The best glass aprons for the kitchen. Glass aprons for the kitchen - the most complete guide. Glass panel design options photo
One of current trends used in the design of the kitchen is the use of glass instead of traditional tiles. Due to the fact that the surface of this material is smooth and has no pores, it provides increased resistance of the kitchen apron to moisture and mold. In addition, its ability to reflect light visually increases the size of the room and gives additional brightness even to a dark kitchen.
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Kinds
The use of a glass backsplash makes the kitchen more modern, in some cases even unique. Beautiful color drawing glass panel or tiles that shine and sparkle in a variety of colors can turn a kitchen into a work of art and enhance the atmosphere in it.
Design options for such kitchen aprons can be chosen from a huge number of different combinations available to the modern buyer. For example, purchase stained glass tiles; glass with a pattern called "skinal", or simply enameled heat-resistant glass, which is called stemalite.
Stained glass tiles range in color from simple translucent tones to iridescent and golden hues. Some manufacturers even offer crystal glass tiles or tiles with subtle gold veins. You can also purchase mosaic glass tiles decorated with a unique hand painted. Such tiles help to create non-standard and memorable glass mosaics or monochrome design compositions in the techno style.
Skinals are called panels made of stalinite or triplex (tempered glass) with a high-definition image printed on them. The modern method of photo printing used in the production of skinals allows you to create unique design projects. Such panels can be inserted in the gap between the upper and lower cabinets. kitchen set, creating a kitchen apron, or decorate the doors of cabinets in the kitchen.
There are options for a monophonic design of a kitchen apron using glass. In this case, its modifications are used, such as:
- Stemalite, which is first dyed and subsequently subjected to heat treatment in order to give strength to the material and durability of paints;
- Satin, which is frosted tempered glass, which can be decorated with a sandblasted pattern;
- Optiwhite, which is also a thermal glass, but is exposed to additional processing in order to make it transparent (bleached);
- Triplex, which is also called laminated glass due to the presence of a film between two glass layers;
- Light panels with built-in LED lighting, which is mounted at the manufacturing stage and turns such a panel into an independent lamp;
- Organic glass (plexiglass), which is a variant of plastic.
Advantages
In addition to the fact that the use of glass in the design of a kitchen apron adds charm to any kitchen, this material is practical and has good consumer qualities.
Advantages of a glass apron for the kitchen:
- Fire-resistant glass is a very durable material;
- Highly resistant to moisture and stains;
- Very easy to clean;
- impact resistant chemical substances;
- Can be used to cover and protect wallpaper, or backsplash from other, more soft materials;
- Reflects light, so such an apron will visually increase the size of the kitchen;
- It is presented in a huge number of options for color, texture and pattern.
Reviews from customers who have installed a glass kitchen apron speak in favor of this choice. In most cases, the owners almost unanimously advise the installation of glass skins with a pattern, but there are also supporters of stained glass mosaics assembled from individual tiles.
For reasons of practicality, it is recommended to install a separate panel fragment near hob or plates, since, despite the fact that heat-resistant glass is used in the production of skinals, due to temperature changes, some types of paint may peel off (this does not apply to the use of uf - printing). In this case, a fragmentary installation will allow in the future to replace the site that has become unusable without prejudice to the entire apron web.
Flaws
In addition to the advantages, a glass apron for the kitchen has some disadvantages.
The disadvantages of such a use of material as thermal glass for the manufacture of kitchen aprons include the following points:
- The high cost of high-quality panels and tiles from it; cheap varieties of tiles can crack and crumble;
- In the case when the production of a skinal is ordered, it is necessary to carefully measure the holes for the sockets and fastenings of the railing rod, since it is impossible to make changes to the finished skinal;
- Glass is susceptible to scratches;
- When installing glass tiles or skinali, special skills are needed, so you won’t be able to do it yourself;
- The glass skinal is not durable material, usually the manufacturer gives a warranty period.
Varieties of material
stalinite
Stalinite is called the tempered especially strong glass created back in Soviet times. During production, the material is heated to a very high temperature (more than 600 degrees), after which it is slowly and evenly cooled on both sides.
After such processing, such a material receives high strength and resistance to external influences, therefore, the name "tempered glass" is sometimes used, by analogy with the manufacture of hardened steel.
Also, the advantages of stalinite include its heat resistance and thermal insulation qualities, because after such processing it is not afraid of temperature changes that can occur in the home kitchen.
In addition, stalinite can be called safety glass, because it can break only with a very strong blow. And even in this case, the fragments will not pose a danger to others, because they will have blunt edges and turn out to be very small.
If you put such glass on a clean White list paper, you can immediately distinguish it from ordinary, because stalinite, unlike simple transparent glass, will have a greenish or bluish tint.
This feature of stalinite must be taken into account when choosing enamel for drawing a picture on its surface. Also, during operation, all holes must be cut in advance, before the stage of its heat treatment.
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Triplex
Triplex - skinali are the most expensive and difficult to manufacture. This is due to the fact that the image on such glass is made in such a way that it is protected immediately both from the outside and from inside.
In the manufacture of triplex, two methods are used. The first is that the film is placed between two sheets of glass, pressed and then subjected to very high temperatures. Another, more modern one, consists in placing glass with a layer in a vacuum chamber. It is thanks to this method of production that it became possible to create decorative skinals from this type of transparent glass.
