Glass backsplash is 99% the perfect choice and a great alternative to tile, porcelain stoneware, stone and other types wall panels for kitchen. If you are thinking about buying just this type of apron, then most likely you have already heard that there are many varieties of glass kitchen aprons on the market: skinali, triplex, plexiglass, optiwhite, satin, enamel ... Let's find out what these words mean and what else you need to know before going to the store.
General characteristics - pros and cons
Pros:
- Glass panels look much more harmonious in the interior of kitchens in modern style(, neoclassical, loft, ), as they are ideally combined with the glossy and glass facades of the headset, as well as with chrome and glass elements of household appliances;
- Installation of any type of glass is carried out very quickly and without dirt in about 1-2 hours;
- Glass panels are seamless or have a minimum of seams, making them easier to keep clean than, for example, an apron made of ceramic tiles, since dirt does not accumulate at the joints;
- The brilliance of the glass itself is beautiful, in addition, it reflects light and visually enlarges a small space. Small kitchens with a glass apron are presented in the following selection of photos.
- With glass, you can realize original, personalized decorative ideas: decorate it with photo printing, stereo printing, sandblasting, a vinyl colored plain backing or order a backing with a pattern (from the workshop catalog or with your own). You can also choose from a matte or textured glass surface. The photo below shows skins with graphic images (scroll to the right).
If you wish, you can not only come up with a design yourself, but also make a decor with your own hands, for example, insert a family collage of photos or favorite recipes under glass.
- Only transparent glass can protect noble materials and textures like stone or wood without hiding their beauty.
Often, wallpaper or painted walls are covered with glass so as not to overload the kitchen interior with dissimilar surfaces.
- Glass kitchen apron, like no other, is combined with any lighting.
Minuses:
- The glass panel for the kitchen is relatively expensive (except for quite budgetary plexiglass). The average price of a standard apron: 4700 rubles. for 1 sq. m. together with the installation.
- Installation of glass aprons is carried out only after the complete assembly of the headset, or at least when you are completely sure of the size of the future kitchen, and sockets, switches, communications, etc. have already been installed. Making an apron is a responsible business without the right to make mistakes, alterations and improvements during and after installation.
- If you can buy a tile and deliver it home on the same day, then skinali (glass with photo printing) will be made in about 7-14 days.
- An incorrectly chosen skinali design can ruin the entire interior of the kitchen, overloading the space with its variegation or unfortunate color, and also quickly get bored.
- Although the design of the glass apron may be different, it is not suitable for every kitchen. For example, in interiors in style, glass panels (even with a discreet image) will look less organic than traditional tiles.
But how does glass withstand temperature extremes, humidity, frequent washing, bumps and other kitchen difficulties? These characteristics may differ depending on the type of glass, which we will discuss in order below.
1. Tempered glass apron (stalinite)
Tempered glass (stalinite)- This is ordinary silicate glass, which was subjected to high-temperature heat treatment, and then cooled sharply.
Pros: in addition to all the advantages listed above, an apron for a kitchen made of stalinite type glass has a significant advantage - its impact strength is 5-10 times higher than that of ordinary glass, and if such an apron is still broken, it will break into small fragments with blunt edges that cannot be cut. Unlike acrylic or raw glass, tempered glass can be easily installed near a gas stove - it does not deform or burst from temperature changes and overheating. It practically does not scratch, does not fade, is not afraid of moisture, it can be washed even with a brush with abrasives. Like tiles, stalinite can last about 10 years or more.
Cons: more expensive than ordinary glass and plexiglass (but no more expensive than high-quality ceramic tiles, porcelain stoneware or stone), does not provide the ability to change the size of the panel and the hole in it during installation (all cutouts can only be made by the manufacturer before the hardening stage), it is made in about a week .
