Glass splashbacks are an opportunity to see your kitchen in a new way. Not like that new way finishing, but not aging. After viewing stunning photos, you will know what your dream kitchen looks like. Everything will be discussed in more detail later in the article.

New type of kitchen panels

There are several ways to create an unforgettable kitchen design, one of which we will look at. The guest of the program is brilliant material that is not going to go out of fashion for at least several decades. Glass splashback: Whether you choose something neutral, muted, or bright, it's sure to add a unique update. Just make sure that the item you choose works well with the overall look of the kitchen.

A new design alternative to tiles is glass panels. Glass can have any shade and color, so creativity brings many possibilities.. The location can be chosen next to the stove or washing machine, without fear of damage from heat or water.

So why do they love them:

• 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 with different textures surfaces for creative design;
• hygienic, environmentally friendly material;
• visual increase in space due to reflectivity;
• easy to install and mount.

The panels can be installed in three ways: yourself, with the help of a contractor or a specialized company. You can paint the back 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 quite simple (and also relatively small), you can make it yourself .

At the same time, if you plan to paint yourself, you must definitely use a special ultraviolet vinyl paint, which is designed for use on glass, as other paints will crack and peel over time. If the structure will be installed near the stove, 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 and the absence of adhesions. It is these decorative qualities that are increasingly valued in modern designs apartments and houses. Much more pleasing to the eye, at the level of perception, has become the use of seamless elements, over which the eye simply does not stumble. In addition to panels, this also includes kitchen furniture without handles, plain walls, clear lines, as well as other “clean” design techniques.

Skinals are durable, hygienic, universal. You can choose a wide palette of standard colors, or you can order any individual shade to highlight your kitchen design. Installed in several ways:

Yes, glass may be more expensive than ceramic, but the results are stunning. It's a sleek modern sheen with color that pulls cabinets, countertops, appliances together stunningly.

In addition, the new favorite does not require sealing, will not be painted, and is resistant to mold and bacteria. With few seams and no grout, it is also very easy to clean and maintain. It doesn't wear out.

When it needs cleaning, simply wipe down with a non-abrasive cleaner and the surface will be as new as when it was first installed – even decades later.

Kitchen backsplashes typically use a quarter-inch wide, low-iron material. A smaller amount of iron in the composition allows you to achieve a pure color, as well as the absence of the greenish tint typical of glass.

This 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, containing hundreds of color combinations to create the right one for every kitchen.

Finally, these panels are less expensive than most other materials commonly used for kitchen backsplashes. With their help, you will have the best kitchen at a low price.

Tempered glass - better and safer

Tempered glass is most often used for splashbacks for two reasons:

• it has good heat resistance;
• more durable, safer.

Also, like the famous Luminarc brand of cookware, it has the ability to crumble finely if the impact was too strong, without leaving sharp shavings.

To harden it, 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 eliminate the danger posed by sharp fragments, which is especially important if there is a child in the house.

However, a hardened apron will be difficult to break - its resistance is equal to that of plastic. But don’t think that you can save money now - plastic doesn’t look as neat and stylish, and its surface is much more difficult to clean. If you've used old phones with plastic screens, you know how quickly the plastic gets scratched and unsightly.

Aprons with images

Skinali - the most convenient option in the modern kitchen, a bestseller due to its futuristic look, indispensable when it is necessary to accurately convey specific color. The shade options are unlimited, you can choose a tone that matches the walls or opt for a contrasting apron - both of these choices are equally in demand. Dark paint is more practical because it hides fingerprints, splashes, and stains better, which means it requires less cleaning.

Painted panels have a layer of paint on its back side. Since only the back is painted, the exposed surface remains untouched. This means that the inherent shine of glass remains, and accurate color reproduction remains. Your walls and the color of the product are reliably protected from inevitable splashes from cooking.

Advice

When ordering, be sure to check whether the painting was done at the factory. Factory painting ensures that the pigment will not peel off or discolor later.

Be careful: Do-it-yourself coloring attempts tend to fall short in both uniformity and durability. Replacing with acrylic also does not work very well, because acrylic is easily scratched, deformed, and must be replaced quickly.

