Glass kitchen apron. Kitchen apron made of glass - an excellent solution Kitchen tempered glass

Glass has long become a worthy competitor to ceramic tiles and other materials used to decorate the apron - a wall element located above the kitchen work area and immediately attracts the eyes of guests. It is considered the most environmentally friendly and hygienic of similar products. finishing materials. Glass apron insensitive to water or steam, dirt and greasy drops are not absorbed into it, and they are washed off without special effort. Well, let’s not forget to mention its attractive appearance.

From this article you will learn: how to choose a glass kitchen apron and not regret it, 6 most common mistakes when ordering, details about installing glass panels; You will be able to read a price review, designer advice, reviews of glass splashbacks and see a gallery of photos of kitchens with skins.

The most common misconception about glass splashbacks these days is that water or grease drops, dust, stains, etc. will be visible on the smooth surface of the glass. But if you believe the reviews of those who have long decided to make such an apron in the kitchen, then marks on it are visible in the same way as on similar surfaces, for example, on ceramic tiles. At the same time, it requires less effort to maintain cleanliness, in particular, due to the fact that glass has no seams between the tiles, which gradually become clogged with dirt.

What glass should I use for the splashback?

The most common glass thickness for a kitchen splashback is 6 or 8 mm.

Near the kitchen work area optimal material Based on safety, reliability and long service life, tempered glass is considered.

Tempered glass has a strength that is 5 times higher than that of regular glass. However, even if for some reason it breaks, the fragments in this case will be small and without sharp edges. This apron is recommended to be used next to the stove or hob, since it is not afraid of high temperatures.

Ordinary glass cannot boast of such reliability, and an apron made of plexiglass cannot initially be good option wall decoration in the kitchen. Since it is afraid of high temperatures, it cannot be used near a gas stove; In addition, plexiglass is not resistant to damage, even scratches, quickly becomes dull and can be difficult to clean from traditional kitchen stains.

When you are thinking about which glass to choose for your splashback, keep in mind this option: bleached glass - Optiwhite. Ordinary glass appears transparent at first glance, but it has a subtle greenish tint. On colored aprons, for example, with a landscape, texture, city panorama, you will not notice it, but if white or other light shade, this greenish tint will ruin the whole look.

According to experts, thanks to the better transparency of Optiwhite, the pattern on the apron looks brighter and clearer. Clarified glass costs approximately 30 percent more than regular glass.

What types of glass splashbacks are there?

1. Clear glass without color pattern

It can be transparent or frosted. A significant advantage of a transparent apron is that it is not visible and is disguised as a common space. Its main purpose is to protect a wall painted or covered with wallpaper (photo wallpaper) from contamination.

An apron made of frosted glass does not glare and has a more interesting appearance.

It is not necessary to use glass with a smooth glossy surface. Panels with a surface on which textures are applied, for example, satin, look quite extravagant and attractive.

And the last option involves applying any elements to the glass surface using silk-screen printing or other technology - this could be a drawing, an inscription, etc.

2. Photo printing (with full-color UV printing) on ​​glass

Panels with an interesting image applied to their surface are called skinali. Today, this version of a glass apron has become widespread and popular, and is therefore quite in demand.

A glass apron with photo printing is quite beautiful and has a long service life. Using special equipment, the image is transferred to the inside of the glass. Application is very reliable, does not fade from sunlight, he is not afraid of exposure to high temperatures (up to 120 degrees) or high humidity air.

Panels with a 3D effect look best, but for such an apron you will have to pay significantly more than for an analogue made of clear or colored glass.

A colored glass apron painted in the same color scheme looks quite bright and at the same time discreet, and at the same time does not hurt the eyes. Here the choice of shades is practically unlimited.

In the manufacture of this type of apron, the so-called. stemalit. This technology consists in applying paint intended for this purpose to the inner surface of the glass panel, after which the glass is subjected to heat treatment. This coloring method has a very high degree of reliability.

4. With a pattern printed on decorative vinyl film

A kitchen apron with a vinyl film on which a pattern is applied is more cheap option than photo printing. This technology is based on the fact that the film is rolled with inside glass surface, which serves as its protection from harmful influences. In this case it is necessary to choose quality material, and work with it must be carried out by qualified specialists, otherwise after some time it will peel off, wrinkle or burn out.

Glass consisting of several layers of different thicknesses is called triplex. Its main advantage is that the drawing is not subject to any harmful effects at all.

