Choosing a plastic apron for the kitchen and installing it yourself
A plastic apron is an opportunity to radically change the interior of your kitchen by adding bright colors to it. Many people in the reviews say that they installed a similar design in the kitchen with their own hands. You can choose different types of plastic that will fit into the design of any interior - imitating natural materials, with photo printing, plain. You can also place your photos on the apron, which will make the kitchen space unique.
Plastic aprons for the kitchen and their types
An apron is a canvas that covers part of the wall in the kitchen. The coating is placed in the "working area" and serves to protect the wall from the effects of temperatures, the accumulation of dirt, and also acts as an independent piece of furniture. The apron is mounted near the stove, sink, and also above the countertop.
Usually, aprons made of dense materials such as ceramic tiles, marble, wood paneling or fire-resistant glass are mounted in the work area. Aprons made of plastic have recently become popular, which is much cheaper than other materials and at the same time reliably protects the wall surface.
The following types of plastic aprons are offered for installation:
- ABS sheets. Such material is sold in the form of plates, from which the desired shape can be cut. Usually ABS sheets are used if photo printing is planned. You can choose plastic with an image already applied or order an individual drawing, for example, place a high-quality photo or a beautiful picture on the canvas.
- PVC panels. Sold with a pattern already applied, usually decorated with ornaments or plain. Quite popular is plastic, which imitates various surfaces - marble, wood, mosaic. They vary in panel thickness.
- PVC lining. On the market you can find several types of such material, which differ in thickness. Usually produced in monophonic in soothing pastel colors.
The choice of material should be based on its technical characteristics, as well as the personal preferences of the customer.
Advice. The thicker the plastic chosen for mounting the apron, the higher its strength and resistance to temperature.
It is worth noting that different types of plastic differ significantly in price. For example, PVC lining is much cheaper than other types, and the most expensive types are ABS sheets. You will also have to pay extra for applying a personal drawing to the apron.
The main pros and cons of a plastic apron
Plastic aprons are installed in almost all modern kitchens. Such popularity of the material is due to its positive qualities:
- plastic is much cheaper than other materials that are used to install aprons;
- easy to clean - it is enough to regularly wipe the apron with a soft sponge;
- not afraid of moisture, steam, and also withstands high temperatures (up to 80 degrees);
- does not require preparation of the wall surface before installation;
- easy to install - you can install it yourself;
- It has many colors, which allows you to create a unique kitchen design;
- the pattern on the plastic does not fade or fade even with prolonged use;
- durable in use with proper operation;
- the apron is easy to dismantle if necessary.
With all the advantages of a plastic apron, it has a number of disadvantages.
- The main disadvantage of plastic in the interior of the kitchen is the flammability of the material. Placing the apron in close proximity to open flames may result in a fire. In this case, the plastic ignites in a few seconds and completely melts in 5 minutes. When burned, it forms toxic substances that are deadly to humans. Therefore, owners of gas stoves should place the apron at least 20 cm from the fire. It is also recommended to separate the stove from the wall with a metal cover.
- There are many low-quality plastic models on the market, which usually cost much less, but at the same time have low technical characteristics. Such material emits toxic gas when heated. In order not to buy a fake, be sure to ask the seller for a quality certificate.
- The plastic apron does not suffer blows. When large objects hit the surface, small cracks and dents form on the plastic, and the pattern is damaged.
- The material is subject to deformation due to the action of abrasive substances, as well as detergents, which contain acetone. Do not try to clean the surface with metal sponges, as cracks and scratches may form.
Of course, a plastic apron has more positive qualities than negative ones. If you properly care for the surface, as well as take the choice of material seriously, the apron will bring only positive emotions to the owners of the apartment.
Do-it-yourself plastic apron installation
You can install an apron in the kitchen with your own hands or turn to professionals for help. For installation, you will need a minimum set of tools and consumables.
The first thing to do is to choose the type of plastic and its color. Having picked up the material for the design of your kitchen, you can begin to take measurements.
Advice. In order to correctly measure the area of \u200b\u200bthe canvas, it is necessary to carry out measurements with a margin. Part of the apron, about 20 cm, should protrude beyond the wall cabinets and countertop. In this way, maximum wall protection can be achieved.
After choosing and acquiring plastic, you can proceed with its installation. Before starting work, the surface of the wall should be treated with a primer and allowed to dry a little. It is not necessary to level the wall before work. Installation is carried out in several ways:
- planting an apron on waterproof glue;
- fastening the canvas with self-tapping screws;
- installation of plastic on a pre-prepared structure.
The first method is the easiest - strips of glue are applied to the wall. First, the glue is applied around the perimeter, and then in horizontal stripes with an interval of 15 cm. Then pre-fat-free plastic is applied to the wall. This installation method is the fastest, but has a drawback - it will not work to remove the plastic sheet without deformation.
Attaching the apron with self-tapping screws is also not difficult. For reliable fastening, four self-tapping screws are enough, which are located along the perimeter of the canvas.
If the kitchen wall is uneven, a plastic apron can be attached to an aluminum profile. At the same time, aluminum or wooden slats are first attached to the wall, and then an apron is mounted on them.
After the installation is completed, holes are cut out on the apron for sockets, wires and pipes.
Thus, a plastic apron is an economical and easy way to decorate your kitchen.
Installation of a plastic kitchen apron: video
Plastic apron: photo
