Plastic apron for the kitchen with photo printing. Laying a tile backsplash in the kitchen yourself - detailed instructions How to lay a tile backsplash yourself

The comfort of a living space largely depends on how well our life is organized in it. The most important place among auxiliary premises occupied by the kitchen. We love it most of all, because it is there that we enjoy deliciously prepared food. Important role The apron plays a role in the kitchen interior.

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An apron is a section of the wall between the lower and upper tier of kitchen modules. It protects the wall from dirt, just as work clothes of the same name protect a housewife's suit from stains. It largely determines how beautiful and tidy our kitchen looks, and how harmoniously the individual modules fit together.

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How to choose

Since the apron must be primarily functional, the materials for its manufacture must be selected with such characteristics that they protect well problem areas on the walls and were easy to clean. This means that when choosing materials, you must pay attention to their resistance to temperature changes and moisture resistance, as well as how easily the surface can be cleaned of contaminants deposited on it.

Installation protective coating First of all, it is necessary near the sink and stove, since numerous splashes of water and grease can seriously stain the wall. Product processing processes also occur in the working area, which have a damaging effect on surrounding surfaces, so it is better to place protection along the entire row kitchen furniture.

In addition, the apron also has an aesthetic purpose. It is needed in order to combine the top and bottom rows into a single whole and create a coherent kitchen ensemble that will create comfort and delight the owners.

Features and Benefits

When we think about what our kitchen will look like, we must take into account its features. If the windows face north or have small sizes, then there will be a lack of light in the room. This means that the color scheme should neutralize the darkness and it will be necessary additional lighting. On the contrary, if the kitchen is very light, then the shades of the furniture and walls may be darker.

When selecting material for manufacturing kitchen apron you need to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each of them. Essential criteria for evaluation are ease of care, heat resistance, and moisture resistance.

Advantages traditional materials in their time-tested practicality and relatively low cost. Non-traditional materials make it possible to implement various bold projects, and at the same time, any innovations can be very convenient for use in everyday life.

Each material has its own installation characteristics. Tiles, mosaics, natural and artificial stone require preliminary preparation surfaces. When installing such an apron, there should be no furniture in the kitchen. Glass and panel protection is installed after furniture is installed. But the specific installation location of the apron must, in any case, be determined with maximum accuracy, taking into account all cabinets and equipment.

Materials

A wide variety of materials can be used to make a protective coating. The most common are ceramic tiles, PVC, MDF and chipboard panels, tempered glass, and mosaics. When choosing a material, the fact from which material the kitchen furniture is made is of great importance. The apron is made from the one that best matches it in texture and color.

Ceramic tiles are the most popular material. It fits easily into any kitchen as there are so many tiles available different sizes, colors and textures. It tolerates temperature changes well, is durable, is not afraid of moisture, and is easy to clean from dirt. With high-quality installation it lasts a long time.

Porcelain tiles are stronger in properties than ceramic tiles and have higher moisture resistance. There are tiles large sizes, there will be fewer joints between them, so less dirt will accumulate in the seams. If a porcelain stoneware countertop is mounted on the work surface, then it would be logical to make the apron from the same material.

An apron made of natural stone will look good with a stone countertop. Since this material is quite expensive, it is rarely found in kitchens.

But artificial stone is quite popular. It is much cheaper than natural, but looks no less noble. Since not only countertops, but also sinks are made from such material, it becomes possible to create magnificent kitchen sets. Such sets last a long time, they are easy to care for, and the plates are well connected to each other.

Mosaic splashbacks There are both single-color and multi-color. Even a picture can be assembled to suit every taste with a variety of patterns. It all depends on the plans of the owners. Mosaics can be made from various materials in all sorts of combinations. Use ceramics, glass, porcelain stoneware, a natural stone, metal, mirrors and other materials. The service life of the apron and its practicality directly depend on the quality of installation and grouting.

MDF and PVC panels are low cost and look good thanks to the variety of patterns that can be applied to them. Colors and pictures can imitate various materials: tiles, mosaics, wood, brick and stone. However, such panels are not very practical as they are easily damaged, but they are quickly installed and easy to replace.

Metal surface the walls will look interesting if the original design idea is realized. This apron looks unique and is quite practical, as it is not afraid of high temperatures and can be washed well using products that do not scratch the surface.

Glass aprons contrary to the opinion about their fragility and fragility, they are quite practical. Tempered glass can withstand high temperatures. If it has a smooth surface, it is easy to clean. Glass can be frosted or transparent, with or without a pattern. The transparent protection on the wall can be attached in such a way that it can be easily removed, and then the kitchen can be diversified by changing the patterns underneath it. There you can place photographs and drawings, which can look different thanks to the variety of LED backlight. These aprons are very beautiful, moisture resistant, but they can still break.

Protection on the kitchen wall can be made of laminate. It is important to choose it with such characteristics that it is not afraid of high temperatures and water splashes. Due to the fact that the panels are tightly connected to each other, they form a comfortable solid surface. The laminate is attached directly to the wall using liquid nails.

It is quite acceptable to make an apron from parquet blocks. The dies are attached to a fiberboard or chipboard backing and then placed on the wall. The drawing can turn out to be varied and very beautiful.

