This article discusses the features of this finishing option as an apron for the kitchen of plastic: technical and operational parameters, properties, advantages and disadvantages of products. The text contains a classification of existing screens on the market, as well as a description of the technology according to which they are installed. The article allows you to get acquainted with the average prices for products and consumer opinion.
Apron for the kitchen of plastic and the specifics of its application
The kitchen belongs to the category of rooms with difficult operating conditions, where the furniture, as well as the decoration of the walls are exposed to significant stress every day. For this reason, it is necessary to give preference to practical and resistant materials that are not afraid of temperature changes, the effects of high humidity and regular ingress of contaminants.
The working area is limited by wall cabinets on the one hand, and worktop on the other. To effectively organize this area you can buy an apron in the kitchen, made of plastic. This material will serve as an inexpensive and high-quality coating with optimal characteristics.
Plastic panels are used as a material for finishing various surfaces in rooms with different operating conditions. As the basis for the manufacture of an apron for the kitchen, plastic panels began to be used relatively recently. However, excellent performance and excellent design made these products very popular with consumers.
On sale there are different types of products that differ from each other in the structure of plastic and in size. The maximum length of the classic panels made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is 3 m. The width varies between 10-50 cm. The classical panels are decorated with drawings applied in the factory. If you comply with all the requirements of the technology, then after laying the seams will be difficult to notice.
Sheet material in the form of plastic lining has a length of 3 m. The width of such products does not exceed 12.5 cm. After mounting the lining on the wall, a finish with a non-uniform surface is obtained. The joints between the sheets are very noticeable.
Note! The thickness of the products affects the degree of rigidity and reliability of the screen for the kitchen. The higher this figure, the longer the apron will last.
The most practical option are polycarbonate sheets. They may have a glossy or matte finish. Their size range is diverse. The surface of polycarbonate products allows you to apply any patterns and drawings. In the photo of chic kitchens you can see unusual versions of sheets with a textured surface.
These products mimic realistically:
- a natural stone;
- ceramic tiles;
- brickwork and other materials.
The apron made on the basis of polycarbonate is considered the most environmentally friendly and heat-resistant of the listed materials. After installation, it turns out a monolithic surface without a single seam.
Most often for the manufacture of panels for the apron in the kitchen used ABS plastic. This material is durable and allows you to simulate various surfaces. Due to modern production technologies, sheet plastic meets the basic standards that apply to products used in the kitchen. The material has such properties as heat resistance and moisture resistance. The plastic care system is very simple, and the modern range has an extensive selection of textures and colors, so that every customer gets the opportunity to choose the finish for any interior design.
The kitchen aprons of PVC panels with a glossy surface look very attractive and volumetric in the photo. Such plastic reflects light well and creates the effect of lightness in a room, visually increasing its space. To create a cozy kitchen is better to use the finish with a matte surface. Additionally increase the volume will help the screen of transparent plastic.
It is preferable to select light shades for rooms of the small size. The dark colors of the apron can be used as a contrasting background if the room has light furniture. For the design of the kitchen in its classic design, screens with imitation of brick or masonry, as well as a natural wooden surface are suitable.
Helpful advice! With the help of LEDs, you can not only improve visibility in the working area, but also create a bright design in this part of the room. Very effectively and unusually look on the photo of kitchens plastic backlit screens. You do not need to have professional knowledge and skills to install them.
On sale there are options of the screens decorated with a photo printing. For drawing the image special technology is used. As a result, the pattern is saturated, bright and persistent. On plastic applied a variety of subjects. Such products can be purchased in finished form or to order, after selecting the picture you like. In the catalogs of aprons in the kitchen of plastic, you can pick up products decorated with 3D-images.
Popular kitchen design options:
- reproductions of paintings;
- images of fruits, vegetables, spices, coffee and tea;
- bright natural landscapes;
- flower motifs;
- laconic panoramas of city streets, etc.
In order to look harmoniously in the interior and not get out of the overall design, the image on the screen is not considered separately, but as part of a single composition with a furniture set. At the same time, the apron can fit into the interior or be used as a bright accent if the decor is made in a restrained gamut.
In the catalogs of many manufacturers can not only familiarize yourself with samples of finishing materials. They also contain photos of aprons in the kitchen of plastic, placed in a certain situation. Due to this, the buyer can estimate, while in the store, how this or that product model looks in the interior of its premises.
The characteristics of the plastic intended for finishing the working area in the kitchen are not limited to its decorative properties. Before purchasing the material, special attention should be paid to operational performance, as well as to consider the practicality of the panels and the degree of ease of use.
The effect of increased moisture levels adversely affects the service life and visual appeal of products. Therefore, the panels must exhibit resistance, which extends to high temperatures, as well as contamination that fall daily on their surface.
Helpful advice! On screens decorated with drawings, traces of pollution are less visible than on products with a uniform surface.
The aprons made on the basis of plastic, are characterized by a large number of advantages. Many of them confirm the relevance of the use of this finish in the kitchen.
In order to buy an apron for the kitchen from plastic, the following characteristics testify:
- the presence of a smooth surface that looks almost seamless or with subtle joints;
- democratic cost of material in comparison with other finishes;
- large selection of colors and decorative patterns;
- high quality images showing resistance to abrasion and fading under the influence of ultraviolet radiation;
- the possibility of applying a unique pattern on the surface under the order;
- simple cleaning system that allows the use of detergents;
- the coating fits snugly to the surface, hiding minor defects in the base and unevenness;
- moisture resistance, allowing the material to be cleaned with a wet method;
- cutting material, as well as the formation of holes in the panels for the installation of the outlet is very easy;
- ability to withstand temperature effects for + 80 ° С without deformations;
- simple and fast installation system that can be done independently without the help of specialists.
Sheet material has a light weight, so after its installation does not increase the load on the walls, as is the case with tile or masonry of natural stone, and outdated or damaged panels can be easily replaced with new ones.
Despite the impressive list of advantages, screens designed for finishing the working area in the kitchen have drawbacks. The material is heat resistant, but the limit that the panels can withstand is limited. If the finish is in direct contact with a temperature of more than + 80 ° C, the screen will not only undergo deformation changes, but will also emit toxic substances that are extremely harmful to human health.
The durability of the material does not apply to mechanical damage. Partial repair of these areas or masking is not possible. Will require complete replacement of the apron. The same applies to active cleaners or those whose composition contains abrasive particles that mechanically damage the panel during the removal of dirt. It is also worth considering that if the installation technology is violated, the apron can deform over time.
Note! The maximum service life of the plastic panel is 5 years. After that, the screen loses its appeal and becomes unusable.
Panels made of polyvinyl chloride are the cheapest versions of products for decorating the working area in the kitchen. However, their appearance is no different from screens made of more expensive materials. This explains the popularity of PVC aprons.
After reviewing the basic information on plastic screens, it can be concluded that these products are easy to use and allow you to perform the installation yourself. Finding out what weaknesses the material possesses, as well as observing the rules of caring for it, you can increase the service life of the plastic apron and maintain its attractiveness. A short life can be viewed as a drawback on the one hand, and advantages on the other (if the apartment owner prefers to regularly make changes in the situation).