- Stemalit (enamelite, enamelled, back-painted glass) is glass that was first painted with colored enamel and then tempered, which is why paint and glass became inseparable from each other;
- Satin - frosted glass. It costs a little more than transparent, unbleached tempered glass, looks beautiful, but is more difficult to maintain;
- Skinali - glass panels with a decorative substrate, that is, with an image - vinyl film, with photo printing or stereo printing. Photo printing increases the cost of the product by 30-50%, and stereo printing costs twice as much.
- Optiwhite (Optiwhite) - bleached tempered glass, which does not have a characteristic "bottle" greenish-blue tint, and therefore is more suitable for aprons with a light decorative substrate and if color purity and pattern detail are important to you. However, an Optiwhite glass kitchen apron costs about one and a half to two times more than an unbleached one. In the photo below you can see the difference between Optiwhite glass and unbleached glass.
- Glass panels with built-in LED backlighting - the backlight is built into profiles that are mounted above and / or below the apron. Thus, it turns into an independent lamp.
On the other hand, you can install the backlight in another way, for example, by simply gluing it or installing it as shown in the photo below.
- The cheapest type of stalinite has a thickness of 4 mm, but it will also have less impact and bending strength. A glass panel with a thickness of 6 mm or more will be much more reliable;
- Keep in mind that, as a rule, a tempered glass apron is ordered on a turnkey basis, that is, starting with measurements and ending with installation, so the final price of the apron largely depends on the installation nuances - the method of attachment, the number of parts of the apron, if any. composite, the number of cutouts for sockets and roof rails, etc.
- If you want to order skinali, then you can choose the image yourself on. Most often, designers in workshops take pictures for photo printing from this photo bank.
- As for the choice of design for the skinali, it is important here not to proceed from the beauty of the picture itself, but from how much it can fit into the interior of the kitchen in terms of plot and color. It is better when the pattern consists of a maximum of 3 colors that are present in the design of your kitchen, otherwise it will be too intrusive, active, and create a sense of confusion. If in doubt, then choose win-win universal options - white or neutral glass, and if you want brightness, then color panels without patterns.
If the walls in the kitchen have a beautiful finish, for example, wallpaper with a pattern, brickwork or textured concrete, it is best to choose transparent Optiwhite glass, and not skinali.
2. Apron made of triplex (laminated glass)
Triplex is a multi-layered organic, silicate or tempered glass, that is, when two or more layers are glued together with a special polymer film, which, in the event of glass damage, prevents the fragments from crumbling, holding them on itself. The thickness of the triplex apron is most often 8 mm. If a transparent triplex is used on the windshields of cars, then for aprons the polymer layer often carries not only protective, but also decorative function.
Pros: absolute safety, strength, heat resistance, design variability, ease of care, etc.
Cons: triplex is used to make an apron less often than tempered glass, as it costs a little more (tempered glass triplex is the most expensive material), it is heavier, has less transparency than tempered glass. Another disadvantage is the long production time of decorative triplex (14-30 days).
Varieties and design variations: triplex with photo printing, triplex with a decorated glass layer (matte, painted), triplex with a mirror or foil, triplex with a tempered glass layer, also a triplex apron can imitate leather or fabric.
In the following video you can see different combinations and variations of triplex decor:
3. Plexiglas apron
Plexiglas is often called acrylic glass, PMMA glass, it is also produced under the names plexiglass, acrylight, carboglass, lymacryl, etc.
Pros: plexiglass cannot be broken, it is very cheap, light, flexible, undemanding to the quality of the wall. You can install it yourself and cut it yourself, if necessary, add holes for sockets, etc. The advantages include fast production time, design variability, moisture resistance, impact resistance and environmental friendliness - even when burning, plexiglass does not emit harmful substances.
Cons: scratches, tarnishes, you can not wash the apron with abrasives and hard sponges, is afraid of acetone and alcohol, it can be deformed from overheating (at temperatures above 80 C °), so it is undesirable to install plexiglass behind gas stove. It also loses to ordinary and tempered glass in appearance and transparency.
Varieties and design variations: plexiglass can be colored (colored in mass), as well as decorated with photo printing.