Thus, between two layers of glass, which, thanks to the presence of a film, becomes unbreakable, you can also place any decorative material. It can be fabric, leather, metal, leaves, or simply a pattern is applied to the interglazing film.
Thus, the advantages of triplex can be called:
- Its strength (triplex with a thickness of more than 13 mm refers to bulletproof glass);
- The fact that when broken triplex does not give fragments;
- High level transparency;
- Long service life.
Negative side The use of triplex when creating a kitchen apron is the complexity of working with this material and its significant cost.
plexiglass
An alternative to glass panels can be the use of plexiglass, which is a transparent plastic. Also plexiglass is called pleskiglas or acrylic glass.
It is almost 2.5 times lighter in weight, stronger and slightly less transparent than classic glass. The advantage of this type of material is its flexibility and ease of processing; because it can be easily cut, polished, sanded and painted.
Just like on the surface of ordinary glass, mold and other microorganisms do not develop on it.
There is extruded plexiglass and cast, between these two options there are some differences in manufacturing, but they have little effect on consumer properties. Both of these materials are used to create kitchen aprons. It is worth remembering that plexiglass can deform when heated, so you should not place it above the stove.
Drawing an image is possible either by gluing the film on the wrong side of the skin, or by using modern way uf - prints. This method involves the use of special inks that are applied to the front surface of the material. Images obtained under the influence of uf - rays are clear and bright, as the paint is not absorbed, but remains on the surface. When caring for such an apron, abrasive cleaners should be avoided.
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is also a polymer and is a type of acrylic glass, also called ABC plastic. It has a soft structure and flexibility, it is easily cut with a jigsaw or even an ordinary table knife.
Drawing on polycarbonate is applied either with a decorative film glued on the wrong side, or by ultraviolet printing. The latter is of higher quality and more convenient to use. The disadvantages of using such material include the fact that after a couple of years such an image will lose its brightness, and a light picture may acquire a yellowish tint.
There are size restrictions for glass skinals. Standard sizes provide that the maximum length and width of the manufactured web can be up to 3300 × 2140 mm. In cases where the work wall is larger and a longer apron is required, several panels are made to fit the final design. In this case, combinations of several skinals with an identical or fragmented pattern are possible, creating an overall indescribable decor.
The most suitable for the design of drawings is glass called "optimite". This is due to the fact that this clarified and tempered glass is completely transparent. Due to the absence of a greenish tint inherent in a material such as stalinite, for example, Optiwhite provides accurate color reproduction of the picture.
important technical nuance is the moment whether the drawings on the panel correspond to the holes for the sockets and fastenings for the railing, which must be provided for at the stage of discussing the design of the skinali in order to maintain the harmony and integrity of the overall picture.
It is necessary to pay attention to the thickness of the purchased glass. This indicator depends on the size of the kitchen apron. For shorter skins, for example, 1 meter long, the optimal thickness is from 4 to 5 mm. If the skinal is longer, then in this case it is desirable to make it from a thicker 6 mm glass.
It is also necessary to pay attention to the method of drawing a picture on the skinal. The film method involves the application of a self-adhesive film and subsequent processing of the skins in a vacuum chamber. Upon receipt finished product it is worth paying attention to whether the film lies evenly and whether bubbles have formed under it.
The method of ultraviolet printing consists in applying special ink and subsequent processing with uf - rays, it does not have pronounced "pitfalls". For complete confidence in the result obtained, it is worth making a preliminary color proof in the workshop.
It is not recommended to take measurements under the skinal yourself. Since in any case you will have to order the manufacture of a glass panel in a special workshop, it makes sense to use the services of this workshop already at the measurement stage. This will avoid discrepancies when creating skinali, because the permissible error in this production is only 1mm.
Wall mounting options
An apron from skinals is installed after the kitchen set is completely hung.
Installation of the finished glass panel must be carried out on a flat and smooth wall surface so that the glass does not crack. It is possible to fix the skinal over the wallpaper or even tiles if it lies flat. In the case when a single panel is installed, the owner of the kitchen will be quite capable of doing this work himself.
There are two types of fastening skinali on the surface of the wall. In the first case, fixation is carried out on "liquid nails" or on glue. It is important that the wall is even and dry, otherwise it will not be possible to securely fix the skinal. This option is suitable for lightweight structures made of acrylic glass or polycarbonate.
For heavier materials, fasteners are used with metal parts: hooks or bolts. Mounting with hooks does not require creation in glass through holes, plates-hooks press the glass and are almost invisible at the same time. In this way it is convenient to fix the edges of the panels in case of their joining.
To fix the skinali with bolts, it is necessary to plan special holes for them at the design stage. After fixing, the screw is closed with a decorative cap. With this method of installation, a small distance remains between the wall and the skin, so it allows the installation of the panel even on a surface made of old tiles. The skinal is most securely attached to the bolts, but they do not always fit well into the drawing, this point should be considered when choosing an artistic composition.
Some manufacturers offer fixing the glass apron with magnets. In this case, on the inner surface of the skins and on the wall there are antipodal magnets that can withstand the weight of the panel and are invisible from outer side. This is a very neat and clean way of attaching.