Transparent aprons

You can install clear glass on a wall that is already painted desired color, but some caution must be exercised when doing so. It's cheaper, looks great, but keep in mind that any imperfections or dust that might get behind it will be visible from the front.

Therefore, if you decide to install this particular type of apron, take care to make the structure removable for further cleaning. Transparent (including matte) panels have limited methods of fastening - without the use of glue, as it will show through.

Solid

This is a homogeneous seamless panel that has more beautiful view than the installation of multi-component structures. Of course, mosaics can make a kitchen look beautiful, but the aura created by a monolithic backsplash is unparalleled. The best choice for the material would be a simplified kitchen without bright accents, where a monolithic structure can show its

Mirror

The term is self-explanatory, but the true effect of installing a mirrored backsplash in your kitchen can only be felt when you can actually see it. A suitable kitchen for him is small in size. Mirror on the walls is known for adding depth and thus making the room appear larger than it actually is. Therefore, if your kitchen is small and you want it to look bigger, take a look at a mirror panel.

Artificially aged

This is a mirror surface that has undergone certain procedures to look like it is 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 so that the apron looks good.

Engraved

Engraving and sandblasting on glass looks great on the backsplash. This also includes frosted glass, which not only looks beautiful, but also requires less maintenance. Thanks to the matte effect, fingerprints will be less visible on the surface.

Mosaic tiles

Imitation mosaic - a format of glass panels with small dimensions, called glass tiles. Mosaic patterns vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Signature, celebrated patterns are not limited to a quadrangular shape, but have hexagonal and other structures. Fashion trends imitate stone, there are glass subway tiles. Here are some major trends:

• To add a little modern coziness to traditional cuisine, consider the Mochachino hexagonal mosaic. This elongated hexagonal tile is a stained glass mosaic consisting of cool gray, warm gold tones. Because of the color differences, this geometric tile also loves brown, beige colors on cabinets and countertops.

• For a white kitchen to make it look lighter and airier, consider choosing a glass subway mosaic tile in white. These glazed glass tiles have a soft white hue and help reflect natural light while blending beautifully with other white tones.
• For a bold accent area, Desert Mirage subway tiles are a good choice. It's a mosaic mixture of four various elements: tiles from natural stone cream-colored, as well as light blue, beige, dark brown glass tiles. The combination of randomly arranged materials adds depth and character.
• For a more subdued look that blends multiple styles, check out Monterra Blend 8mm Hex Tile. This mix of natural stone and hexagon shaped glass tiles has a nice mix of grays and greens with creamy, beige tones. The stone pieces are truly 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 and give movement and life to even the most neutral traditional kitchen.

• If your goal is to achieve a monochrome look, then your options are glass mosaic almost endless. One way to add interest to your kitchen is to choose a material that mimics the cabinets and countertops.

Metallic glass subway tiles are another trendy design favorite. Glazed with glass, they are used in a medium shade of gray primarily in minimalist culinary spaces. Often distinguished by contrasting white lines on the seams.

Glass tiles

Designers agree with the mosaic trend factor. As a sign " modern kitchen» Until 2010, subway mosaic tiles in Aqua color were used. Therefore in Lately Large translucent glass subway tiles are popular. Therefore, glass itself is an acceptable material.

Accidental breakage is not an issue with glass backsplashes because it is a vertical area that does not receive as much stress as countertops. You might 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. Don't think that the entire space of your backsplash must be only glass.

One popular trend is to install regular range ceramic and hex glass tiles. Typically, ceramics are used to outline the perimeter of the apron, inside of which the glass material is located. This is a one- or two-inch wide strip that extends six inches up and parallel to the countertop, but variations are possible.

Mosaic

Consider the full range of sizes. Not all glass tiles are mosaics. You can find it in different sizes - pebbles, 2″x 2″, 4″x 4″, etc.

For easier installation, choose glass tiles that are already installed.