4. Apron made of polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is very similar to plexiglass, but has qualities more suitable for the role of a kitchen apron.
Pros: a glass panel for a kitchen made of polycarbonate will be much cheaper than panels made of stalinite, triplex, tiles and other popular materials. More resistant to elevated temperatures than plexiglass and stronger than tempered glass. In addition, it is lightweight, flexible, and can be installed by hand.
Cons: the main drawback is that it scratches quickly, loses to ordinary glass in appearance.
Installation and types of fastening
When ordering a glass backsplash for the kitchen, you will also need to choose one of three mounting methods:
- With the help of screws, on which decorative caps are then put on. This method is reliable and good because the apron can be installed on any surface - imperfectly flat or even on old tiles, and if desired, remove the apron and install it again. There will be a distance of approximately 4 mm between the wall and the panel. Minus: the caps will be visible, although they do not spoil the view much.
- By using hinged fasteners. In this case, the panel is inserted into inconspicuous metal clips, as in the photo on the right. This mounting method is more suitable for installing non-solid aprons, as it allows you to smoothly join its parts.
- Using liquid nails or glue. It is possible to put a glass-panel on glue or liquid nails only on smooth, plastered walls, but glass put on glue will not have visible fasteners.
After installing the glass apron, the gap between it and the tabletop is closed with a corner. If the apron consists of several parts, then the seams are treated with a thin layer of sealant that will not be noticeable.
Transparent skinali for the kitchen are made of tempered glass and triplex. Both sheets are extremely difficult to break. The heat-strengthened material, when integrity is lost, crumbles into non-sharp granules (up to 3 cm2). Laminated glass with PVC keeps the fragments on the film. Three types of material are used for the production of transparent glass skinali. Products are distinguished by the presence of tint impurities and color accuracy.
Clear glass
Natural material has a "bottle" shade at the end. That's why decorative panels with a thickness of 8 mm or more, pronounced greenish impurities are added to the object behind the glass, which enhance the color distortions of the decorative design of the walls.
Price: 1.740 rub. per m2 with a thickness of 4 mm.
Optiwhite glass
The clarified material with a bluish tint of the edge is characterized by increased light transmission (on average from 90%). Glass demonstrates closed objects without optical illusions, conveys the pure colors of natural materials. The edge of the transparent apron for the kitchen does not contrast with the surface and remains invisible.
Price: 2.790 rub. per m2 with a thickness of 4 mm.
Ultra vision glass
Crystal clear glass belongs to the Premium category. The glass belongs to the optical category with a color rendering index of 100%. The transparent Ultra Vision glass backsplash reflects natural light without distortion.
Price: 7.340 rub. per m2 with a thickness of 6 mm.
call measurer
DON'T KNOW THE EXACT DIMENSIONS TO ORDER? The measurer will come to you and determine the width and height of the future structure. Free consultation on work surface preparation. We do not recommend measuring the dimensions yourself - you risk making mistakes in the drawing. A difference of 3-5 cm will lead to the manufacture of a deliberately unsuitable product.
Is it possible to buy ready-made SKINAL FOR THE KITCHEN?
The product is made according to your individual sizes. Standard terms are 7-10 days. In the salon-shop on Nagornaya, 17 are presented ready-made options typical constructs. Choose the type of glass and processing in the office or fill out an application on the website to buy skinali from 1800 rubles per sq. meter.
Space between work surfaces kitchen set and its upper modules are constantly exposed to aggressive influences - water, dirt gets there, grease and soot settle.
This not only forces the hostess to wash the lining every time, but can also lead to its damage and loss of external attractiveness.
To solve this problem, special panels are used - kitchen aprons.
Features of glass kitchen aprons
An apron for the kitchen is a canvas located between the floor and hinged modules of the headset and is designed to protect the walls from dirt, hot steam and moisture.
In addition, the apron plays an important role in the interior design of the kitchen. For the manufacture of such structures, different materials. In modern sets, classic ceramic tile coatings have been replaced by glass kitchen aprons.