What is a kitchen apron? This is the part of the wall that is above the work surface. It is she who, willy-nilly, is attacked by all kinds of dirt. In this regard, the question arises not only about the beauty of this part of the kitchen, but also about the practicality of the finishing material.
So, what alternative exists today to traditional ceramic tiles? glass aprons for the kitchen are attractive, first of all, by the practicality of the material. The tempered glass from which we manufacture our skinals is incredibly durable and performs well in use. It is easy to remove grease, stains or any other type of dirt from it. It is enough just to wipe the glass apron with a damp cloth. Such a surface also cannot be damaged by steam or moisture.
Second important aspect when choosing a finishing material - appearance. Tempered glass kitchen panels allow you to quickly and easily realize your ideas in the field of design. For example, you can make a product transparent and keep the original concept and original wall. In this case, the installation of the panel assumes a protective function. You can choose between regular clear glass, which has a slight greenish tint, and extra white Optiwhite.
But more often there is another task: to highlight the protective panel with an original pattern, decorating the room. This will help you with the functions of staining glass, as well as applying photo printing. For more information about which glass aprons for the kitchen you can buy in the Mebel Apartment online store, read on.
What glass panels can you order on the Mebel Apartment website
In the online store Furniture Apartment you can buy glass aprons for the kitchen inexpensively from the manufacturer. We make kitchen skinals of any size and thickness.
One of the main criteria by which the choice is made is the color of the material of the protective panel. In our online store you can choose tempered glass any color: transparent and Optywhite, gray and bronze, as well as matte. If you live in Moscow and want to see live samples of each type of glass, we invite you to visit our showroom.
Separately, it is worth mentioning aprons for the kitchen made of glass with photo printing. It is this version of the skinali that is now in the greatest demand. This function allows the buyer to order a glass panel with any pattern, or one-color photo printing. Kitchens with such skinali immediately attract the attention of guests. You can choose either your own image or apply a picture from ours to the glass apron.
Glass aprons are an opportunity to see your kitchen in a new way. not like that and new way finishes, but not aging. After viewing the stunning photos, you will know what your dream kitchen looks like. About everything in more detail later in the article.
A new kind of kitchen panels
There are several ways to create an unforgettable kitchen design, we will consider one of them. The guest of the program is a brilliant material that is not going to go out of fashion for at least a few more decades. Glass Apron: Whether you choose something neutral, muted, or bright, it's sure to add a unique update. Just make sure the piece you choose works well with the overall look of the kitchen.
A new alternative to tiles in design is glass panels. Glass can have any shade and color, so it brings a lot of opportunities from the side of creativity.. The location can be chosen next to the stove or washing machine, without fear of damage from heat or water.
So why are they loved?
- easy to maintain by wiping with a damp cloth;
- resistance to water, stains, grease;
- heat resistant, great for areas close to kitchen appliances;
- an endless choice of colors with different surface textures for creative design;
- hygienic, environmentally friendly material;
- visual increase in space due to reflectivity;
- easy to install, assemble.
Panels can be installed in three ways: by yourself, with the help of a contractor or a specialized company. You can paint the back side of the panels using acrylic paint.
Advice
If you like the pattern, you can use a transparent material over the wallpaper, or make a skinali - an apron that has its own pattern. If the shape of the area you plan to cover is fairly simple (and also relatively small), you can make it yourself. .
At the same time, if you plan to do the painting yourself, you must definitely use a special UV vinyl paint that is designed for use on glass, as other paints will crack and peel off over time. If the structure will be installed near the slab, it is necessary to use tempered glass which is heat resistant.
Why is the new trend replacing tiles?
In addition to the fact that glass can be painted in any color so that the finished product matches the decor of the room, it has another important advantage - aesthetic smoothness, lack of adhesions. It is these qualities of decor that are increasingly valued in modern designs apartments and houses. Much more pleasing to the eye, at the level of perception, is the use of seamless elements, which the eye simply does not stumble over. In addition to panels, this also includes kitchen furniture without handles, plain walls, clean lines, and other clean design tricks.
Skinali durable, hygienic, versatile. You can choose from an extensive palette of standard colors, and it is possible to order any individual shade to emphasize the design of the kitchen. Installed in several ways:
Yes, glass can be more expensive than ceramic, but the result is stunning. It's a sleek modern sheen with a color that amazingly combines cabinetry, countertop, appliances.
In addition, the new favorite does not require sealing, will not be painted, resistant to mold, bacteria. With few seams, no grout, it is also very easy to clean and maintain. It doesn't wear out.
When it needs to be cleaned, simply wipe down with a non-abrasive cleaning agent and the surface will be as new as when it was first installed - even after decades.
For kitchen back panels, material with low content iron a quarter of an inch wide. A smaller amount of iron in the composition allows you to achieve a pure color, as well as the absence of a greenish tint typical of glass.
Such a kitchen panel can imitate any material:
- tree;
- steel;
- marble;
- copper;
- concrete, etc.
But the most main reason The reason why people choose this material is its simplicity. It provides a simple, minimalist design with hundreds of color combinations to create the right one for every kitchen.
Finally, these panels cost less than most other materials that are commonly used for backsplashes. With their help, you will the best cuisine at low price.
Tempered glass is better and safer
Tempered glass is most commonly used for aprons for two reasons:
- it has good heat resistance;
- more durable, safer.