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-assembled on a grid basis, which gives the structure a consistent appearance, ensuring even distribution. Typically the design area is about 3/4″, although this size may vary.

Unmounted glass tiles

The 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 possibilities by pattern and color, since you will be starting from scratch.

Made of glass - this is one of the best options wall decoration above the working surface of the set. A special feature of this product is its unique decorative effect. In addition, there are advantages in terms of care and operation. However, some nuances may confuse a potential buyer. And to make your choice, consider all the intricacies of the product in more detail.

This apron is easy to clean and is not afraid of high temperatures near the stove.

Market offers: materials

Today, a huge number of companies and furniture showrooms offer their customers. Competition and technology development force us to come up with new design options.

Most often you can find the following offers on the market:

1. Kalenoe. This is a popular type, as it is durable, thanks to a special production technology - hardening. It does not scratch, resists pinpoint impacts, chips, and is chemically inert.
2. Plexiglas. It is produced synthetically, presenting a mass. It does not break or crack, but quickly becomes scratched. Another drawback is yellowness polymer material, which intensifies over time. Plexiglass should not be placed near hob, since it may melt.
3. Triplex. This is a combined material consisting of two sheets of tempered glass and a polymer layer between them. A drawing or photo is applied to the film holding the sheets together.
4. Optiwhite. This is a special glass for a kitchen backsplash, perfectly transparent and without the tints typical of ordinary samples. Due to this, the color transmission of the design and its clarity are enhanced.

Mandatory condition: glass must be impact-resistant and safe. The standard thickness of the skin is 6-8 mm. To reduce the risk of injury if the panel is damaged, the glass must undergo special treatment. The hardened samples crumble into small balls, without sharp corners. Triplex does not produce fragments; all particles remain on the film, forming a web of cracks.

This apron keeps the front surface smooth and durable.

Dimensions are selected individually. The panel can be solid or consist of several sheets.

Options, manufacturing and design

There are even more options available in terms of color and design. You can select a suitable sample from among finished projects or create unique skins. The design is selected by the designer based on the wishes of the buyer or by the client himself.

The following execution options are available:

The appearance of the apron with flowers is beyond praise

When decorating modern interiors, the most popular are images of fruits and berries, flowers, coffee, and exotic landscapes. One of the leading positions is the “Night City” kitchen apron.

Installation of a kitchen apron made of glass with photo printing

Making an apron for the kitchen is only half the battle. In order for it to take its place in the interior and reveal its advantages to the maximum, it is necessary to take care of its high-quality installation.

The installation process may take several hours. It comes with many risks:

• damage to facades and countertops;
• formation of chips;
• uneven edges of holes;
• the appearance of cracks;
• damage to the decorative layer;
• mechanical mashing;
• uneven location;
• violation of fastening strength.

This is a popular type, characterized by durability and beauty.

To minimize such risks, glass kitchen splashbacks should be installed by qualified professionals. It is almost impossible to do such work on your own.

There are two ways to install skins: with special fasteners and with glue. The best option– use of a fastening system. It allows for kitchens of any weight and size. Additionally, the unevenness of the base is compensated, since the material is located at some distance from the wall.

To create invisible seams and disguise installation sites, use hanging system fastenings. It consists of miniature hook-latches into which the panel is inserted. In stock additional accessories no need.

Another option is a pass-through fastener. It is only suitable for non-tempered glass. Holes are made in the corners of the sheet into which screws are inserted to connect the skins to the wall. To disguise the fasteners, they are covered with decorative caps, but in any case, their locations will be noticeable.

If the wall is perfectly flat, you can save money and use liquid nails. In this case, you need to use a colored one in the kitchen, in which decorative material will not be destroyed under the influence of aggressive glue components. The panel should not be too large or heavy, otherwise the liquid nails will not hold it in place. It is better to apply glue pointwise along the contour and evenly in the middle part of the sheet. It may take more than a day to set and dry completely. During this time, the glass must be supported to prevent it from coming loose, moving or falling.