Compared with other products, they have the following advantages:
- have few seams (there are also seamless models) and a perfectly smooth surface, which makes them easy to clean;
- easy to install - installation of a glass panel takes no more than two hours;
- stylish design - a glass apron can transform even the most modest set, making it more attractive;
- transparent glass allows you to leave the facing material in plain sight - for example, if it is an expensive tree or natural stone, or just a beautiful coating, while protecting it.
Glass kitchen panels are the perfect solution for a cramped room: they allow you to visually expand the space and give it extra depth.
When buying a glass apron, keep in mind that such a solution will not be cheap at all, and in case of deformation, the coating will have to be changed completely.
Types of glass for kitchen aprons
The performance of the apron is completely determined by the properties of the material from which it is made.
Modern furniture manufacturers use the following types of glass for a kitchen apron:
- tempered glass (stalinite);
- laminated glass (triplex);
- plexiglass;
- polycarbonate.
Stalinite is obtained by special heat treatment of traditional silicate glass - it is initially heated to critical temperatures and then quickly cooled. The result is a very durable and reliable material with a service life of more than 20 years.
In addition to resistance to mechanical damage, tempered glass is characterized by increased safety - if it is broken, it will shatter into small pieces without sharp edges: they cannot hurt you.
The tempered glass apron is not afraid of temperature changes and can be installed even near a gas stove.
The most popular type of thermal glass is "optimite" - it is discolored better than ordinary glass, which has a greenish tint.
Laminated glass is a multi-layered material that can consist of both ordinary silicate glass and tempered glass interleaved with a polymer film.
Its main feature is that if the product is damaged, the film does not allow the fragments to scatter, ensuring complete safety.
Besides, polymer coating performs a decorative function, providing a wide range of designs.
Plexiglas or acrylic glass has gained wide popularity due to its cheapness and impossibility to break it. However, it is not very practical - it scratches quickly, is afraid of overheating and abrasive detergents.
Polycarbonate is a polymer plastic. In terms of performance properties, it is similar to plexiglass, but is more resistant to temperature effects. It loses to other types of glass in appearance - it quickly scratches and loses its attractiveness.
Glass is undeservedly considered a quickly dirty material, on which any contamination is noticeable. In fact, this is far from the truth - glass aprons get dirty just like others, and washing them is even easier.
The parameters of the glass apron must be carefully calculated in advance - most types of glass are not easily cut. Pay attention to the need to cut holes for sockets.
The dimensions of the apron are determined individually for each headset. Its length varies from 0.6 to 2.5 meters. If the panel is longer, then it must be composed of several parts.
The height of the apron is from 40 to 90 cm. It is best that it covers the entire space between the lower and hinged modules.
The thickness of the product is usually 6-8 mm.
Types of decor glass kitchen panels
To choose a glass apron for the kitchen, which will be not only functional, but also beautiful, it is recommended to decide in advance on its design:
- colorless glass allows you to favorably emphasize the decoration of the kitchen. It can be not just smooth, but also have an unusual texture - matte or patterned;
- the tinted apron has a translucent color, so it is suitable for giving the background a glossy and light shade;
- plain panels are obtained using special staining. You can choose an apron to match the color of the furniture, or, on the contrary, make a contrast. Monochromatic products are especially relevant for kitchen sets made in a minimalist style;
- skinali - panels on which the image is applied using photo printing, allow you to create a truly unique apron design.
If you want to make the kitchen visually lighter and more spacious, pay attention to glass with a mirror effect.
One of the most spectacular decorative solutions for kitchen aprons is the use of lighting. It not only gives the product an original look, but also serves as an additional source of illumination. As a rule, this is a LED tape.
Methods for mounting kitchen glass panels on the wall
There are three ways to install kitchen aprons:
- for screws;
- on hinged fasteners;
- on glue (liquid nails).
With the help of screws you can install glass kitchen panels, not even unprepared and not perfect flat wall. At the same time, a gap of 4-5 mm remains between it and the product. To mask the fasteners, use special plugs.