Colors and design

When choosing an appearance wall apron There are no restrictions and the surface can be decorated in any way. A wide variety of color solutions are possible; one or several colors can be used. Beautiful models are obtained by using different shades of the same color.

The design may contain unusual color spots. The surface may look dry and restrained, but it is also possible to create a bright patchwork quilt with fragments of different images, colors and sizes.

Great importance have colors in the kitchen from a psychological point of view. You should not use dirty or acidic colors in the interior, which can spoil the mood of the cooking housewife and the appetite of family members. The most acceptable colors are foods or ripe vegetables and fruits. Beautiful images of the products themselves will also be appropriate; they will look especially good on a white background.

Color and light in the kitchen should be well thought out. Light in the work area is necessary, and if the countertop is not well lit, additional lighting can be installed in the apron area. The light can also have different shades, which will allow you to change the scenery and diversify the kitchen space.

You can experiment in the kitchen, but you cannot miss the main thing - all design elements should look consistent.

How to make and install it yourself

An interior element such as a kitchen apron can be made with my own hands. First you need to determine what material it will be made of, and then decide whether we can do it or whether it’s better to trust the specialists. It is better to leave the installation of a glass apron to the manufacturer. Tiles, porcelain tiles and mosaics can be installed independently.

If you understand that in your case you can make an apron yourself, then let’s get started. We inspect the surface of the wall, it should be dry and smooth. We determine where the apron will be located. If the stove or sink is located in the corner of the kitchen, then it is advisable to go onto the side wall. If you plan to install a hood, the protective surface should extend beyond it, and it is better if the protection is mounted flush with the top plane of the wall cabinets.

The marking of the future apron should be done in such a way that it extends 2 cm behind the tabletop and cabinets. The marking is done according to the level, strictly horizontally. The top and bottom lines are drawn on the main wall and side ones, if necessary. Further installation technology depends on the material used.

Installing panels

The simplest solution is MDF or chipboard panels. Such an apron can be made of a single piece or several components. The panels are cut to fit the free part of the wall and fixed on it after the furniture is installed. The surface underneath may not be very smooth and does not require special preparation. Fastening can be done using any in a convenient way. These can be screws with decorative heads, liquid nails, special or universal glue. After installation on the wall, the panel is attached to the furniture set using specially selected elements. MDF and PVC panels can be easily installed yourself.

Laying out the mosaic

The mosaic may consist of different materials. The individual mosaic pieces are called chips. The sizes and shapes can be very different - both strict geometry and arbitrary. The more complex the shape, the more labor-intensive the process of laying the mosaic will be.

Chips are combined into matrices. They can be fastened together using paper glued to the front side, but it is more convenient to use a polymer mesh on back side. A gap is made between the chips, which is subsequently sealed using epoxy grout.

Mosaics with a smooth surface are easier to install, but if the surface is corrugated, more careful work is required when grouting so as not to spoil the design. Caring for such fragments during operation will be more difficult, so it is better to form the pattern in such a way that chips with irregularities are located in places less susceptible to contamination.

Checking how smooth the wall is. We remove small tubercles of putty from the surface. We clean the wall from dust and prime it.

We sort through the material and examine it. It is better to purchase mosaic elements with a reserve; you should not take them back to back, as defects may be detected or accidental damage may occur during the installation process. On smooth surface lay out the mosaic, trimming the gaps. We measure the length and width of the fragment, and then mark this size on the wall. It is better to attach a guide to the wall along the lower border to prevent the mosaic from sliding down.

The adhesive composition should be selected specifically for the material used. There are adhesive mixtures based on cement, polyurethane, and epoxy. We study the packaging and pay attention to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Prepare according to the instructions and apply an even layer of glue to the wall, making grooves. We place the mosaic sheet on the wall, check how correct its position is, and then press it to the surface with a trowel or roll it with a roller. After installing all the sheets, clean the seams from glue and wipe the surface of the mosaic.

Two days after installation, we seal the seams with grout. Grouting is very important, as it must protect numerous seams from the penetration of moisture and microorganisms. It is better to use epoxy grouts, since compared to cement-based grouts, they protect better from moisture, withstand temperature changes better, and crumble less. The variety of available colors allows you to make the best selection.

So that readers do not have different interpretations about the word apron, the authors consider it their duty to tell dear visitors of our portal that the article will focus on the surface of the wall between the desktop and wall cabinets, and not on a piece of clothing. Although no one can do without one or the other modern kitchen and not a single modern housewife.

When renovating an apartment or building a house, people experience the greatest stress not from having to part with significant amounts of money, but from the incredible torment of choice. The number of proposals for materials, color and design solutions, and various services is so huge that choosing them takes much more time than the actual repair itself. This also applies to the kitchen apron. But the authors can immediately answer main question readers - which apron is the best? The answer is clear: best apron– this is a hand made apron, regardless of what material it is made of. Our article will be about how to make an apron in the kitchen with your own hands. And, of course, attention will be paid to “insignificant details” in the form of a review of materials and technologies for their installation.