Glass apron is impact-resistant and safe

Prices for skins made of refractory material

It is difficult to give an exact answer regarding the price. It is influenced by dozens of factors. Most skins are made to order, so the final amount depends on the following parameters:

A kitchen with such an apron increases the space of the kitchen, creating the illusion of depth

If you have a limited budget, perhaps a glass kitchen backsplash is not the best idea. It is better to use alternative coating options than to purchase a cheap, low-quality product.

Of course, you can make it from plexiglass yourself. To do this, a panel is cut to fit the dimensions of the open area of ​​the wall above the worktop with access to the hood. The edges need to be sanded. An oracal or a regular one can be glued to the reverse side if desired. self-adhesive film. It is important to remove all wrinkles and air bubbles. Such a product will not last as long as hardened skins with UV printing, but it can become a temporary alternative to an expensive product.

Pros and cons of tempered glass with images, drawings and transparent options

As a result, we can highlight the advantages and disadvantages of glass kitchen aprons.

Product advantages:

1. decorativeness;
2. surface integrity, absence of numerous joints;
3. can withstand temperatures over 120 degrees;
4. waterproof;
5. create protective screen for splash walls;
6. durability;
7. do not interact with household chemicals;
8. resistance to mechanical abrasion;
9. ease of care.

A glass kitchen apron is one of the best options for wall decoration

Only high-quality tempered glass aprons for the kitchen can boast of having all the stated advantages.

Disadvantages thrown off:

• if handled carelessly and with a strong point impact, they can break;
• the glossy surface shows fingerprints, water splashes and grease;
• difficulty of self-installation;
• high-quality material is quite expensive;
• may fade over time.

WATCH THE VIDEO

When choosing a glass apron, compare the characteristics of affordable materials with other coating options. In general, the skins are ideal option for decorating a modern interior.

Glass apron for the kitchen - fashionable, stylish, beautiful.

Transparent kitchen skins are made of tempered glass and triplex. Both sheets are extremely difficult to break. When the heat-strengthened material loses its integrity, it crumbles into non-sharp granules (up to 3 cm2). Laminated glass with PVC holds the fragments on the film. To produce a clear glass skinal, three types of material are used. The products are distinguished by the presence of tint impurities and color accuracy.

Glass Clear

The natural material has a “bottle” tint 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 color distortions decorative design walls

Price: 1,740 rub. per m2 with a thickness of 4 mm.

Optiwhite glass

Lightened material with a bluish tint to the edges is characterized by increased light transmission (an average of 90%). Glass demonstrates closed objects without optical illusions and conveys pure colors natural materials. The edge of a transparent kitchen apron 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%. A transparent kitchen splashback made of Ultra Vision glass reflects natural light without distortion.

Price: 7,340 rub. per m2 with a thickness of 6 mm.

Call a surveyor

DO NOT KNOW THE EXACT SIZES TO ORDER? A measurer will come to you and determine the width and height future design. Consultation on working surface preparation is free. 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 production of a product that is obviously inappropriate in size.

Is it possible to buy ready-made KITCHEN SKINALS?

The product is manufactured according to your custom sizes. Standard terms are 7-10 days. The showroom on Nagornaya, 17 presents ready-made options standard designs. Choose the type of glass and processing in the office or fill out an application on the website to buy skins from 1800 rubles per sq. m. meter.

Kitchen apron made of glass - common and successful design solution, allowing you to protect the wall surface in work area, create cozy interior and emphasize the individuality of the environment. This decorative element will fit well 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, it is worth studying the advantages and disadvantages of these materials.

The glass kitchen apron has whole line advantages:

1. Environmental friendliness of the material.
2. Quick and easy installation of glass panels.
3. The shine and reflectivity of glass visually expands the space, which is especially necessary when decorating a small kitchen.
4. 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 changes.
5. Safety. If the glass panel is damaged, sharp fragments will not form.
6. If the length of the canvas is no more than 3 m, it is possible to install a solid glass apron.
7. Easy to care for.
8. Decorative qualities. For innovative glass production technologies, various decors, styles, and colors are available.

Glass panels with photo printing applied to them are very popular. It can be a monochrome drawing, full-color photo, 3D.

