the panels can be washed with any detergents and cleaning products;
- resistance to temperatures (up to 80 degrees);
- environmental friendliness.
The disadvantages of ABS plastic include fading in the sun, “fear” of various solvents and acetone.
Advantages and disadvantages of plastic panels for kitchen aprons
Such raw materials for kitchen aprons are considered to be in greatest demand. It deserves its popularity due to a number of advantages. However, the panels are not without their drawbacks. More details about them in this section. It is advisable to consider the available qualities for each type of artificial work area.
The right choice of design always evokes a feeling of appetite PHOTO: pere-stroika.ru
PVC
The most budget-friendly, but also one of the worst in quality. As for the advantages:
- low price;
- basic care;
- easy DIY installation.
A good option for a kitchen in marble style PHOTO: steni-pol.ru
Disadvantages of this material:
- fades quickly and is easily damaged;
- has been in use for no more than one year;
- requires constant cleaning of grease drops during cooking;
- melts easily.
Kitchen apron panels made of plastic can be installed either on a small area of the work area or used for protection around the perimeter of the premises. Sometimes such panels are used to decorate corners if there are electrical appliances nearby.
ABS
Higher quality removable work wall. Has a large number of advantages:
- light weight;
- environmental friendliness;
- wide range of textures.
Reflects strongly in improperly organized lighting PHOTO: vplate.ru
The disadvantages of raw materials include:
- burns out quickly;
- unstable to household chemicals;
- does not withstand treatment with the hard side of the sponge;
- Custom drawing requires additional investment.
Many people are not happy that ABS has a slight yellow tint. From the outside it does not look aesthetically pleasing; one might suspect the old age of the material.
Acrylic
This model is considered one of the best among all plastic ones. Has the following advantages:
- durable paint that does not fade;
- transparent, practically no different from glass;
- heat-resistant, can be used near a gas stove;
- withstands mechanical damage.
Stylish design that matches the tone of the headset PHOTO: sta-74.ru
Regarding the disadvantages, we can only name too high a cost. However, this design will last for many years.
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Beautiful aprons for the kitchen made of plastic - photos of options from catalogs
Whether it is a decorative part of the kitchen or a functional protective screen, you should choose the design design wisely. We bring to your attention several photo options for the most popular interior styles.
Hi-tech, techno and minimalism
Depending on the style of the interior, you should also choose plastic panels to protect the work area.
A light panel that harmonizes well with dark furniture PHOTO: kuchnieformat.pl
Stylish model with plain geometry around the entire perimeter PHOTO: mydizajn.ru
Classic light surface for small kitchens PHOTO: kuhni-iz-spb.ru
Kitchen interior design in techno style is always carried out in decorative details. This also applies to protective screens. For this trend, they try to use colorful aprons that accentuate attention.
A multi-color model depicting a residential area and high-rise buildings will visually increase the space of the room PHOTO: fartuki.com-world.ru
This option will not be superfluous in kitchens with a one-sided set PHOTO: rsk-nsk.ru
Panel depicting a city at night with a body of water in the foreground. An excellent option for a kitchen with red or burgundy furniture PHOTO: fartuki.com-world.ru
The minimalist interior style is always limited in terms of decor. The following photos of plastic kitchen aprons prove this in practice.
A plain surface for the kitchen without patterns or obtrusive decors PHOTO: vseme.ru
An option with a mirror reflection, the panel is made in coffee color, diluting the light motif of the room PHOTO: housesdesign.ru
A spectacular, rich dark style emphasizes the overall atmosphere of the kitchen PHOTO: drmebel.ru
Futurism and Art Nouveau
Futurism is a very unusual and rarely seen trend in kitchen design. As for the protective surfaces for the work area, they stand out effectively against the general background of the room.
Bright shade of the panel with sea waves. Looks good when decorating one working wall PHOTO: vplate.ru
An equally interesting option for decorating a kitchen apron PHOTO: plitech.ru
How to choose a plastic apron
First of all, when choosing panels for a backsplash in the kitchen, you should pay attention to models that will match the frame, style and shades. Contrasts and inadequate palette combinations are also acceptable.
- Too colorful, pretentious tones are not always appropriate. Professionals believe that they negatively affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
- If the overall decor of the kitchen has a restrained design, the design of the apron should accordingly be several times brighter.
- It is possible to design the apron to match the tabletop, this is especially true for a set that imitates natural wood.
- If there is lighting in the work area, then it is better to give preference to polycarbonate apron models.
- Don't forget about creating optical illusions. To do this, choose panels with horizontal lines to extend the width.
- A very dark apron is allowed in isolated cases. On such models, dirt accumulates quickly and unnoticed. Removing them is problematic.
Model with excellent imitation of designer wallpaper PHOTO: dekoriko.ru
Also, when choosing, you should pay attention to the size of the plastic apron for the kitchen. It should extend a few centimeters behind the furniture set.