A triplex apron consists of two layers of glass fastened together, and between them is the image itself. Another advantage is that in case mechanical damage it does not shatter into pieces, but only cracks. This option is practically never used in the kitchen. The reason lies in the high cost, the thickness is greater than that of a regular glass apron, plus it can be difficult to make holes in it for roof rails and sockets.

6. Mirror apron

Visually it looks quite good, visually enlarges the space and creates a cozy atmosphere. However, it is not for everyone, since not everyone likes to see their reflection or the process of cooking or washing dishes. An interesting compromise is to use the same elegant partially matted sandblasted mirror tile instead of a mirror panel.

From the designer. A glass splashback is well suited for small kitchens, which are often found in older homes. Having a slight reflective effect, it visually enlarges the room. The smooth surface of such an apron, reflecting light, makes the room brighter.

A beautiful landscape or picture of a city can add depth and perspective, and push boundaries - essential features for a small kitchen.

Glass panels, manufactured with the correct adherence to the technological process and installed during a kitchen renovation, have high quality and are able to serve long years, so an apron is not something you need to skimp on.

Installation of a glass apron - important information

Installing the chosen apron does not take much time and will only take a couple of hours if installed by qualified craftsmen.

Unlike an apron made of ceramic tiles or mosaics, the installation process of any skins will not require spring cleaning after finishing the work and will save your time.

The glass apron is attached to the wall using two methods.

1. With fasteners

This installation method is more preferable. The apron, regardless of what kind of glass and how thick it was used in its production, is fixed quite well. Another advantage of this method of fastening is that there is no need to thoroughly level the wall. In addition, if necessary, the apron can be easily dismantled and then reinstalled.

Note: for this operation, two types of fasteners are used - hinged or walk-through.

Hinged fasteners- 10 mm are hook plates made of metal into which a glass panel is inserted. In this case, you do not need to drill any holes in the apron. These plates are almost invisible and press the glass well. If the apron is divided into parts, then with this installation method it is possible to join the edges of the panels in such a way that the joining points will be invisible.

When using pass-through fastener Before the glass tempering process, the edges of the apron are drilled required amount holes for screws. After installation, they are covered with special two-centimeter overlays.

The advantage of this method is that between the glass and the wall there is small space, for this reason, aprons can be attached without any preparation and leveling of the wall. A small disadvantage is that the fasteners will remain visible and may spoil the design a little.

2. For glue or liquid nails

Essence this method consists in the fact that the glass panel of the apron is glued directly to the wall. In this case, a very flat wall is required. To do this, it is plastered, puttied and dried. Installation of skins using glue is considered simpler, since there is no need to drill the walls and struggle with fasteners, but the method using fasteners is more reliable.

After the installation of the glass panel is completed, a special edge is installed at the joint between the apron and the tabletop. If you choose a composite apron rather than a solid one, make sure that the installers hide all the gaps by aligning the panels as tightly as possible. To prevent the appearance of fungus on the wall, all joints are sealed with a sealing compound. If the specialists have done the job efficiently, then neither the sealant nor the joints will be noticeable.

As a rule, installation carried out by Moscow companies does not involve necessary work for leveling the wall and installing additional parts (plinths, roof rails, sockets, lighting, etc.). These works are carried out by agreement, and you will have to pay extra for them.

If possible, you can install the glass apron yourself. However, please note that such work should be carried out by an experienced person, preferably someone who has previously dealt with glass.

Glass splashback with lighting

Beautiful lighting with correctly placed accents adds a certain charm and romance to an apron made of glass panels. An LED strip is attached around the apron, and in some cases directly in it, which slightly illuminates the surface of both the apron itself and the work surface, while having an energy-saving effect. LED Strip Light, offered in stores, can be white or colored. When using the second one, you can change the lighting as you please. We have already written in more detail about backlit aprons.

Dimensions

The standard height of a kitchen apron most often varies from 0.4 to 0.9 meters. According to professionals, the length of the glass panel should not exceed 200-250 centimeters. If you have a large kitchen and you need a long apron, manufacturers will make it composite. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about the visibility of joints: if the work is done good craftsmen, then they will not be visible at all.

Prices for a glass apron both in Moscow and in other cities vary considerably. How much a custom-made product will cost is influenced by many different factors, including dependence on the type of glass, the method of painting or printing, the installation method and the cost of fasteners; is it a combined apron or a solid one; are there any work area non-standard angles; do you need image correction or editing using design programs, etc.

Journalists from the portal site, having looked at the price lists on the resources of Moscow companies engaged in the production of custom glass aprons, calculated the average price level for various services.
Thus, a visit by a specialist to take measurements in Moscow costs approximately 1 thousand rubles, outside the Moscow Ring Road - on average 1,500 rubles.