Also, as well-known trademark Luminarc cookware has the ability to crumble finely if the impact is too strong, leaving no sharp chips.
To make hardening, it was heated at a high temperature, and then immediately cooled. This treatment completely changes the structure of the glass, which ensures destruction with safe fragments. .
This advantage will save you from the danger posed by sharp fragments, which is especially true if there is a child in the house.
However, a hardened apron will be difficult to break - its resistance is equated to plastic. But do not think that now you can save money - plastic does not look as neat and stylish, its surface is much more difficult to clean. If you've used old phones with plastic screens, you know how quickly plastic scratches and becomes unsightly.
Aprons with images
Skinali - the most convenient option in the modern kitchen, a bestseller for its futuristic look, indispensable when it comes to accurately conveying specific color. The options for shades are unlimited, you can choose a tone to match the walls or stop at a contrasting apron - both of these choices are equally in demand. dark paint more practical, as it better hides fingerprints, splashes, smudges, and therefore requires less cleaning.
Painted panels have a layer of paint on its back side. Because only the back is painted, the exposed surface remains untouched. This means that the inherent brilliance of glass remains, rendering the exact color. Your walls and the color of the product are at the same time reliably protected from the inevitable splashes from cooking.
Advice
When ordering, be sure to specify whether the painting was done at the factory. Factory painting ensures that the pigment will not peel or discolor later.
Be warned: self-dyeing attempts tend to fail in both uniformity and durability. Replacing with acrylic does not work very well either, because acrylic is easily scratched, deformed, and needs to be replaced quickly.
Transparent aprons
You can install clear glass on a wall already painted with desired color, but some care must be taken when doing so. It's cheaper, looks great, but be aware that any blemishes or dust that might get behind it will be visible from the front.
Therefore, if a decision is made to install this particular type of apron, take care to make the structure removable for further cleaning. Transparent (including matte) panels have limited fastening methods - without the use of glue, as it will shine through.
solid
It is a homogeneous seamless panel that has a more beautiful appearance than the installation of multi-piece structures. Of course, a mosaic can make a kitchen beautiful, but the aura created by a monolithic apron is unmatched. The best choice for the material would be a simplified kitchen without bright accents, where a monolithic structure can show its
Mirrored
The term is self-explanatory, but the true effect of installing a mirror backsplash in your kitchen can only be felt when you can actually see it. Suitable cuisine for him it is small in size. Wall mirrors are known for adding depth and thus making a room appear larger than it really is. Therefore, if your kitchen is small and you want it to look bigger, take a closer look at the mirror panel.
Artificially aged
This is a mirrored surface that has undergone certain procedures to look like it was from antiquity. Although this is a trend, decorating a kitchen with this type of material is not easy. You will need to create a combination with antique furniture and general view kitchen to make the apron look good.
engraved
Engraving and sandblasting on glass looks great on the apron. This also includes frosted glass, which not only looks beautiful, but also requires less maintenance. Due to the matte effect, fingerprints will be less visible on the surface.
mosaic tiles
Mosaic imitation - glass panel format with small size, called glass tiles. Mosaic patterns vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Signature, iconic patterns are unlimited quadrangular shape, but have a hexagonal and other structure. Fashion trends imitate a stone, there is a subway glass tile. Here are some of the main trends:
- To add a bit of modern coziness to a traditional kitchen, consider Mochachino's hexagonal mosaic. This elongated hexagonal tile is a stained glass mosaic composed of cool greys, warm gold tones. Due to color variations, this geometric tile also likes brown, beige colors on cabinets and countertops.
- for a white kitchen to make it look lighter and more airy, consider opting for a subway type glass mosaic in white. These glazed glass tiles have a soft white shade help reflect natural light, blending beautifully with other white tones.
- For a bright accent area, Desert Mirage subway type tiles are suitable. It is a mosaic mixture of four different elements: natural stone cream color, as well as light blue, beige, dark brown glass tiles. The combination of randomly ordered materials adds depth, character.
- For a more subdued look that brings multiple styles together, check out Monterra Blend 8mm Hex Tile. This mix of natural stone and hexagon glass tiles has a pleasing combination of grays and greens with creamy beiges. The stone details are indeed made of natural stone and have veins that complement the colors and shades of the glass elements. The random arrangement of colors will emphasize the pattern, give movement, life to even the most neutral traditional cuisine.
- If your goal is to achieve a monochrome look, then the options glass mosaic almost endless. One way to add interest to the kitchen is to choose a material that will mimic cabinets and countertops.
Subway metal glass tile is another favorite fashion projects. Glazed with glass, they are used in a medium shade of gray primarily in a minimalist culinary space. Often distinguished by contrasting white lines on the seams.
glass tiles
Designers agree with the mosaic trend factor. Until 2010, it was used as a sign of "modern cuisine" mosaic tiles subway type in Aqua color. Therefore, large translucent glass subway tiles have been popular lately. Thus, glass itself is an acceptable material.
Accidental breakage isn't a problem with glass backsplashes because it's a vertical area that doesn't get as much stress as countertops. You can accidentally hit the tile with heavy containers of frozen meat, for example - it's unlikely to break.
Advice
Try to mix glass with other materials. Do not think that the entire space of your apron must be only glass.