Requirements for kitchen aprons in terms of combining functionality and beauty

If we consider the etymology of the word apron (translated from Polish and German it means apron or hem), it becomes clear that it was originally conceived as a piece of work clothing needed to protect against contamination that inevitably accompanies the cooking process. Polish and German linguists are still arguing about who rightfully owns this word, although this a convenient thing It was used not only by them, but by most peoples in the world. Therefore, let etymological battles pass by the world of reasonable people, that is, you and me. The main thing is to understand that the first and main purpose of an apron is protection.

However, who said that defense should be rude and ugly? It can be beautiful, it can please the eyes of its owners, without forgetting its main function. And the modern variety of materials and technologies allows both functionality and beauty to coexist harmoniously. But if you suddenly have a choice of what to sacrifice, then the clear answer is this: you can sacrifice a little beauty in favor of functionality, but you can’t do the opposite.

Why do you need a kitchen apron?

Glass kitchen aprons

Most people have a subconscious fear of glass. It is associated with something extremely fragile, brittle and sharp. However, glass is different from glass. Nowadays, tabletops, chairs and even stair steps are made from it. Kitchen aprons were also included in this wonderful material.

Glass for aprons is not ordinary glass, but tempered glass, 6-8 mm thick, which is several times stronger and can withstand heating up to 300°C. Triplex glass is also used, where two layers are glued together with a special film or laminating liquid. Glass can be either glossy or matte, painted in any color, or colorless, with or without a pattern.

It is best, of course, to use all the possibilities of a glass kitchen apron and order it with a pattern. Such aprons are also called skinali. But keep in mind that it can be done in different ways:

• Firstly, transparent glass can be used, which is fixed to a wall covered with photo wallpaper. This is the most budget option, but it should be taken into account that moisture can penetrate into the gap between the wallpaper and the glass, which will ruin the wallpaper or contaminate the glass, thereby ruining the entire look.
• Secondly, the image can be printed on vinyl film, which is glued to the back. This solution is better, but the film can also peel off over time.
• Thirdly, the image can be printed on the glass itself from the back side of the apron using UV (ultraviolet) printing technologies.
• Fourthly, the image can be printed with UV ink inside triplex glass. This is the best, but also the most expensive option.
• And finally modern technologies allow you to print three-dimensional 3D images on kitchen aprons as well. These aprons look very unusual and are very expensive.

Glass aprons can be “revitalized” by wisely using LED lighting mounted both outside and inside the glass. The backlight can be either monochrome or color. You can organize different lighting scenarios for different moods. Modern market materials for renovation and interior design offers so many options that you can implement both a beautiful and competent solution, and any design madness. If only there was enough money for everything.

The advantages of glass aprons are obvious: moisture resistance, chemical inertness, strength, ease of cleaning, beautiful and original look. Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the high price and the fact that it is still glass, which can break under impact load. When broken, aprons made of tempered glass or triplex do not form sharp, traumatic fragments. But this still will not return the considerable money spent.

Glass kitchen aprons can also be attached either with through fasteners or with the help of special elements. When taking dimensions and planning the kitchen workspace, you should always take into account everything that will be installed on the apron. These could be several sockets, switches, holes for attaching rails - a hanging system for placing all kinds of kitchen utensils. Just as with MDF panels, it is better to entrust the entire range of services for measurements, manufacturing and installation to those who have done this many times, that is, to professionals.

Metal kitchen aprons

For those who intend to truly create, metal aprons are specially offered. They look very unusual and in some cases even beautiful. Fans of the “techno” or “loft” style can easily use metal in the kitchen, but for this you really need to have a subtle artistic taste or invite a designer with such qualities, which is rare. The line between harmony, beauty and madness with metal aprons is very thin, about the same as with mirrored aprons.

Metal aprons can be made as large sheets from of stainless steel, and tiles and even mosaics. The functional qualities of the metal are questionable. With good hygiene, metal has excellent adhesiveness to all types of kitchen contaminants and is very capricious in the choice of cleaning products. He does not tolerate abrasives.

It was previously noted that it is better to completely entrust the installation of an apron made of MDF panels or glass to those who, in fact, will manufacture them. Therefore, we will consider other options that the owner can do with his own hands. But before installation, you need to decide at what stage you need to make the apron, and what requirements the room must meet.

Requirements for the room and surfaces

Installation of aprons made of MDF, glass or plastic panels can be done already when the kitchen set is installed. Not only is it possible, but even necessary, since very high accuracy of measurements is required, which will allow the apron to fit perfectly into the workspace. The only thing is that during installation you just need to move the furniture away from the wall, and with through installation you won’t even need to do this.

If the apron is made from ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, mosaics, natural or artificial stone, then wet processes are indispensable. Therefore, the furniture should not be next to the walls where the apron will be, but the exact dimensions of the furniture and how it will be installed (height of the countertop, hanging height of the cabinets, distance between the working surface and the bottom plane of the cabinets) must be known.

What are the requirements for a kitchen space to install an apron?

• Windows must be installed in the kitchen.
• Must be mounted, all sockets installed.
• The walls must be plastered and leveled. On the wall where the apron will be mounted, the use of gypsum-based putties is unacceptable; only polymer-cement mixtures can be used.
• The floor must be level with the finishing coating already laid. Naturally, it should be smooth and horizontal.
• The temperature in the kitchen should be no lower than +5°C and no more than +30°C, humidity no more than 60%.

