Plastic apron

What to look for when choosing?

To kitchen apron served for several years and did not spoil the appearance of the interior, and at the same time fully fulfilled its main function - protecting the wall, you need to choose the right finishing material. Therefore, a high-quality plastic kitchen apron must meet the following requirements:

1. Optimum thickness... The thinner the tile, the more likely it is to be mechanically or thermally damaged.
2. One-piece canvas... Find or order a sheet for your kitchen size or larger. Here, as with glass skin - the fewer joints, the easier it is to maintain and the better the appearance.

Important! The thickness of the plastic varies depending on the material: PVC - 5-10 mm, ABS - 1.5 mm, acrylic - 5 mm.

In the photo, an imitation of a chalk board

Types and characteristics of materials

The properties of a plastic apron depend not only on the size, but also on the very composition from which it is made.

PVC apron

The PVC kitchen apron has only one plus: it's cheap. Otherwise, plastic PVC panels are much inferior to their counterparts: the drawings on them fade, glossy coatings are scratched, the material itself emits harmful substances into the air.

In addition, it is suitable exclusively for "cold" zones. Since the PVC apron melts easily from heating, it is strictly forbidden to install it near the stove.

The photo shows a cheap plastic made of polyvinyl chloride

ABS plastic apron

A kitchen apron made of ABS plastic (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is more practical, but it also costs a little more than PVC. Unfortunately, it is also not recommended to use it near the stove: the maximum temperature that the plastic apron can withstand is 80 degrees Celsius. A little more and beautiful plastic will soften, slide down under its own weight.

But the ABS plastic panels look stylish (they resemble skinals), they are installed simply, they are easy to clean (they can withstand small abrasives and chemicals).

Acrylic

If, according to your idea, the plastic apron should be located near the stove, you need to use acrylic. Polycarbonate is the only heat-resistant option available.

Looks almost indistinguishable from glass - does not have a yellowish undertone, unlike ABS. But this is only the first time - from mechanical damage and constant stress, the surface is scratched, therefore, 1-2 years after installation, the acrylic plastic apron will lose its aesthetics.

Pictured is an acrylic apron

Pros and cons

Whether to use a plastic apron in the design of your kitchen or not is up to you. We only propose to re-evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of this solution:

How to fix it yourself?

Installing a plastic apron is a relatively clean and simple task, it can be installed even after the repair is completed. The process will not take more than 2 hours.

Be sure to look in which order to do the right kitchen renovation.

Step-by-step instruction

To install the apron you will need:

• level (better laser);
• tape measure and pencil;
• utility knife or scissors;
• suitable adhesive (liquid nails, sealant, universal rubber based).

Also prepare the panels and decorative strips themselves - they will come in handy to close the ends, corners and joints.

Important! The surface before pasting must be prepared: leveled, free from dust, degreased (if you plan to glue on paint or tiles).

Getting Started:

1. If you don't have furniture yet, draw the top and bottom lines of the kitchen using a level, ruler, and pencil.
2. Open the panels by cutting them lengthwise to the desired size.
3. Mark the location of the sockets on the panels, cut them out.
4. Apply glue to the inside, press the decor against the wall, wait until it dries completely.
5. Glue decorative trims to ends and seams.

Advice! So that the upper and lower edges of the plastic do not have to be decorated, wind the apron under the furniture (upper cabinets and countertops) by 3-5 mm.

Video tutorial

To make sure that gluing a plastic apron is really as easy as shelling pears, watch a quick video tutorial:

Design options

There are as many design ideas for a plastic apron as there are options for printing on it - an incredible amount. The most popular motives were and remain flowers, fruits, still lifes.

The photo shows a bright floral design

Most often, shades are made to repeat facades - for example, on white kitchen - white orchids, on black and red - cherries on a dark background.

The second most popular motive is landscapes. Pictures can depict cities with tall buildings, cozy city streets, seashore, forest, flower meadow.

But in modern styles practically none of the listed options fit, therefore today neutral designs with imitation of tiles (oriental, mosaics, hog), chalk board, wood or metal texture.

In the photo there is a stylish apron made of plastic

When choosing an apron design, do not forget that no matter how beautiful and clear the pattern is, it will not hide the origin of the plastic: therefore, pass it off as brickwork or glass panel will fail. But it's worth a try! Some acrylics look very stylish - look at the photos in the gallery and see for yourself.