One popular trend is to install regular ceramic and hexagonal glass tiles with a set range. Usually ceramics outline the perimeter of the apron, inside which the glass material is located. This is a strip one or two inches wide, going up six inches and parallel to the tabletop, but variations are possible.
Mosaic
Consider the full range of sizes. Not all glass tiles are mosaics. You can find it in different sizes - pebble, 2″x 2″, 4″x 4″, etc.
For ease of installation, choose a pre-mounted glass tile.
There are two varieties of tiles that make a huge difference when it comes time to install: mounted and unmounted tiles. More often, they are pre-mounted on a mesh basis, which gives the structure a consistent look, ensuring uniform distribution. Typically, the construction area is about 3/4″, although this size may vary.
Unmounted glass tiles
Tiles, which are called stained glass, usually come without a grid. They take a little longer to install, so plan accordingly. Good news with stained glass is that you have more options for pattern and color since you will be starting from scratch.
Glass has long been a worthy competitor to ceramic tiles and other materials used to finish the backsplash - a wall element located above the working area of the kitchen and immediately attracting the eyes of guests. It is considered the most environmentally friendly and hygienic of similar finishing materials. The glass apron is impervious to water or steam, dirt and greasy drops are not absorbed into it, and they are washed off without special efforts. Well, let's not forget to mention its attractive appearance.
From this article you will learn: how to choose an apron for a glass kitchen and not regret it, 6 most common mistakes when ordering, details about the installation of glass panels; You can read a price review, designer's advice, reviews of glass aprons and see a gallery of photos of kitchens from skinali.
The most common misconception about glass aprons in our time is that water or grease drops, dust, stains, etc. will be visible on the smooth surface of the glass. But if you believe the reviews of those who have long decided to make such an apron in the kitchen, then the marks on it are visible in the same way as on similar surfaces, for example, on ceramic tiles. At the same time, it requires less effort to maintain cleanliness, in particular, due to the fact that the glass does not have intertile seams, which are gradually clogged with dirt.
What kind of glass to use for the apron?
The most common thickness of glass for a kitchen backsplash is 6 or 8 mm.
Next to the working area of the kitchen optimal material based on safety, reliability and long service life, tempered glass is considered.
Tempered glass has a strength that is 5 times higher than that of ordinary glass. However, even if for some reason it breaks, the fragments in this case will be small and without sharp edges. Such an apron is recommended to be used next to a stove or hob, as it is not afraid of high temperatures.
Ordinary glass cannot boast of such reliability, and an apron made of plexiglass cannot initially be good option wall decoration in the kitchen. Since he is afraid of high temperatures, he cannot be used near gas stove; in addition, plexiglass is not resistant to damage, even scratches, quickly becomes dull and can be difficult to clean from traditional kitchen stains.
When you are thinking about which glass to choose for an apron, keep in mind another option: discolored glass - Optiwhite. Ordinary glass at first glance seems transparent, but it has a subtle greenish tint. On colored aprons, for example, with a landscape, texture, city panorama, you will not notice it, but if white or another light shade is used on the apron, this greenish tint will spoil the whole look.
According to experts, thanks to the better transparency of Optiwhite, the pattern on the apron looks brighter and clearer. Clarified glass costs approximately 30 percent more than regular glass.
What types of glass apron are there?
1. Clear glass without color pattern
It is transparent or frosted. A significant advantage of a transparent apron is that it is not visible and disguises itself as a common space. Its main purpose is to protect a wall painted or pasted over with wallpaper (photo wallpaper) from pollution.
Apron from frosted glass does not glare and has a more interesting appearance.
It is not necessary to use glass with a smooth glossy surface. Panels with a surface on which textures are applied, for example, satin, look quite extravagant and attractive.
And the last option involves applying any elements to the glass surface using silk-screen printing or other technology - it can be a drawing, an inscription, etc.
2. Photo printing (with full color UV printing) on glass
Panels with an interesting image printed on their surface are called skinali. To date, this version of the glass apron has received wide use and popularity, and therefore quite in demand.
The glass apron with photo printing is quite beautiful and has a long service life. Using special equipment, the image is transferred to the inside of the glass. The application is very reliable, does not fade from sunlight, it is not afraid of exposure to high temperatures (up to 120 degrees) or high humidity air.
Panels with a 3D effect look best, but you will have to pay much more for such an apron than for an analogue made of colorless or painted glass.
A colored glass apron painted in the same color scheme looks quite bright and at the same time discreet, and at the same time does not hurt the eyes. Here the choice of shades is practically unlimited.
In the manufacture of this type of aprons, the so-called. stemalite. This technology consists in the fact that the paint intended for this is applied to the inner surface of the glass panel, after which the glass is subjected to heat treatment. This staining method has a very high degree of reliability.
4. Patterned on decorative vinyl
A kitchen apron with a vinyl film pasted on which a drawing is applied is a cheaper option than photo printing. This technology lies in the fact that the film is rolled from the inside of the glass surface, which serves as its protection from harmful effects. In this case, it is necessary to choose high-quality material, and work with it must be carried out by qualified specialists, otherwise it will exfoliate, wrinkle or burn out after a while.
Glass made up of several layers different thickness, is called a triplex. Its main advantage is that the drawing is not exposed to any harmful influences at all.