In other words, the room must be completely ready for finishing– wallpapering, applying finishing decorative plaster or painting. The surface on which the apron will be mounted must be dry and perfectly flat. If glass, glass or smalt mosaic will be used for the apron, then the surface should be puttied with polymer-cement mixtures based on white cement.

Kitchen apron markings

On a wall that is completely ready for cladding, it is necessary to mark the position of the future apron. But for this there must be a clear idea of ​​​​the placement of the kitchen unit. It is best if it has already been purchased and a diagram of its placement has been drawn up. What you need to consider when marking a kitchen apron.

• First of all, the apron should be located in the space between the countertop and the bottom plane of the wall cabinets, and it is desirable that the apron extends beyond the countertop and cabinets by at least 2 cm. Most often, the distance between the countertop is 60 cm, but it is permissible to make it in the range of 45 -70 cm, it all depends on the height of the people who will use the kitchen.
• The height of the countertop of a kitchen set also depends on the height of people, but in the same family there can be people of different heights, and they are often built into the set household appliances: washing and dishwashers, freezers. Therefore, in most cases, the height is set to 88-90 cm, and people with “outstanding height” (more than 200 cm and less than 150 cm) will not have to bend or jump, there will simply be a slight inconvenience to which they get used to very quickly.

Most manufactured kitchen sets are made for the convenience of people of average height

• If a standard dome-type hood is used, then the apron should extend in height along its entire width and reach its lower edge, or better yet, if it extends under the hood at a distance of at least 5 cm or, even better, reaches the ceiling. At the same time, for side surfaces In cabinets, it is recommended to place the apron at a distance of at least 5 cm.
• The height of the lower edge of the hood dome above the countertop should be at least 65 cm for electric stoves, and 75 cm for gas stoves.
• The standard width of gas or electric kitchen stoves or hobs can be 30 cm, 45 cm, 50 cm or 60 cm. There are larger sizes, but this already applies to stoves for professional use. The most commonly used slabs are 60 cm wide. The dimensions of the hood dome should not be less than the width of the slab, but it is better if they are one step larger. For example, for a stove or hob with a width of 60 cm, you should select a hood of at least 80 cm. The distance between the wall cabinets should allow the hood to fit freely.
• The apron in the kitchen does not have to be located only between the countertop and the upper wall cabinets. Sometimes it needs to be done by approaching the side walls, this is especially true in the area where the sink or stove is located, if they are located along the edges. This can also be influenced by nearby window or door openings.

To mark the position of the apron on the wall you will need either a laser or a hydraulic level. Laser ones, of course, are more convenient to work with, but hydraulic ones also provide very high accuracy. It is advisable that the kitchen set has already been purchased, but not yet installed on site. As a last resort, you can measure the future kitchen in the store where it will be purchased or have documentation indicating all dimensions. For marking you need:

• On the wall where the kitchen set will be installed, a mark is made on one of the edges for the position of the upper plane of the countertop.
• The level moves the mark to the other edge of the wall.
• Use a paint cord to mark the horizontal line of the tabletop position.
• If necessary, if the kitchen is corner or the apron will extend onto other walls, then similar markings are made on other walls.
• A mark is made on the position of the lower edge of the wall cabinets based on the size of the specific kitchen unit that will subsequently be installed in the kitchen.
• The position marks for the bottom edge of the wall cabinets are transferred to all walls where the kitchen apron will be installed.
• The marked parallel lines mark the location kitchen stove or hob.
• The position of the lower edge of the hood dome is noted (minimum 65 cm for electric stoves, 75 cm – for gas stoves from the countertop).
• The position of the side surfaces of the wall cabinets at the location of the hood dome is noted; it should fit freely into the space between the cabinets; it is better if there is a gap of 1-3 cm on each side.
• The upper edge of the apron located in the hood area is marked. The apron should extend at least 5 cm under the hood, and it is better to make it up to the ceiling.

After these steps, the location lines of the future kitchen set will be marked on the wall. But, as noted earlier, it is advisable to make the apron so that its surface extends slightly under the countertop or set. It is advisable to recess the apron behind the countertop and the lower edge of the wall cabinets at a distance of at least 20 mm, and in the area where the hood is located on the left and right, the apron should be recessed under the cabinets at a distance of at least 50 mm. Therefore, parallel to the horizontal and vertical lines of the position of the kitchen furniture, the lines of the position of the apron are broken off

When planning and marking the backsplash, you should also take into account the size of the tiles or mosaics that will be used. For example, if the tiles are 20 cm in height, then it is completely logical that it is beneficial to make three rows of 20 cm tiles, and make the gap between the table top and the bottom edge of the wall cabinets 56 cm, taking into account the fact that 2 cm from the top and bottom will go under furniture. If tiles of other sizes are used, this must also be taken into account. If decorative elements are used - friezes and borders - then it is necessary to ensure that they are visible. What's the point of using expensive elements that will be hidden from view under the furniture. Each case is individual and requires its own differentiated approach.