Hinged fasteners are flat metal clips. They are best used for mounting aprons, consisting of several parts - then the joints will be smooth and not so noticeable.
Liquid nails and glue are easy to use but require walls to be perfectly level and pre-plastered. The main advantage of this installation is the absence of visible fasteners.
When installing the apron, you must adhere to the following recommendations:
- since there is a small gap between the panel and the wall, the latter should be treated with an antibacterial composition - this will help to avoid the development of fungus, mold and pathogenic microorganisms;
- it is desirable that the walls are even, otherwise the product may crack;
- strictly follow the sequence of actions - if the glass was installed with violations, condensation will constantly accumulate on the apron.
Photo of glass kitchen aprons in the interior
Thus, the glass apron in the kitchen performs not only a protective function, but also allows you to diversify the interior. And the simplicity of its installation, durability and lack of need for special care makes it one of the most rational options for organizing the space between the upper and lower headset modules.
If you have any questions or suggestions, you can contact us by e-mail: [email protected] website
P.S. We do not sell furniture, we only help you get acquainted with what happens and navigate in the choice.
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 in this case 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 resistance, great for areas close to kitchen appliances;
- endless choice of colors different textures surfaces 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, which is designed for use on glass, as other paints will crack and peel off over time. If the structure will be installed near the stove, it is necessary to use tempered glass, which has heat resistance.
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 that 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, 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 brings cabinets, countertops, appliances together amazingly.
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.
A quarter inch wide low iron material is commonly used for kitchen backboards. 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:
- wood;
- steel;
- marble;
- copper;
- concrete, etc.
But the main 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 a well-known trademark of Luminarc cookware, it has the ability to finely crumble if the blow was too strong, without leaving 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 is the most convenient option in the modern kitchen, a bestseller because of its futuristic look, indispensable when you need to accurately convey a certain 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 is more practical, as it hides fingerprints, splashes, smudges better, 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 careful: self-dyeing attempts tend to fail in both uniformity and durability. Replacing 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 uniform seamless panel that has more beautiful view than the installation of multi-component structures. Of course, a mosaic can make a kitchen beautiful, but the aura created by a monolithic apron is unmatched. best choice for the material there will 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. A suitable kitchen for him 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
it mirror surface who went through certain procedures to look like 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 the antique furniture and the overall look of the kitchen in order for the backsplash to 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 - a format of glass panels with small dimensions, called glass tiles. Mosaic patterns vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Signature, famous patterns are not limited to a square 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 hue that helps reflect natural light while 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 appearance that combines multiple styles, check out the 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 glass mosaic options are 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 for trendy designs. 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. as a sign " modern kitchen» was used until 2010 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, guaranteeing an even 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. The good news with stained glass is that you have more pattern and color options since you'll be starting from scratch.
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.
photos
Kinds
The use of a glass backsplash makes the kitchen more modern, in some cases even unique. A beautiful colored pattern on a glass panel or tile that shines and sparkles 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 techno style.
Skinals are called panels made of stalinite or triplex (tempered glass) with a high-definition image printed on them. Modern Method photo printing, used in the production of skinals, allows you to create unique design projects. These panels can be inserted into the gap between the top and bottom cabinets of a kitchen unit to create a backsplash, or they can decorate cabinet doors in a 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 heat-treated 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 at the same time is subjected 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;
- Resistant to chemicals;
- Can be used to cover and protect wallpaper or backsplash from other softer 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 skinali 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 fragment of the panel near the hob or stove, because, despite the fact that heat-resistant glass is used in the production of skinals, due to temperature changes, peeling of some types of paint is possible (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, 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”, 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 both from the outside and from the 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 term services.
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 a film on the wrong side of the skin, or using the modern uf-printing method. 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. To the cons of using similar material we can attribute 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 fasteners 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, 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 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 even 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 antipode magnets that can withstand the weight of the panel and are invisible from the outside. This is a very neat and clean way of attaching.