A triplex apron is two layers of glass fastened together, and between them is the image itself. Another advantage of it is that in case of mechanical damage, it does not shatter into pieces, but only cracks. This option is practically not used in the kitchen. The reason lies in high cost, thicker than a conventional glass apron, plus it can be difficult to make holes for rails and sockets in it.
6. Mirror apron
Visually it looks pretty good, visually enlarges the space and creates a cozy atmosphere. However, he is an amateur, since not everyone likes to see their reflection or the process of cooking, washing dishes. An interesting compromise is the use of the same elegant semi-matt finish instead of a mirrored panel. mirror tiles with sandblasted finish.
From the designer. A glass backsplash is well suited for small kitchens, which are often found in older homes. With a slight reflective effect, it visually enlarges the room. Smooth surface such an apron, reflecting light, makes the room brighter.
A beautiful landscape or a picture of a city can bring depth and perspective and push the boundaries - these are indispensable features for a small kitchen.
Glass panels, manufactured with the correct observance of the technological process and installed during the renovation of the kitchen, have high quality and are able to last for many years, so an apron is not the thing to save on.
Installation of a glass apron - important information
Installing the selected apron does not take much time and will only take a couple of hours if installed by qualified craftsmen.
Unlike a ceramic tile or mosaic apron, the installation process of any skinali does not require general cleaning after completion of work and save your time.
The glass apron is attached to the wall using two methods.
1. With fastener
This installation method is preferred. The apron, regardless of what glass and what thickness was used in its production, is fixed quite well. Another advantage with this method of fastening is the absence of the need for a thorough alignment of the wall. In addition, if necessary, the apron can be easily dismantled and then installed in place.
Note: for this operation, two types of fasteners are used - hinged or through.
Hinged fasteners- 10 mm are hook plates made of metal into which a glass panel is inserted. In this case, absolutely no holes need to be drilled in the apron. These plates are almost invisible and hold the glass well. If the apron is divided into parts, then with this installation method it is possible to join the edges of the panels in such a way that the joining points will be invisible.
When applied through fastener before the glass tempering process, the required number of holes for screws are drilled along the edges of the apron. After installation, they are covered with special two-centimeter pads.
The advantage of this method is that there is a small space between the glass and the wall, for this reason the aprons can be fixed without any preparation and alignment of the wall. A slight disadvantage is that the fasteners will remain in sight, and may slightly spoil the design.
2. On glue or liquid nails
The essence of this method lies in the fact that the glass panel of the apron is glued directly to the wall. In this case, very flat wall. To do this, it is plastered, puttied and dried. Mounting skinali using glue is considered easier, since there is no need to drill walls and suffer with fasteners, but the method using fasteners is more reliable.
After the installation of the glass panel is completed, a special rim is installed on the joint that exists between the apron and the tabletop. In the event that you have chosen a composite apron, and not a solid one, make sure that the installers hide all the gaps by aligning the panels as closely as possible. To prevent the appearance of fungus on the wall, all joints are sealed with a sealing compound. If the specialists did the work efficiently, then neither sealant nor joints will be noticeable.
As a rule, the installation, which is carried out by Moscow companies, does not involve necessary work for leveling the wall and installing additional parts (skirting boards, roof rails, sockets, lights, etc.). These works are carried out by agreement, and you will have to pay extra for them.
If possible, the installation of a glass apron can be done on your own. However, keep in mind that such work should be carried out by an experienced person, preferably someone who has previously dealt with glass.
Illuminated glass apron
A certain charm and romance to an apron made of glass panels is added by beautiful lighting with correctly placed accents. Around the apron, and in some cases they are attached directly to it led strip, which slightly illuminates the surface of both the apron itself and the work surface, while having an energy-saving effect. The LED strip offered in stores is white or colored. When using the second one, it becomes possible to change the lighting as you please. We have already written more about backlit aprons.
Dimensions
The standard height of a kitchen apron most often ranges from 0.4 to 0.9 meters. According to professionals, the length of the glass panel should not exceed 200-250 centimeters. If you have a kitchen large sizes and you need a long apron, the manufacturers will make it composite. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about the visibility of the joints: if the work is done good masters, then they will not be visible at all.
Prices for a glass apron both in Moscow and in other cities vary considerably. How much a custom-made product will cost is influenced by many different factors, including the type of glass, the method of painting or applying the image, the method of installation and the cost of fasteners; combined is an apron or one-piece; are there any working area non-standard angles; Do you need to correct or edit the image using design programs etc.
The journalists of the site portal, having looked at the prices on the resources of Moscow firms engaged in the manufacture of glass aprons to order, calculated the average level of prices for various services.
So, the departure of a specialist to make measurements in Moscow costs about 1 thousand rubles, outside the Moscow Ring Road - an average of 1500 rubles.
By the way, the calculation of the cost of the apron of interest can be made directly on some websites of companies. The price, of course, will be inaccurate and can easily increase when ordering.
We decided to experiment and calculate the cost of a tempered glass backsplash with photo printing, which is 2.5 meters long and 0.6 meters high, which should have two holes for sockets and rails. The calculations of three calculators showed that for such an apron you would have to pay about 15,000 rubles. The calculated price includes the departure of the measurer, the cost of manufacturing an apron, delivery within the city and installation.
In the event that Optiwhite glass is used for production, then the price of a similar apron will increase to an average of 18-19 thousand rubles.