Colored plain aprons are also common. The surface can be mirror, glossy or matte. If applied to the walls art painting or beautiful wallpaper, it can be protected with a transparent apron.

To decorate a wall with transparent glass, preference should be given to Optiwhite class material. This is clarified glass with high light transmittance. It does not have a greenish tint, like ordinary glass, and does not distort the image placed behind it.

Despite the obvious advantages, glass panels for aprons also have disadvantages:

• High cost of quality glass.
• Installation errors can cause condensation to accumulate between the glass and the wall and contamination in the seams.
• It is possible to cut holes in the panels for the apron only before the hardening stage, so the product is ordered based on a ready-made design project that takes into account the placement of electrical points. Holes for fasteners are also drilled at production.
• If installation is unsuccessful, the joints between the panels may be too visible.
• Massive use. This leads to the fact that this option for finishing an apron is becoming more and more commonplace.

Before choosing plastic or glass to decorate your work surface, you need to consider 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 its instability to mechanical damage - it is easily scratched.

Plexiglas is called plexiglass, acrylic, PMMA. This cheap material, durable, moisture resistant, lightweight and flexible. Plexiglas is not demanding on the quality of surface treatment and does not emit toxins during combustion. It can be cut and installed by yourself. At the same time, plexiglass is easily scratched, becomes dull, is sensitive to the action of alcohol and acetone, and is deformed at temperatures above 80°C. It is less transparent than tempered glass.

How to make a glass apron

When choosing which glass is best for a kitchen backsplash, you should consider all possible options.

Tempered glass is stalinite. This sheet glass is first heated to a temperature of 650°C and then quickly cooled with cold air on both sides. It has increased mechanical strength, heat resistance and safety in case of destruction. It can be installed at gas stove, it does not scratch, does not fade, and can withstand cleaning with abrasives. Service life – at least 10 years. Today the following varieties are used:

1. Stemalite is glass tempered after being coated with colored enamel. Doesn't peel off or fade.
2. Satin – glass with a matte surface.
3. Skinali - panels with a decorative backing. The image is applied using photo printing, stereo printing, or using vinyl film.

Laminated glass - triplex. This is 2 or more sheets silicate glass, glued together with a polymer film, thanks to which they do not shatter into fragments when damaged. Triplex is made by pressing at high temperatures.

The polymer layer can be transparent and serve as a decorative substrate. The layered structure allows you to apply an image or foil to the inner layer of glass, completely protecting it from external influences. The inner layer of triplex can be matte or mirrored, and the outer layer can be hardened, imitating the texture of leather or fabric.

Triplex has all the advantages of tempered glass. Disadvantages include cost, heavy weight canvas, less transparency, manufacturing time.

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 extend beyond the tabletop by at least 1 cm. If the upper tier of the set 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 figured. Minimum height the apron to the bottom edge of the hood from the stove is 70 cm, and the width is equal to the width of the stove and the hood. The glass should extend beyond the hood by 5-10 cm.

For an apron, sheets of tempered glass 6-8 mm thick are best suited. The standard thickness of the triplex is 8 mm.

When it comes to choosing a design for a glass splashback, it is important to focus on the style and color scheme of the kitchen interior. It is better to prefer an image consisting of a maximum of 3 main colors present in the decoration of the room, otherwise the decor will bring disharmony to the general composition. Universal solutions– transparent, white or plain colored fabric.

Fittings for glass aprons greatly influence their reliability and appearance. The most popular material for its manufacture is metal. It can be nickel plated, matte, gold or bronze.

Metal parts go best 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 skimp on fittings.

LED backlight colors

Fashionable kitchen design requires the presence additional sources lighting. The most functional - LED lights. With its compact size it provides good illumination work surface, no flicker.

The kitchen apron can be equipped with profiles with built-in LED lighting. Lamps are attached to both the lower and upper edges. For lighting with backlighting, you can choose a single color LED strip: white, blue, green or red. There is an alternative option - multi-color lighting. In this case, the backlight changes color based on a signal from the controller. The color option is good for decorative lighting. For functional lighting For tabletops, it is better to prefer a strip with white light.

