Plastic kitchen apron: advantages and disadvantages. How to make a plastic kitchen apron
The right choice of finishing materials for the kitchen plays a major role. They will help not only transform the space, but also simplify cleaning. And this nuance is especially important, since the formation of greasy deposits, soot and other contaminants associated with cooking is inevitable here. Particular attention should be paid to the part of the wall that is between the countertop and the wall cabinets. It is called "kitchen apron". It is this zone that is most susceptible to contamination, as it is located in close proximity to the working surface. The material chosen for its decoration must meet certain criteria and must have a beautiful appearance. Plastic kitchen apron is currently the most in demand and is very popular.
Material selection criteria
When choosing finishing material for the kitchen, it is very important to adhere to certain criteria. Such a need arises in order to extend the time between repairs of the premises. This process is quite costly, and not every person is able to do it annually, so all the finishing materials used must have certain properties that will fully comply with the specific purpose of the kitchen space. Particular attention should be paid to the choice of the panel for the apron. The practicality and reliability of the finish will depend on the correctness of the decision made.
Main criteria:
- strength;
- heat resistance;
- ease of care;
- resistance to mechanical stress, chemical treatment, high humidity;
- aesthetic appearance.
The working area near the stove is constantly exposed to high temperatures, so it is extremely important to observe safety precautions in order to avoid the occurrence of fires. An apron for the kitchen (photo below) in this area must necessarily have fire-fighting properties. If a material such as chipboard or plastic is used in the decoration, then it must be combined with stainless steel or other refractory material. It is installed in the form of a decorative border about 20 cm high. This is quite enough to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Modern materials for the kitchen
Manufacturers have now invented many different finishing materials. They differ in price, quality, texture and color scheme. Some natural materials do not have a rich variety of colors in their assortment, which significantly limits their use. You can use such materials only with the appropriate style of the entire room. But artificial materials created using modern technologies will harmoniously fit into any interior. For their manufacture, a wide palette is used with the use of various ornaments and patterns. For example, an apron with photo printing made of plastic, made in 3D format. The choice is huge, you can choose the best option that will satisfy your aesthetic needs, taking into account possible financial costs. 
Plastic apron. Specifications
Plastic is an inexpensive material that is optimally suited for space. Its surface is perfectly smooth, which completely eliminates the accumulation of dirt. All soot and greasy deposits are easily washed off with simple detergents. However, a plastic kitchen apron cannot be cleaned with a metal brush, as scratches may remain. Also, this material does not tolerate processing with abrasive substances. 
Compared to other finishing materials, plastic is somewhat inferior in strength. However, its cost and ease of installation make this disadvantage quite acceptable.
Design Options
For many people, plastic is associated with a white canvas. However, progress does not stand still. An apron for the kitchen (photo examples in the article) from is currently not inferior in design to other expensive materials, such as skinali. They can be found in a wide variety of colors: shades vary from calm tones to sharp, even sometimes very bold ones. Such a richness of the palette will allow you to make the kitchen apron area a central contrasting accent. Many panels are full of an abundance of various patterns with a wide choice of subjects, and there are also options using a photo installation. A certain installation method allows you to install additional lighting in the form of LED strips, it produces a stunning effect and at the same time improves the ergonomics of the kitchen space. 
Plastic kitchen apron and accessories
Finishing the working area alone is not enough for the full functionality of this room. Plastic can only become a decoration and addition to the interior, but the installation of special accessories will increase convenience and comfort. In order for the wall panel not to stand idle, but to perform as many functions as possible, it is necessary to install kitchen rails. They are a long tube, usually made of stainless steel, which is mounted on two or more brackets. At the end, plugs are inserted on each side, they give the structure an aesthetic finished look. Rails are installed at a short distance from wall cabinets, which allows you to significantly unload the work surface. Additional accessories are attached to the main tube, such as spice containers, a bread box, a drying rack for spoons and forks, and small mesh shelves. 
What design do you prefer?
Plastic aprons should not act as a separate element of the kitchen, but, on the contrary, should correspond to the general style. The abundance of colors and images sometimes makes it difficult to choose. In order for harmony and a cozy atmosphere to reign in the room, it is necessary to adhere to the following rules:
Plastic aprons. Optimal dimensions
In order not to be mistaken with the width of the kitchen apron, first of all, you will need to arrange all the furniture, hang hanging cabinets and install a hood. After that, the overall picture will be clearly visible. Measurement of each sheet must be carried out at three points in order to take the most accurate dimensions. A discrepancy of a few millimeters is acceptable and is completely covered by a special plinth. The optimal height of the kitchen apron is 50-60 cm. This arrangement will be as convenient as possible; during cooking, the hostess will not hit her head on the wall cabinets, and also reach for some dishes or spices.
Methods for installing plastic panels
The main advantage of PVC sheets is simple and easy installation. A plastic kitchen apron is glued to the surface with liquid nails. This option may require some additional work related to leveling the wall. However, there is one drawback in this method: during dismantling, it will not work to remove the panel without damaging it. Therefore, experts recommend using fastening with self-tapping screws. To do this, it is necessary to drill holes in all corners of the PVC sheet with a diameter of no more than 3-5 mm. Then, given these dimensions, attach a profile or a wooden beam to the wall, on which a plastic apron will be directly installed. For aesthetics, self-tapping screws are covered with decorative caps or special caps.
Plastic for the kitchen. Advantages
Plastic panels are an indicator of compliance with price and quality. At a fairly low cost, they have the following properties:
- ease of installation;
- a wide range of designs;
- strength;
- unpretentious in operation;
- heat and sound insulation;
- resistant to mechanical damage.
Of course, these are not all the advantages that can characterize a plastic kitchen apron. Reviews of people who installed such panels allow us to draw certain conclusions. First you need to check the quality of the purchased material in order to avoid fakes. After that, clarify the melting index, it should not be lower than 100 0 C. 
Disadvantages of plastic
Unfortunately, any material used in interior decoration has disadvantages, PVC panels are no exception.
The use of PVC panels will not only prevent pollution of the working area in the kitchen, but will also become an original decoration of the entire room, giving it originality and individuality. The possibility of partial replacement will allow, without carrying out a full repair, to change a boring design or a failed element, for this it will be enough to remove the old sheet and install a new one in its place. Do-it-yourself plastic kitchen apron is easy to dismantle, so this process will take a little time.
In order to create a truly beautiful, reliable and practical kitchen interior, you can safely use PVC panels.