By the way, the cost of the apron you are interested in can be calculated directly on some company websites. The price will naturally be inaccurate and could easily increase upon ordering.

We decided to experiment and calculate the cost of an apron made of tempered glass with photo printing, the length of which is 2.5 meters and a height of 0.6 meters, which should have two holes for sockets and rails. Calculations from three calculators showed that for such an apron you would have to pay about 15,000 rubles. The calculated price includes a surveyor's visit, the cost of making the apron, delivery within the city and installation.

If Optiwhite glass is used for production, the price of a similar apron will increase to an average of 18-19 thousand rubles.

Average prices for an apron made of tempered glass, the thickness of which is 6 mm, with UV photo printing, start at 6,000 rubles per sq.m., and this includes the cost of fasteners.

An apron with photo printing with a 3D effect will cost 9,500 rubles per sq.m.

The most low price for a transparent apron made of 6mm tempered glass without photo printing starts at 3,500 rubles. A similar apron, but made of transparent Optiwhite glass, will require 30 percent more money.

Tempered glass is usually about 40-50 percent more expensive than regular “raw” glass.

If the choice fell on triplex with photo printing, then prices for it start from 11,000 rubles per square.

On average, the production time for a glass apron in many companies is about two weeks, and working days are counted.

Please keep in mind that you will need to pay extra for some additional services that you may need.

Among them are apron fitting, color proofing, and some design services for creating and editing a layout. Some companies include in the specification payment for purchasing an image from a photo bank. Many manufacturers also offer an additional coating of any apron in transparent or colored protective film. Some do it for free, others ask from 600 rubles per linear meter.

Virtual fitting of 3 apron options in a photo of a real kitchen in the city costs 1000-1500 rubles. When placing an order, several companies undertake to do it at no additional cost.

You can see examples of how a glass splashback will look in your kitchen in our photo gallery:

Photos were posted with the image

Colored plain glass aprons

Creative solution design will be a kitchen apron made of glass, photos of which can be seen below. It will be a reflection of your individuality and originality, and will help you show yourself as a designer.

The glass panel will enliven the atmosphere and give a festive atmosphere. It is not susceptible to moisture and steam, is easy to clean, so it is ideal for the kitchen.

What is a kitchen apron

A kitchen apron is a necessary element of the interior modern kitchen. This is part work surface, which protects walls from contamination inevitable during cooking.

It may vary according to color scheme, from pastel colors to bright colors. Everything depends on you. Don't be afraid to experiment. You can update your kitchen design without a major renovation. It will be enough to choose a bright apron. And the room will immediately be transformed.

Designers offer a palette of solutions and advise trying various combinations and experiment with shades and materials. This will enliven the space and create an atmosphere of comfort.

The functional role of the apron is important. Therefore, the material from which it is made must meet several requirements:

• Tolerate high temperatures (above 150 C).
• Easy to clean (removing dirt and grime should not be a problem).
• Have a decent appearance for a long time (do not deform during surface cleaning procedures, retain the brightness of the color and the quality of the pattern).

A prerequisite for maintaining hygiene will be absolute sealing between the countertop and the apron. For example, using silicone. You can disguise this procedure with a plinth.

A panel made of tempered glass is a wonderful option. Very practical on the one hand, and very fashionable, allowing you to embody bold design ideas with another. The glass kitchen apron is easy to clean and will not lose its beautiful appearance for a long time.

There are many decorative designs. Glass can be matte or glossy, its surface can be textured or smooth. You can use various design finds: decorating with ornaments, using photo printing or sandblasting.

You can diversify the decor by placing photos, wallpaper, paper, and textiles under glass.

Glass kitchen apron in kitchen design

Glass is an excellent replacement for tiles and other materials widely used to decorate a section of the wall of a kitchen work surface or apron.

Let's look at the main options:

1. Colorless glass without a pattern. There are two types: matte and transparent. Transparent glass is used mainly to protect walls painted or covered with paper or paper from moisture, grease, and soot. From a decorative point of view, it is convenient because it does not give glare, is transparent, and does not catch the eye.

A matte option will be more interesting, giving less glare. The surface can be smooth or textured. Sandblasting or silk-screen printing is used to apply a design, inscription, or pattern onto glass.

2.Another variation would be photo printing on glass. The most popular type of panel today. They are called skinali. The advantage of this technique is beauty and durability.

The design is applied with UV ink to the back of the glass. It does not fade and is not afraid of moisture. A three-dimensional drawing with a 3D effect looks very impressive. However, this method will cost more than clear or colored glass.