Average prices for a tempered glass backsplash with a thickness of 6 mm, with UV photo printing, start at 6,000 rubles per sq.m., while this includes the cost of fasteners.
An apron with photo printing with a 3D effect will cost 9,500 rubles per sq.m.
The most low price for a transparent tempered glass apron 6mm without photo printing starts from 3500 rubles. A similar apron, but made of clear Optiwhite glass, will cost 30 percent more money.
Tempered glass, as a rule, is about 40-50 percent more expensive than regular "raw" glass.
If the choice fell on triplex with photo printing, then prices for it start at 11,000 rubles per square.
On average, the production time for a glass apron in many companies is about two weeks, and business days are counted.
It must be borne in mind that for some Additional services that you need, you will need to pay extra.
Among them - fitting an apron, color proof, some design services for creating and editing a layout. Some firms include in the specification payment for the purchase of an image from a photo bank. Many manufacturers also offer an additional coating of any apron with a transparent or colored protective film. Some produce it for free, others ask from 600 rubles per linear meter.
A virtual fitting of 3 variants of aprons on a photo of a real kitchen in the city costs 1000-1500 rubles. Several firms, when placing an order, undertake to make it at no additional charge.
Examples of how a glass apron will look in your kitchen can be viewed in our photo gallery:
Photo skinali with the image
Colored plain glass aprons
Glass kitchen apron - common and successful design decision, allowing you to protect the surface of the wall in the working area, create cozy interior and emphasize the individuality of the situation. This decorative element will successfully fit into any style, from classic to hi-tech or loft. 
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Glass apron in the kitchen: pros and cons
If you need to choose which apron for the kitchen is better, choose plastic or glass, you should study the advantages and disadvantages of these materials.
Glass kitchen apron has whole line advantages:
- Environmental friendliness of the material.
- Quick and easy installation of glass panels.
- The brilliance and reflectivity of the glass visually expands the space, which is especially necessary when decorating a small kitchen.
- Reliability. For the production of aprons, only tempered glass is used, which has high fracture and impact strength. It is not afraid of mechanical damage, ultraviolet radiation and temperature fluctuations.
- Safety. No sharp shards will form if the glass panel is broken.
- If the length of the web is not more than 3 m, it is possible to install a one-piece glass apron.
- Ease of care.
- decorative qualities. For innovative glass production technology is available various decor, styles, colors.
Glass panels with photo printing applied to them are very popular. It can be a monochrome drawing, a full-color photo, 3D.
Colored plain aprons are also common. The surface can be mirror, glossy or matte. If the walls are applied art painting or beautiful wallpaper, it can be protected with a transparent apron.
To decorate the wall with transparent glass, preference should be given to the Optiwhite class material. This is a clear glass with high light transmission. It doesn't have a greenish tint. ordinary glass, does not distort the image placed behind it.
Despite the obvious advantages, glass panels for an apron also have disadvantages:
- The high cost of quality glass.
- Installation errors can cause condensation between the glass and the wall, contamination in the seams.
- It is possible to cut holes in the panels for the apron only before the hardening stage, so the order of the product is made on the basis of already finished design project, taking into account the placement of electrical outlets. Holes for fasteners are also drilled in production.
- If the installation is unsuccessful, the joints between the panels may be too visible.
- Mass use. This leads to the fact that this option for finishing the apron is becoming more commonplace.
Before choosing plastic or glass for the design of the work surface, you need to consider and alternative solutions- plexiglass and polycarbonate.
Polycarbonate is cheaper than glass. It is more resistant to high temperatures than plexiglass and stronger than tempered glass. The material is light and flexible. The disadvantage of polycarbonate is the instability to mechanical damage- it scratches easily.
Plexiglas is called plexiglass, acrylic, PMMA. This is a cheap material, durable, moisture resistant, lightweight and flexible. Plexiglas is not demanding on the quality of surface treatment, does not emit toxins during combustion. It can be cut and installed by yourself. At the same time, plexiglass is easily scratched, tarnishes, is sensitive to the action of alcohol and acetone, and deforms at temperatures above 80°C. It is less transparent than tempered glass.
How to make a glass apron
When choosing which glass for an apron in the kitchen is better, it is worth considering all possible options.
Tempered glass - stalinite. This sheet glass is first heated to a temperature of 650°C and then quickly cooled with cold air from both sides. It has an increased mechanical strength, heat resistance and safety in case of destruction. It can be installed at the gas stove, it does not scratch, does not fade, withstands cleaning with abrasives. The service life is at least 10 years. The following varieties are in use today:
- Stemalite is glass tempered after being coated with colored enamel. Doesn't fade or fade.
- Satin - glass with a matte surface.
- Skinali - panels with a decorative substrate. The image is applied by photo printing, stereo printing or using a vinyl film.
Laminated glass - triplex. These are 2 or more sheets of silicate glass glued together. polymer film, thanks to which they do not scatter into fragments when damaged. Triplex is made by pressing at high temperature.
The polymer layer can be transparent and serve as a decorative substrate. The layered structure allows you to apply an image or foil on the inner layer of glass, completely protecting it from external influences. The inner layer of triplex can be matte or mirror, and the outer layer can be hardened, imitating the texture of leather or fabric.