Cost of a plastic apron
How much does a plastic apron cost? The exact price always depends on the material and decorative design of the apron. For example, polycarbonate is cheaper than polyvinyl chloride; a panel with a uniform texture will be cheaper than a panel made to look like marble or wood.
See also: MDF panels for walls
On average, the cost of a plastic apron is about 1,500 rubles. When choosing a panel, it is not recommended to consider overly cheap models - they may turn out to be of lower quality and durability.
How to attach a foam apron in the kitchen
There are several methods that are used to secure the kitchen screen. Each of them has its own characteristics and convenience.
How to attach a kitchen apron made of plastic on guides
They try to install the budget plastic version of the panels on guides. This is convenient because after the structure is out of service, it can be easily replaced with a new one. For this purpose, special fittings are used, which are mounted at the required height from wall and floor furniture. Fixed with self-tapping screws.
Fasteners are made of metal alloy PHOTO: vplate.ru
Next, all that remains is to insert the panels one after another, leaving a minimum of gaps between the joints.
How to attach a plastic apron in the kitchen using self-tapping screws
If guide clamps take up useful space, many resort to using self-tapping screws during the installation process. For this, the walls are pre-prepared. They must be perfectly even.
You can simultaneously use two methods of capturing PHOTO: vialonmebel.ru
The plastic itself is drilled. To prevent it from deforming, holes are first made in the attachment points and special rivets are inserted. The screws themselves can be hidden under the headset or using special plugs to match the panels.
How to attach a plastic kitchen apron to the sheathing
Lathing is considered the most reliable way to best secure a plastic apron in the kitchen. It also involves the use of self-tapping screws. In case a plastic sheathing is used, the guides must be left free.
Special metal brackets are used for lathing PHOTO: gorbel.ru
The niches formed under the plastic panel are convenient for running wiring. However, knives and other sharp objects should be used carefully in this area. There is a risk of deeply piercing the structure. Therefore, this option for attaching a plastic apron for the kitchen is not always practical.
How to glue an apron to a plastic kitchen
Many owners personally install PVC kitchen panels using a special adhesive. This method of solving the question of how to glue a plastic apron in the kitchen is considered simple, quick and understandable. In addition to special glue, you can use liquid nails. They adhere the plastic to the concrete wall much more reliably.
Glue must be applied around the entire perimeter of the plastic screen PHOTO: dom-i-remont.info
Before gluing artificial plastic, holes for electrical appliances are pre-cut PHOTO: rsk-nsk.ru
4 tips for choosing a plastic apron for the kitchen
Tip 1. When buying a plastic apron, make sure that it has a quality certificate and is suitable for finishing kitchen walls, that is, at a minimum, it does not emit toxic substances (including when burning/melting), and is moisture and heat resistant.
Tip 2. The service life of any plastic apron can be significantly extended if you additionally install a transparent glass screen in the stove area (on top of the apron as shown in the photo below). This way you will save the panel from grease and dirt and, accordingly, from cleaning and detergents. In addition, the glass screen can protect the plastic from the open fire of a gas stove.
By the way, about the gas stove. It is generally accepted that a plastic apron is incompatible with it, but this is not entirely true. If you wish, you can install the stove at a distance of 15 cm from the apron or install a glass screen, as we noted above.
Tip 3. Most often, plastic panels are decorated with photo printing - patterns, textures, beautiful photographs or drawings. Such a catchy design needs to be chosen much more carefully than ordinary tiles or MDF, otherwise the apron will make the interior tacky and quickly get boring. Here are two main principles to follow:
- The kitchen apron should match the color scheme and style of the interior as a whole. So, for example, the color of the panel can be matched to the tone of the facades of the set and/or other furnishing elements, say, to match the tone of curtains or wallpaper.
Are you afraid of making a mistake with color and design? Choose an apron in a neutral color, such as white, light gray or beige, perhaps with a simple floral or geometric print (diamonds, stripes, checks). But you should avoid dark colors - even the smallest speck of dust or drop of water will be noticeable against their background.
- The more complex, detailed and multi-colored the kitchen interior, the more laconic the apron design should be. If the walls are covered with bright wallpaper with a pattern or the facades of the set are decorated with gilded carvings, then it is better to choose a plain apron or with a discreet pattern.
Laconic design of a kitchen apron made of plastic.
If the kitchen set and interior are decorated minimalistically, then you can and should choose a bright plastic apron.
Tip 4. Do you want to be able to change the design of your apron according to your mood? This is possible with a double-sided apron made of ABS plastic or PVC, installed not with adhesive, but with the help of wall profiles. A double-sided apron can be purchased at IKEA or ordered from some workshops, while profiles are sold in construction hypermarkets and at IKEA.
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Plastic double-sided apron.