After drawing all the marking lines indicating the position of the kitchen furniture and the apron, you need to calculate the area of ​​the apron. The authors of the article recommend using a calculator, in which you only need to indicate the clearance between the countertop and the bottom edge of the wall cabinets, as well as the distance between the vertical surfaces of the cabinets and the height of the apron above the bottom surface of the cabinets in the area of ​​the hood. The calculator automatically takes into account all the penetrations of the apron under the furniture (2 cm on the horizontal section of the apron and 5 cm in the area of ​​the hood).

You will need

• - washing powder and water;
• perforator;
• - construction plumb line;
• - construction level 80-100 cm;
• - building level 40 cm;
• - construction square 30-40 cm;
• - smooth long slats (2 pieces);
• - construction pencil;
• - 2 buckets;
• - rubber mallet;
• - tile;
• - reinforced tile adhesive;
• - crosses 2.5 mm;
• - gypsum plaster;
• - construction plaster;
• - notched spatula 8 mm;
• - wide spatula 30-40 mm;
• - spatula 12 mm;
• - glass cutter

Instructions

Make a diagram of the tile layout and calculate how many materials will be needed.

Before you start laying out the backsplash, prepare the surface. Remove the wallpaper down to the base. This is easy to do with a bucket warm water with a pinch added washing powder. Apply soap solution sponge over the entire surface of the wallpaper. Once wet, scrape them off with a spatula. After removing the wallpaper, wash the wall clean water. Knock down old poorly adhering plaster to the ground.

Mark with a construction pencil a line for laying the electrical wire for the hood. Use a puncher to make a groove 1 cm deep along the marked line. Insert the wire into it and secure it gypsum mortar.

Using a building level 80-100 cm, a plumb line and a straight rod, measure the corners and planes. Check the flatness of the walls and verticality external corners horizontally. Please note that the gaps between the wall and the flat plane of the straight slats should be no more than 5 mm.

According to the instructions, dilute dry plaster mixture. Place plaster cakes onto the surface with a small spatula and level them with a large spatula. Remove excess solution with a lath. Try to have one plane horizontally and vertically.

Mix the glue exactly according to the instructions. Using a notched trowel, apply it to the wall where the tiles meet the floor. Thin layer Apply glue to the back of the tile using a narrow spatula. Press it into the solution and press it down with a rubber mallet.

Align tiles vertically and horizontally using a short level. Check the tile's levelness by placing a level against the face of the tile. If it is not level, remove it and add or remove glue as needed. Make sure that the first tiles are installed flawlessly. The final result depends on them.

Before you begin installing the second tile, pay attention to the drawing. On the back side, an arrow indicates the direction of the pattern, which should be the same for all tiles. Place the second tile and check it in the same way as the first. Place two crosses between adjacent edges. Check the seam with your fingers. You shouldn't feel the transition.

Place a third one on the second tile. Use a square to check the angle between the vertical and horizontal edges of the second tile. Install the following tiles in the same way.

The wall surface between the countertop and the wall cabinets of the kitchen unit is subject to constant exposure to moisture and hot steam. During cooking, splashes of fat, oil and other contaminants inevitably fall on it.

To make it convenient to keep the kitchen work area clean, it is customary to protect it with a so-called apron made of moisture-resistant materials.

Most often, wall panels made of plastic or MDF, as well as ceramic tiles, are used to decorate this part of the set.

What to glue a kitchen apron on - choice of glue

Tile. Until relatively recently, tiles were the only option when choosing a material for finishing a kitchen apron. And today, ceramic tiles are very popular.

As for choosing an adhesive for installing tiles, everything is quite simple - any universal tile adhesive will do.

The following dry mixtures enjoy a good reputation among finishers:

• Knauf Fliesen,
• UNIS 2000,
• Bergauf Keramik Pro,
• Weber.vetonit,
• CERESIT SM-11.

All of the listed brands of glue are a dry mixture based on cement with special additives; they are suitable for installing ceramic tiles to various substrates.

To prepare the working solution, simply add the amount of water specified by the manufacturer to the dry powder and mix thoroughly. Mixtures such as IVSIL Mosaik or Bergauf Mosaik are suitable for laying mosaic and transparent tiles. They are white in color, so they are suitable even for difficult materials.

Plastic and MDF. A wall panel made of plastic or MDF will cost much less than tiles, and there will be much less dirty work if you choose this material.

Installation of a plastic apron is possible in two ways: adhesive and using special fasteners. The adhesive (frameless) method is attractive because it hides traces of installation - the panel remains intact and monolithic.

However glue a plastic apron This can only be done on a perfectly flat wall.

What glue should I use to glue an apron made of plastic panels or MDF? Universal glue for installing plastic to any base (concrete, gypsum plasterboard, wood, etc.) use liquid nails.

Basically, they come in two types: neoprene (neoprene is a synthetic rubber) and acrylic (water-based). The former have a pungent odor and are quite toxic; acrylic ones are safe from an environmental point of view, but are more sensitive to water and temperature changes.