How much does a glass apron cost?

The cost of a kitchen splashback is primarily affected by the choice of glass. The price is calculated per 1 m² finished product. Tempered glass for a kitchen backsplash is cheaper than triplex. The most expensive material is triplex tempered glass.

The finished product is made additionally 30-50% more expensive by the presence of photo printing. Stereo printing costs even more. Optiwhite class glass is valued slightly higher than unbleached tempered glass for a kitchen backsplash.

Since the production of aprons is carried out to order and with subsequent installation, they final cost the method of fastening, the quantity components and holes for sockets, roof rails.

Tempered glass for a kitchen backsplash is more expensive than its polymer counterparts.

Kitchen apron made of glass: installation details

Installation of a glass apron for the kitchen is carried out in three ways: with glue, with the help of fasteners or using a profile. In any case, installation work is carried out after assembling the furniture. After graduation repair work the gap between the apron and the tabletop can be closed with a decorative plinth.

When installing the apron, it is worth considering the following points:

1. When placing the backlight behind the apron screen, minimal permissible distance between glass and light source – 7 cm for photo printing and 3 cm for triplex.
2. The mounting screws must be tightened carefully, without excessive force.
3. In the case of a corner joint, first install the panel whose end rests on the wall, and then the one that rests on the first one.
4. Distance between glass and hob must be at least 5 cm.
5. Pressure on the end of the glass panel can lead to its breaking; the upper level of the headset should not be allowed to rest on it.
6. In case of installation using a profile, a seal is used to protect the glass from metal screws.

1 – using fasteners

The following fastening methods are distinguished:

• Using screws with decorative plugs. This is a reliable method that is suitable for any surface, even if it is a completely flat wall or an old coating. This fastening option allows, if necessary, to dismantle the apron temporarily. There is a distance of about 4 mm between the wall and the screen. The main disadvantage of this method is the visibility of the fasteners.
• Using canopies. In this case, the panels are inserted into discreet metal clamps. This option is less reliable, but it allows individual panels to be joined almost closely.

2 – using liquid nails or other adhesives

The second way to attach the apron to the wall is using 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 condensation under it. When installed on adhesive composition There are no visible fasteners and the joints are well masked.

How to install it yourself

Do-it-yourself fastening method is doable. To do this, use glass holders - attachments with plastic dowels.

Preparatory work

Before installing the apron, sockets and switches are removed, and the glasses are pulled out to the thickness of the cladding. Applying the sheets of the apron to the wall, apply markings for fasteners, make holes with a diameter of 6 mm (1-2 mm larger than the diameter of the screw) and hammer the dowels into them.

1. Silicone sleeves are inserted into the holes in the glass to protect it from metal.
2. Screw in the self-tapping screw to its full length (3.5 cm).
3. After screwing in and tightening, we mask the screws with decorative caps.
4. We seal the seams between the panels, if any, with colorless silicone.
5. Paste decorative plinth between the countertop and the apron.

You can install an apron using an L-shaped aluminum profile. First, fix the upper, then the lower profile. The glass is inserted between them and secured with a plinth. This method is especially convenient if the apron consists of panels of different heights.

What do you do with old furniture?

One of modern 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 non-porous, 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 adds additional brightness to even a dark kitchen.

photos

Kinds

The use of a glass kitchen apron makes the kitchen more modern, in some cases even unique. A beautiful color design on a glass panel or tile that shines and sparkles different colors, can turn the kitchen into a work of art and improve 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 enamel-painted heat-resistant glass called stemalite.

Stained glass tiles range in color from simple translucent tones to rainbow and golden shades. Some manufacturers even offer crystal glass tiles or tiles with fine gold veins. You can also purchase mosaic glass tiles decorated with unique hand-painted designs. Such tiles help to create non-standard and memorable mosaics made of glass or monochrome design compositions in techno style.

