Plastic apron - a new trend in kitchen design

The section of the wall behind the sink, stove and cutting table is a zone of intense pollution. In order to keep it clean and not turn the hostess into a Cinderella, constantly peeling off spots, the wall is finished with materials that are easy to clean and do not lose their freshness over time - tiles, stone, glass. Designers call this finish an apron, and, I must say, they managed to turn the problem area into a leading decorative element of the kitchen interior. An apron for a kitchen made of plastic or other material is chosen so that it visually supports the design of the room and is practical.

Spectacular aprons for the kitchen made of plastic are able to perfect the interior design of country, Provence, classics. This was made possible thanks to the imitation of textures of materials and high-quality photo printing, as well as a large selection of colors in the palette of golden metallic, dazzling white or neon, muted pastel shades.

Glossy aprons are ideal for a high-tech kitchen, made according to all the canons of the futuristic genre in metal and plastic. And thanks to the glare of light and the effect of a blurry specularity, glossy plastic creates the illusion of additional space, which is extremely important for small-sized kitchens.

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When beauty "gets along" with practicality

What does “practical kitchen apron” mean? Ideally, we are looking for coverage:

• durable,
• inexpensive,
• beautiful,
• easy to clean from dirt,
• easy to install.

In one material, all these characteristics do not get along. Therefore, starting to finish the kitchen, you have to decide what is more important - price, status or style.

A plastic kitchen apron is an inexpensive and expressive element. Its popularity is undeniable, as are its virtues:

• moisture resistance;
• characteristic glossy or matte surface;

• clean, juicy palette;
• high-quality photo printing: you can apply any pattern, including your own photos or specially selected images;

• lack of dust - an apron for a kitchen made of plastic does not attract it;
• easy removal of grease stains and dirt;
• easy installation on rails, glue or self-tapping screws;

• low weight and, as a result, an insignificant load on the wall structure (which matters when it comes to a light partition);
• ease of dismantling and replacement: usually there is no need to move furniture and equipment;
  low price.

The disadvantages of a plastic apron are just as obvious, although they are usually exaggerated in terms of the complexity of care. It is enough to wipe the kitchen apron made of plastic with a dry cloth or a light detergent solution.

To keep glossy surfaces perfectly clean - and splashes and fingerprints on them are especially noticeable - you need to wipe them down more often. Fresh splashes are easily brushed off, so a perfect shine is just a matter of care and regular light cleaning. But the festive glow of the panels will create a special upbeat atmosphere in the kitchen.

Over time, after 3-5 years, depending on the type of material, the color may fade, the surface may be scratched, and temperature deformations may occur. The problem of durability is solved radically - from time to time a plastic kitchen apron is simply replaced with a new one. Usually, taking the opportunity, they simultaneously update the interior - they find a fresh color or style solution, supporting it with decorative elements and home textiles.

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These multifaceted polymers

We must not forget that any solid polymeric materials are called plastic, which can differ significantly in their properties. Consider which of them are used to finish the apron.

According to established practice, plastic aprons include:

• MDF boards;
• laminated fiberboard;
• PVC panels (lining);
• ABC plastic (aka acrylic, aka acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)
• plastic panels made of polycarbonate.

Composite materials fiberboard and MDF

MDF is a chipboard coated with melamine, and fiberboard is a wood fiber sheet coated with a polymer film. Strictly speaking, these composite materials are fundamentally different from plastics.

The high mechanical strength of MDF is due to the filler, its film coating is resistant to abrasion. Finishing fiberboard can only be considered as an option for temporary wall decoration, and it is not recommended to use it in the immediate vicinity of the furnace.

PVC is the king of imitations

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a fairly soft, flexible plastic that is not resistant to abrasive cleaners, but very easy to install. Withstands temperatures up to 60°C. Pressing elements in molds, giving dullness, gloss, relief and any shape of elements, various color options have long turned PVC into a material that can imitate wood, tiles, bricks, mosaics, pebbles, tiles.

Using inexpensive PVC panels and slats, you can beat the fashionable design direction, from Mediterranean and Provencal, to loft and country. It will be quite a worthy budget interior, since we are not talking about a fake, but about styling.

Particularly popular lately has become a rail- "lining" made of PVC 10-15 cm wide, which is valued for manufacturability, expressiveness, moisture resistance and a characteristic "plastic" entourage. There are longitudinal grooves on the kitchen apron made of this plastic, which will have to be wiped regularly. A nice PVC finish is extremely easy to install - the rails are assembled “in a groove”, and fixed at the ends with a profile.

Durable kitchen apron made of ABC plastic

Acrylobutadiene styrene (ABC) is used in finishing in the form of sheets, which are cut out according to the size of the apron. Heat resistance up to 75С allows you to safely use it in the stove area. Excellent gloss and juicy neon colors are exactly what you need to finish small kitchens and high-tech interiors.

High clarity and realistic color reproduction make it possible to use an apron made of ABC plastic for the kitchen with a photographic image that fills the space with the breath of the jungle or the lights of a big city.

Installation of ABC sheets is carried out on guide rails or on glue, with additional fastening on several self-tapping screws.

It doesn’t get any stronger - the use of polycarbonate in aprons for the kitchen

The strength and heat resistance of acrylobutadiene styrene is enhanced by coating it with a layer of polycarbonate, a plastic that is most resistant to scratches and looks like glass. ABS with a polycarbonate coating stands out for its particularly high gloss, ease of maintenance and durability.

Polycarbonate is used not only as an “improver” for ABC, but also as an independent finishing material. The main feature of polycarbonate is that it is transparent or translucent, which allows you to create the effect of illuminating an apron for the kitchen by laying LED strips under the plastic.

Of all the finishing plastics, polycarbonate has the highest heat resistance - it is successfully operated at temperatures up to 115°C. Sheets are mounted on guide rails.

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Photo gallery - plastic kitchen apron

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Video

 

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