For finishing the kitchen apron with plastic wall panels, as well as MDF panels, according to reviews from professional finishers, glue brands such as:

• Mounting adhesive TITANIUM “Panels & Moldings” - heavy-duty rubber-based adhesive. Quickly and reliably glues finishing and decorative materials made of plastic, MDF, wood boards and so on. to most absorbent building substrates. Resistant to temperature and humidity changes.
• LIQUID NAILS (Liquid nails) LN-910 (Panels and moldings) - a specially developed adhesive composition for fastening plastic panels, baseboards, moldings and other decorative elements. The glue does not contain toluene and acetone, and is resistant to moisture and temperature changes. Provides reliable adhesion to concrete, brick, wood, plasterboard and other stable substrates.
• Moment Installation MP-40 “Universal” - designed for fastening wall panels and moldings made of PVC, MDF, wood and plastic. The glue remains elastic after drying and is waterproof. Suitable for most building materials. Can be used on uneven surfaces (fills voids well), has excellent adhesion.

How to glue a plastic kitchen apron with your own hands

The installation process itself is not difficult, but requires care.

The most difficult thing about working with a solid plastic panel is adjusting it to the size of the kitchen.

At the marking stage, you should take several horizontal measurements, since walls are not always perfectly level.

How to properly glue an apron?

The process consists of several successive stages:

1. Surface preparation. If there is wallpaper on the walls, it should be removed. The wall is cleaned of peeling plaster, various contaminants and coated with primer. It is better to choose an acrylic primer for rooms with high humidity - it contains antibacterial and antifungal additives.
2. Applying glue. Liquid nails LIQUID NAILS and any others are applied using a special gun only to a dry, grease-free surface. This should not be done in a continuous layer, but dotted or in a snake pattern.
3. Gluing. The surfaces to be glued are pressed tightly against each other and immediately separated to ensure that there is enough glue. After 3-5 minutes, final gluing is carried out, pressing the panel tightly against the wall. The adhesive sets almost instantly, but the greatest adhesive strength is achieved within a day.

VIDEO INSTRUCTION

We glue an MDF apron in the kitchen

This procedure differs little from working with a plastic panel; it also consists of three stages:

1. Surface preparation. The wall is cleaned and, if necessary, leveled. Highly absorbent surfaces are treated with a primer.
2. Application of liquid nails. The workpiece is tried on in place and cut according to the right size. A layer of glue is applied pointwise or in a snake pattern to the MDF panel.
3. Gluing. The panel is applied to the wall and pressed lightly, after which it is removed and a technological pause is maintained (3-5 minutes). Then the panel is finally glued. For greater reliability, a heavy apron can be supported in several places with slats; after the glue has completely dried, they are removed.

VIDEO INSTRUCTION

Don't try to stick plastic panel or an MDF apron the first time, since this is not always possible. Place the panel against the wall, then lightly tap it and remove it.

After pausing for a few minutes, you can begin the final gluing. In most cases, it is enough to firmly press the surfaces at the joints once to achieve rapid setting of the adhesive.

Visible parts of the edge of the apron should be additionally refined with MDF corners of a suitable color.

And the gas stove must be covered with a practical screen that is resistant to moisture and high temperatures. The appearance of this area is also not in last place; it is the wall above the work area that is often used to place accents in the kitchen interior. If you plan to install the apron yourself, then the complexity and duration of installation plays a big role. To do right choice, you need to choose an option with optimal ratio all these qualities.

The wall surface above the countertop is the busiest area of ​​the kitchen. Here are located Appliances, work area and gas stove. Not every type of finish can adequately withstand all types of impacts associated with using the kitchen for its intended purpose. Therefore, a number of requirements are imposed on a kitchen apron:

• High temperature resistance. Since the screen surface is heated unevenly, the material should not expand significantly. Flammability and low temperature melting is also not best qualities for an apron;
• Moisture resistance. The impact of liquids on a surface can manifest itself in different ways: direct contact, splashes, steam. Therefore, the apron must be chosen from materials that do not absorb water;
• Easy to clean. The surface of the screen in the kitchen is exposed to various types of contamination: dust, grease, food particles. It is important that the material does not change its appearance, even after prolonged contact with dirt;
• Mechanical strength. Since the surface of the apron will have to be cleaned frequently, and sometimes intensively, the coating must be resistant to abrasive substances and hard brushes. Microscratches and areas of worn-out paint will definitely not decorate the kitchen;
• Safety. Environmental cleanliness and the absence of harmful fumes are one of the most important qualities of a kitchen apron, because it can come into contact with food.

There are many materials on the market that fully or partially meet these requirements. However, this Difficult choice, which requires taking into account all the installation features, advantages and disadvantages of different types of aprons.

Types of materials for an apron

It is better to decide on the choice of material for the protective screen in the kitchen before installing the set, since some types of finishes are mounted on a free wall.

Aprons made from solid or large fragments can be fixed after furniture is placed, if they do not require “wet” types of work.

Before installing any apron, it is necessary to prepare the wall surface, check its integrity and reliability. It would not be superfluous to treat with priming compounds with an antiseptic to protect against moisture and its inevitable companions - fungus and mold. It is important to install electrical wiring in advance and make outlets for sockets.

When the wall plane is prepared, you can measure the area for the apron and begin choosing the most suitable materials. To do this, you can compare their advantages and disadvantages, and also evaluate possible difficulties during installation.