Skins are panels made of stalinite or triplex (tempered glass) with a high-definition image printed on them. The modern photo printing method used in the production of skinals allows you to create unique design projects. Such panels can be inserted into the gap between upper and lower cabinets kitchen set, creating a kitchen apron, or decorate cabinet doors in the kitchen.

There are options for monochromatic design of a kitchen apron using glass. In this case, such modifications are used as:

1. Stemalite, which is first painted and subsequently heat treated in order to give strength to the material and durability of paints;
2. Satin, which is a matte tempered glass that can be decorated with a sandblasted pattern;
3. Optiwhite, which is also thermal glass, but is subject to additional processing in order to give it transparency (bleached);
4. Triplex, which is also called laminated glass due to the presence of a film between two glass layers;
5. Light panels that have built-in LED backlighting, which is installed at the manufacturing stage and turns such a panel into an independent lamp;
6. Organic glass (plexiglass), which is a variant of plastic.

Advantages

In addition to the fact that the use of glass when decorating a kitchen apron adds charm to any kitchen, this material is distinguished by its practicality and good consumer qualities.

Advantages of a glass apron for the kitchen:

1. Fire-resistant glass is a very durable material;
2. Highly resistant to moisture and stains;
3. Very easy to clean;
4. Impact resistant chemical substances;
5. Can be used to cover and protect wallpaper, or an apron made from other, more soft materials;
6. It reflects light, so such an apron will visually increase the size of the kitchen;
7. Available in a huge number of color, texture and pattern options.

Reviews from customers who have installed a glass kitchen splashback speak in favor of this choice. In most cases, owners almost unanimously recommend installing a glass skin 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 piece of the panel near the hob or stove, 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 make it possible to subsequently replace the area that has become unusable without damaging the entire apron fabric.

Flaws

In addition to the advantages, a glass apron for the kitchen also has some disadvantages.

The disadvantages of using a material such as thermal glass for making kitchen aprons include the following points:

1. High cost of high-quality panels and tiles made from it; cheap types of tiles can crack and crumble;
2. In the case when the production of a skinal is ordered, it is necessary to carefully measure the holes for sockets and fastenings of the rod - railing, since it is impossible to make changes to the finished skinal;
3. Glass is susceptible to scratches;
4. When installing glass tiles or shingles, special skills are required, so you won’t be able to do it yourself;
5. Glass skinal is not a durable material; usually the manufacturer provides a warranty period.

Types of material

Stalinite

Stalinite is the name given to 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 cooled slowly and evenly on both sides.

After such processing, such a material receives high strength and resistance to external influences, so the name “tempered glass” is sometimes used, by analogy with the production of tempered steel.

Also, the advantages of stalinite include its heat resistance and thermal insulation qualities, because after such treatment it is not afraid of temperature changes that can occur in a home kitchen.

In addition, stalinite can be called safety glass, because it can break only with a very strong impact. And even in this case, the fragments will not pose a danger to others, because they will have blunt edges and will be very small.

If you place such glass on a clean White list paper, you can immediately distinguish it from ordinary glass, 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 applying a pattern to its surface. Also, during operation, all holes must be cut in advance, before the heat treatment stage.

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Triplex

Triplex skins 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.

When making triplex, two methods are used. The first is that the film is placed between two sheets of glass, pressed and then exposed to very high temperatures. Another, more modern one, involves placing interlayer glass in a vacuum chamber. It is thanks to this production method that it became possible to create decorative skins from this type of transparent glass.

Thus, between two layers of glass, which, thanks to the presence of the film, becomes unbreakable, you can also place any decorative material. It can be fabric, leather, metal, leaves, or simply a design applied to the inter-glass film.

Thus, the advantages of triplex can be called:

1. Its strength (triplex with a thickness of more than 13 mm is classified as bulletproof glass);
2. The fact that when broken, triplex does not produce fragments;
3. High level transparency;
4. Long service life.

Negative side The use of triplex when creating a kitchen apron is difficult to work with this material and its significant cost.

Plexiglas

An alternative to glass panels is to use plexiglass, which is a transparent plastic. Plexiglas is also called plexiglass or acrylic glass.