Triplex has all the advantages of tempered glass. The disadvantages include the cost, the large weight of the canvas, less transparency, the duration of production.
Dimensions
Glass aprons for the kitchen are installed along the entire working surface of the room, so the width of the product depends on the size of the working area.
The lower edge of the apron should go beyond the countertop by at least 1 cm. If the upper tier of the headset is suspended at the same level and there is no hood, you can install the apron in one strip 55-65 cm high. If the hanging cabinets have different heights, the panel can be curly. The minimum height of the apron to the lower edge of the hood from the stove is 70 cm, and the width is equal to the width of the stove and hood. The glass should go beyond the hood by 5-10 cm.
For an apron, sheets of tempered glass with a thickness of 6-8 mm are best suited. Triplex thickness is standard - 8 mm.
When it comes to choosing a design for a glass backsplash, it is important to focus on the style and color scheme kitchen interior. It is better to prefer an image consisting of a maximum of 3 main colors that are present in the design of the room, otherwise the decor will bring disharmony to the overall composition. Universal solutions - transparent, white or plain colored canvas.
Accessories for glass aprons greatly affect their reliability and appearance. The most popular material for its manufacture is metal. It can be nickel-plated, brushed, gold or bronze.
Metal parts are best combined with glass and household appliances. Fittings include fasteners, brackets, hooks and holders, profiles, sockets. In order for the apron to serve for a long time and have an expensive appearance, you should not save on fittings.
LED backlight colors
The fashionable design of kitchens suggests the presence of additional sources of lighting. The most functional LED lights. With compact dimensions, it illuminates the work surface well, without flickering.
The kitchen backsplash can be equipped with profiles with built-in LED lighting. Lamps are mounted both on the lower and on its upper edge. For backlit lighting, you can choose a single-color LED strip: white, blue, green or red. There are also Alternative option- multi-color lighting. In this case, the backlight changes color at the controller's signal. The color option is good for decorative lighting. For functional countertop lighting, it is better to prefer a tape with white light.
How much does a glass apron cost
The choice of glass is primarily reflected in the cost of an apron for the kitchen. The price is calculated per 1 m² of the finished product. Tempered glass for an apron in the kitchen is cheaper than triplex. The most expensive material is tempered glass triplex.
The finished product additionally increases the cost of photo printing by 30-50%. Stereo printing costs even more. Optiwhite class glass is valued somewhat higher than unlit tempered glass for an apron in the kitchen.
Since the manufacture of aprons is carried out to order and with subsequent installation, their final cost will be affected by the method of fastening, the quantity constituent parts and holes for sockets, roof rails.
Tempered glass for an apron in the kitchen is more expensive than polymer counterparts.
Glass kitchen apron: installation subtleties
Installation of a glass apron for the kitchen is carried out in three ways: with glue, with fasteners or using a profile. In any case, installation work is carried out after the assembly of furniture. After the completion of the repair work, the gap between the apron and the countertop can be closed with a decorative plinth.
When installing the apron, it is worth considering the following points:
- When placing the backlight behind the apron screen, the minimum allowable distance between glass and light source - 7 cm for photo printing and 3 cm for triplex.
- Mounting screws must be tightened carefully, without excessive force.
- In the case of a corner joint, the panel is first mounted, which rests against the wall, and then the one that rests against the first.
- The distance between the glass and the hob must be at least 5 cm.
- Pressure on the end of the glass panel may cause it to break, the upper level of the headset must not be allowed to rest on it.
- In the case of installation using a profile, a seal is used to protect the glass from metal screws.
1 - using fasteners
There are the following mounting methods:
- With the use of screws with decorative caps. This is a reliable method that is suitable for any surface, even if it is a completely flat wall or an old coating. This fastener option allows, if necessary, to dismantle the apron for a while. There is a distance of about 4 mm between the wall and the screen. The main disadvantage of the method is the visibility of the fasteners.
- With awnings. In this case, the panels are inserted into inconspicuous metal clips. This option is less reliable, but it allows you to almost closely dock individual canvases.
2 - using liquid nails or other adhesives
The second way to attach the apron to the wall is with the use of an adhesive composition. The most popular glue is "liquid nails". In this way, the panels are attached only to a well-prepared, flat surface.
The advantage is the complete adhesion of the glass to the wall, which eliminates the appearance of condensate under it. When mounted on adhesive composition there are no visible fasteners and the joints are well masked.
How to install yourself
Do-it-yourself fastening method is doable. To do this, use glass holders - nozzles with plastic dowels.
Preparatory work
Before installing the apron, sockets, switches are dismantled, and the glasses are pushed out to the thickness of the lining. Applying sheets of apron to the wall, markup for fasteners, make holes 6 mm in diameter (1-2 mm larger than the diameter of the screw) and hammer dowels into them.
- Silicone bushings are inserted into the holes on the glass to protect it from metal.
- Screw the self-tapping screw to its full length (3.5 cm).
- After screwing in and tightening the screws, we mask them with decorative caps.
- We seal the seams between the panels, if any, with colorless silicone.
- Paste decorative plinth between the tabletop and the apron.
You can install an apron using the l-shaped aluminum profile. First fix the top, then the bottom profile. Insert glass between them and fix with a plinth. This method is especially convenient if the apron consists of panels of different heights.
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