Tile

The classic version of the apron cladding is tiles of different shapes, sizes and designs. It is practical and accessible. Combinations of different shades and designs of tiles allow you to create unique and beautiful protective screens for the kitchen.

Features of the material

Tile is a win-win option for decorating an apron. It will always be in fashion and will provide comfortable and safe operation kitchens. The popularity of tiles is due to a number of advantages that distinguish them from other types of materials:

• Resistant to mechanical stress. Minor blows will not harm it, and the glaze that covers the front surface withstands intensive cleaning;
• Does not absorb moisture. No wonder it is used for installation in the most damp places at home in the bathroom and toilet. In the kitchen, it will perform the function of protecting the wall from splashes and steam flawlessly;
• Easily tolerates uneven heating. The expansion is compensated by the presence of a small distance between the individual finishing elements. But it is important to choose a good adhesive base and grout;
• Durable. Service life of an apron made of tiles given that high-quality styling and glue - at least 15 - 20 years;
• Safe. The material is environmentally friendly and non-flammable.

Among the disadvantages of tiles, the most significant is the seams, which are difficult to clean from dirt, and prolonged exposure to moisture can cause the appearance of mold and mildew. But if you don’t skimp and choose high-quality grout, these inconveniences can be avoided.

Installation of a tile apron

In order for the tile to adhere well to the wall surface, it is necessary to provide all conditions for high-quality adhesion. Check the plaster for voids and weak points. Prime and make notches if the base is covered with a layer of paint that cannot be removed.

To lay tiles with your own hands you will need special tools and materials:

• Glue;
• Notched spatula;
• Crosses for seams;
• Grout;
• Tile cutter

Installation can be done in different ways. The simplest is horizontal or vertical, it is best to choose for self-installation, if there are no professional skills. More complex types will require the hands of a specialist: herringbone, offset, diagonal.

Laying must be done before installing the kitchen unit. And since the first row of tiles will start not from the floor, but from the middle of the wall, it is necessary to temporarily install a guide rail.

The ideal option is if the size of the tile is selected exactly to the size of the apron, then it will not have to be cut. But if there are sockets on the wall plane, you will need to work with a tile cutter. A guide to using this tool is provided in the video.

Changing thickness adhesive composition You can correct small unevenness of the wall, but not more than 10 mm. A layer exceeding this value is unacceptable for wall cladding. The tile may “float” or fall off due to uneven drying of the adhesive.

It is necessary to insert crosses into the space between the individual fragments, and do not remove them until the composition has set. Grouting of joints is carried out only after complete drying.

Mosaic

A mosaic apron will become a bright accent in the entire kitchen. A variety of styling options and materials for elements can provide harmony with the design and individuality. But working with this type of finishing requires patience, skills and the selection of high-quality glue and grouting composition.

Features of the material

Mosaic has all the advantages of tiles; it is not afraid of moisture and dirt, is resistant to temperature and mechanical damage, and has a number of features:

• It is easier to install around ledges and rosettes;
• To work with mosaics, white glue is required;
• It features a wider selection of materials for the production of elements: ceramics, glass, stone, metal, mirror.

The disadvantage of mosaic is the same as that of tiles - there are seams, of which in this case there are much more. Only epoxy grout is suitable for sealing them.

Mosaic installation

You can arrange elements in different ways. Designers play with color and shades, creating real works of art that are sure to be unique.

Types of mosaic installation:

For installation you will need the same set of tools as for tiles. The glue is applied to the wall and to the mosaic panel. The fragment is placed on the apron and pressed slightly. If there is a protective paper layer on the tile, it must be moistened a few minutes after fixing the fragments to the wall and carefully removed.

48 hours after installing all the elements, you can start grouting. The raster is applied with a rubber spatula and distributed evenly over the surface. After 20 minutes, you can remove excess grout with a soft cloth.

Glass

Kitchen aprons are made from tempered glass. It is stronger than usual and can withstand high temperatures. On such a screen you can place any image, drawing or imitating texture.

Features of the material

A glass apron is a practical and safe option. Contaminants are easily removed from its surface. Strained glass or triplex (two glasses glued together with a film) are resistant to mechanical stress. If the screen does break, then in the first case it breaks up into small fragments with non-sharp edges, in the second case the fragments are held on the film.

To install the apron, a glass panel is made to the exact dimensions of the area, so all that remains is to fix it. Seams are most often absent.

The image can be applied in different ways, they differ in cost, complexity and practicality.

• Pasting transparent glass with photo wallpaper is inexpensive and quick, but if moisture gets under the glass, the image will be damaged;
• Printing on vinyl film – more reliable option, the film is not afraid of moisture, but over time it can peel off from the glass;
• Ultraviolet printing on glass – durable and high-quality image, resistant to any type of external influence;
• UV printing inside triplex is the most reliable and expensive option; the image is protected on both sides.

There are practically no disadvantages to this type of apron. It's beautiful and functional solution. In production, the necessary holes can be made in the glass for kitchen utensils and sockets. The only thing stopping you from choosing this material is its high cost. The service life of the product depends on the quality of the printed image. Clean frosted glass or the seal inside the triplex can last indefinitely.