It is almost 2.5 times lighter in weight, more durable and slightly less transparent than classic glass. The advantage of this type of material is its flexibility and ease of processing; since it can be easily cut, polished, sanded and painted.

Same as on the surface ordinary glass, mold and other microorganisms do not develop on it.

There is extruded plexiglass and cast glass; there are some differences in manufacturing between these two options, 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.

Applying the image is possible either by gluing the film to the reverse side of the skin, or by using modern way uf – seal. This method involves the use of special ink that is applied to the front surface of the material. Images obtained under the influence of uf rays are clear and bright, since the paint is not absorbed but remains on the surface. When caring for such an apron, you should avoid abrasive cleaning products.

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate also belongs to polymers and is a type acrylic glass, also called ABC plastic. It has a soft structure and flexibility; it can be cut without problems with a jigsaw or even an ordinary table knife.

The design is applied to polycarbonate either using a decorative film glued to the reverse side, or using ultraviolet printing. The latter is of higher quality and easier 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 skins. Standard sizes stipulate that the maximum length and width of the fabric produced can be up to 3300×2140mm. In cases where the working wall bigger size and a longer apron is required, several panels are made to fit final version. In this case, combinations of several skinals with an identical or fragmented pattern are possible, creating an overall indescribable decor.

The most suitable glass for designing drawings is called “optiwhite”. This is explained by the fact that this clarified and tempered glass is completely transparent. Due to the absence of the greenish tint inherent in such materials as, for example, stalinite, Optiwhite provides accurate color reproduction of the design.

An important technical nuance is whether the drawings on the panel correspond to the holes for sockets and fastenings for the railing, which must be provided at the stage of discussing the design of the skin in order to maintain the harmony and integrity of the overall picture.

You need to pay attention to the thickness of the glass you purchase. This indicator depends on the size of the kitchen apron. For shorter skinals, for example, 1 meter long, the optimal thickness will be from 4 to 5 mm. If the skin is longer, then in this case it is advisable to make it from thicker 6 mm glass.

It is also necessary to pay attention to the method of applying the pattern to the skin. The film method involves applying a self-adhesive film and subsequent processing of the skin in a vacuum chamber. When receiving the finished product, you should pay attention to whether the film lies flat and whether bubbles have formed under it.

The ultraviolet printing method consists of applying special ink and subsequent processing with uf rays; it does not have pronounced “pitfalls”. To be completely confident in the result obtained, it is worth making a preliminary color test in the workshop.

It is not recommended to take measurements for the skin yourself. Since in any case you will have to order the production 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 allow you to avoid discrepancies when creating a skin, because the permissible error in this production is only 1 mm.

Wall mounting options

An apron made of skinals is installed after the kitchen set has been completely hung.

Installation of the finished glass panel must be done on a flat and smooth wall surface so that the glass does not crack. It is possible to fix the skinal on top of the wallpaper or even tiles if it lies flat. In the case where a single panel is installed, the kitchen owner will be quite capable of doing this work himself.

There are two types of fastening the skins to the wall surface. In the first case, fixation is carried out using “liquid nails” or glue. It is important that the wall is smooth and dry, otherwise it will not be possible to securely fasten the skinal. This option is suitable for lightweight structures made of acrylic glass or polycarbonate.

For heavier materials, fastening options using metal parts: hooks or bolts. Installation using hooks does not require the creation of through holes in the glass; the hook plates press the glass and are almost invisible. In this way it is convenient to secure the edges of the panels in case of joining them.

To fix the skins with bolts, it is necessary to plan special holes for them at the design stage. After fastening, the screw is covered with a decorative cap. With this installation method, a small distance remains between the wall and the wall, so it allows the panel to be installed even on a surface made of old tiles. The skinal is most securely attached to bolts, but they do not always fit well into the design; this point is worth considering when choosing an artistic composition.

Some manufacturers offer fastening of the glass apron using magnets. In this case, on inner surface There are antipodal magnets on the walls and on the wall that support the weight of the panel and are invisible from the outside. This is a very neat and clean way of attaching.