How to update an apron with your own hands?

Close up with wall panel

Old tiles can be easily masked with a special MDF or PVC panel. They are sold in construction hypermarkets, as well as on various online sites. They represent both a solid slab with a pattern or imitation of wood, and textured surfaces for brick, stone, boards, mosaics.

Suitable for decorating an apron located between the upper cabinets and lower cabinets, hide irregularities, easy to clean, but not all are fireproof... Most of the panels look budget-friendly according to the cost.

Decorate with foil

We're not talking about food foil, but self-adhesive: it's a cheap way to transform your kitchen without knocking down the tiles. The adhesive layer has already been applied to the back of the film, so no additional materials need to be purchased.

It is easy to do the work yourself according to the instructions on the package. Usually, the foil is made of aluminum, has a relief pattern, is easy to clean and can withstand temperatures up to 250 degrees.

The manufacturer guarantees excellent wear resistance material, therefore recommends using foil over the stove and sink.

Decorate with stickers

If a ceramic apron in good condition, you can diversify its appearance with the help of special stickers for the size of the products. Stickers should be applied to degreased tilesremoving the film from the back and smoothing out air bubbles.

The work requires precision and patience. Look for labels that say products are designed for use on tiles, metal and outdoor surfaces - these are the most resistant to temperature extremes and moisture.

It is optimal if the image on the stickers is slightly dull: too bright prints look cheap and immediately give out a fake.

Paint

Modern paint manufacturers offer many formulations for different tasks, and it is no longer surprising for consultants in hardware stores to ask for paint specifically for tiles. Surface preparation plays an important role in the renovation.

Before painting, the apron should be cleaned from dirt, degreased, sanded with fine sandpaper and primed with a special compound (for example, Tikkurila Otex).

Alkyd enamel, latex and oil paint are suitable for a tile apron. Recommended use a roller and apply the composition in two layers.

Refresh seams

If the tile is held firmly, the elements are not faded or askew, it is enough to repair the seams, since they are often the ones that spoil the look of the kitchen apron. The grout in the joints quickly absorbs dirt, darkens and crumbles. To improve the appearance of a tile, you should:

• clean the seams from the old mortar, using a special softener composition or mechanically with a construction knife.
• Flush joints with soapy water, wait until it is completely dry and apply a primer.
• In a day apply new grout.

A popular option today is the use of colored grout against the background of a plain tile.

Restore single copies

If one or more tiles have fallen off, and all the others are holding up well, it is not necessary to make a full repair. Optimally, if you have saved spare parts - it will not be difficult to update the apron.

But even if there are no tiles left, you can pick up contrasting products the same size in a hardware store - one package will not hit your pocket, and stylish "patches" will revive and decorate the interior. Creative individuals can use mirrors, as well as purchased or homemade mosaic.

To dismantle the element, you need to drill holes in it, carefully break it with a hammer and chisel. To restore the apron, it is required to thoroughly clean the surface where the tile was attached. Then apply adhesive and glue the product.

Turn into a work of art

You can decorate tiles in different ways:

• Create volumetric patterns using wood putty and stencil.
• To paint the apron with acrylic paints, followed by the protection of the pattern with varnish.
• Use decoupage technique, decorating products with napkins and PVA glue.

Any of the methods requires courage and imagination, but the result will definitely please, because what you have done with your own hands is most appreciated.

Even without changing the tiles in the kitchen, you can create an original apron that will delight you for several more years and save your budget.