Installation of a glass apron

Installation of a glass apron is carried out after installation of the kitchen unit. Therefore, when measuring the length and width of a section, greater accuracy is required. Fixation can be done in different ways:

• Through holes (the most reliable fastening option, this is what professionals use, but when fixing with bolts it is important to be extremely careful so as not to break the panel; you can purchase decorative caps to disguise the fasteners);
• Canopies (do not require drilling the glass surface, suitable for small aprons);
• Liquid nails (the easiest way to install it yourself, but the wall surface must be perfectly flat).

It is better to seal the joint between the apron and the wall with sealant so that moisture does not get into it. All holes in the panel must be made at the manufacturing stage. You cannot drill the screen yourself.

MDF (medium density fibreboard)

A compromise option for designing a kitchen apron is MDF. The plates are affordable and attractive in appearance. But their use is limited, so before choosing this material you should compare its advantages and disadvantages.

Features of the material

MDF is widely used in home decoration and furniture assembly. It is also suitable for the kitchen. No need to install it perfect alignment wall surface.

The possibilities of the material are unlimited: it can have any shade and texture, imitate other types of finishes, such as stone and tile, and any image can be applied to the surface using the photo printing technique.

Installation is simple and quick. The service life of the material is only a few years, but given the low cost, such an apron can be changed frequently, which will not only get rid of the damaged screen, but also update the familiar kitchen.

MDF splashbacks are not suitable for kitchens that are used intensively. This option is suitable for busy people who rarely cook and keep the room perfectly clean.

The material has some disadvantages:

• Can't stand it high temperatures;
• Frequent direct contact with water leads to deformation and peeling of the protective coating;
• Abrasives and solvents are not suitable for cleaning MDF;
• The screen surface is less durable than glass and tile.

Despite the presence of all these disadvantages, the material is often used for kitchen aprons. It looks beautiful and expensive, while the cost of MDF is much lower than other types of finishes.

MDF installation

Perhaps there is nothing easier than installing an MDF apron. Its dimensions can be adjusted on the spot, but the places where the cuts will need to be trimmed. It is easy to cut holes for sockets with a jigsaw and drill the plate to place the hooks.

Installation involves fixing the panel with self-tapping screws or liquid nails to the plane of the wall. If the main surface is uneven, you can first place slats on it and create an ideal plane with them.

PVC panels

The most budget option for decorating a kitchen apron is covering it with PVC panels. They are offered on the market in large quantities, have a wide selection of colors and designs.

Features of the material

The panels don't have many advantages. If we compare them with a material from the same price category - MDF, then the plastic has excellent moisture resistance, but also particle board does not tolerate high temperatures and cleaning with abrasives.

In addition to deformation when heated, plastic is highly flammable and releases toxic substances when melted, so over gas stove there is no place for him. It is good for work areas where there is frequent cooking, since contact with water and dirt does not affect its appearance. The service life is also short - a maximum of 5 - 7 years with proper care.

Panel installation

For installation you will need: guide elements (sheathing), self-tapping screws, screwdriver, utility knife. The panels are fastened together using a tongue-and-groove system, thus forming absolutely airtight connections.

The panels can be installed on any wall with unevenness and defects, the main thing is that there is somewhere to screw in the screws for the guides.

The sheathing is set according to the level. At the top and bottom there are guide elements, then vertical crossbars with a pitch of no more than 60 cm.

The panels are fixed with self-tapping screws to the sheathing, each subsequent one covers the place where the previous one was fixed and the head of the fasteners. Therefore, externally the apron looks quite presentable. You can cut plastic with a utility knife or a fine-tooth hacksaw. All holes must be prepared before installation. The edges of the finished apron in height and width, if they are visible, must be decorated decorative elements, they are sold in the same department where the panels themselves are.

Stone

Natural and artificial stone is one of the the best materials for a kitchen apron in terms of practicality. He has all the necessary qualities. It is durable and looks expensive and prestigious.

Features of the material

Such an apron requires appropriate design of the kitchen. Expensive countertops and exquisite facades will make him worthy company. Different types of stone are used to produce screens. Most often - granite, less often - marble, basalt, slate, quartz. It is best if the surface is polished; it is easier to remove dirt from it.

Artificial stone is much cheaper than natural stone, but has the same properties. But it has no pores, so it does not absorb moisture and is better cleaned of dirt. It is lighter and can be made thinner. The durability of these materials cannot be compared with any others.

Installation of a stone apron

Stone products are most often made to order according to individual sizes. Installation must be done after installing the furniture.

If the stone is in the form of a tile, then you can lay it with your own hands, according to the same pattern as ceramic. It is better to entrust the installation of a solid panel to professionals, since the material is expensive, and self-installation Without proper operating skills, you can damage the product.

Installation of an apron made of solid panels - stone, MDF, PVC and glass is carried out after installing the kitchen unit, so there will be no problems with taking measurements and the height of the screen placement. It is more difficult to determine the location of the apron, which is installed before installing the headset; here it is important to take into account both the height of the lower cabinets and flooring and furniture layout. How to do this correctly is shown in the video.

When choosing an apron for the kitchen, what is more important is not its appearance, but price category and practicality. And the problem of aesthetics has long been solved by manufacturers - all types of materials are presented in various color solutions and design options.