3. A monochromatic colored glass apron will look beautiful and at the same time unobtrusive. The inner surface of the glass is painted with a special paint, then the panel undergoes heat treatment. This type is durable, the color palette is diverse.

4. Panel design with a pattern on decorative vinyl film. This method is not as expensive as photo printing. The film is pasted on inner part glass that protects the image from dirt, high temperatures and moisture. But subsequently the film may become deformed.

5. Triplex or laminated glass of different thicknesses. The image is sealed between two layers of glass. The advantage of this method is the reliability of protection of the design: if you act on the glass, it will not break, but will crack. The disadvantages include greater thickness than other aprons and high cost.

6. Very stylish option there will be a mirrored apron. An even greater expansion of space and a non-standard visual effect are created. Mirror tiles with a sandblasted finish and partial matting will look great.

Designers recommend a glass panel for decoration or. The reflective effect leads visual expansion space. If the glass is glossy, then in addition to this, light reflection occurs and the room becomes brighter.

A picture of a city or an image of nature placed under glass will add perspective to the space. This will visually expand the boundaries and add depth. Which is very important for a small kitchen.

Photos of glass kitchen aprons (real photos examples)

How to choose the right glass apron for the kitchen, 6 most common mistakes when ordering and the nuances of installing glass panels, a review of prices, designer advice, photos of kitchens with skins and reviews of glass splashbacks - here.

Glass is an excellent alternative to ceramic tiles and other materials that are traditionally used to finish the apron, that is, the section of the wall above the kitchen work area. This is one of the most environmentally friendly and hygienic finishing materials. The glass apron is not afraid of moisture and steam, does not absorb dirt and grease, is easy to clean and looks incredibly impressive.

The most popular myth about glass splashbacks is that drops of water and grease, dust, and fingerprints will be too noticeable on the shiny surface of the glass. However, according to reviews from those who have already decided to make such an apron in the kitchen, there are no more marks left on it than on other surfaces, for example, on ceramic tiles. And caring for it is much easier - glass has no seams between tiles, where dirt accumulates over time.

What kind of glass is suitable for an apron?

As a rule, the thickness of glass for a kitchen apron is 6 or 8 millimeters.

Tempered glass is 5 times stronger than regular glass. But even if somehow it manages to break, its fragments will be small and not sharp.

This apron fits perfectly next to a stove or hob and is not afraid of heat.

Regular glass is less reliable. It is generally difficult to consider an apron made of plexiglass as an option for wall decoration in the kitchen. It cannot be used in the area of ​​a gas stove due to temperature changes; plexiglass is easily scratched, becomes dull, and is difficult to clean from grease and other kitchen contaminants.

When choosing glass for your splashback, keep in mind: you may need so-called bleached glass - Optiwhite. Ordinary glass, although it seems absolutely transparent, actually has a pronounced greenish “bottle” tint. On colored aprons (with a landscape, city panorama or multi-colored still life) it will be invisible. But if your backsplash has a lot of white or other very light background, a greenish tint will ruin everything. Experts note that thanks to greater transparency, Optiwhite makes the design on the apron clearer and brighter. Clarified glass costs about 30% more than regular glass.

What can a glass apron look like?

1. Clear glass without color pattern

It can be transparent or frosted. The advantage of a transparent apron is that it is “invisible”, does not catch the eye at all and seems to dissolve in space. His main function- protect the wall painted or covered with wallpaper (photo wallpaper) from splashes.

A frosted glass backsplash produces less glare and looks more interesting.

Glass doesn't have to be smooth. Panels with a textured textured surface, such as satin, look very beautiful.

Another option is to apply a design, ornament or inscription to the surface of the glass using sandblasting or silk-screen printing.

2. Photo printing (full-color UV printing) on ​​glass

Panels with a beautiful image printed on them are called skinali. Today this is the most popular and sought-after option for a glass apron.

The glass apron with photo printing is very beautiful and durable. The image is applied to the “wrong” side of the glass using a special technology. UV ink does not fade, can withstand heating up to 120 degrees, and is not afraid of moisture.

Panels with a 3D effect look especially impressive. However, such an apron will cost much more than clear or colored glass.

3. Painted glass

A plain colored glass apron looks very stylish, bright and at the same time unobtrusive. The palette of available shades is, without exaggeration, huge.

In the manufacture of such aprons, the so-called stemalite can be used. Special paint is applied to the inner surface of the glass panel, then the glass undergoes heat treatment. This is a very reliable and durable painting method.

4. With a pattern on decorative vinyl film

A kitchen apron with vinyl film on which a pattern is applied is a more budget-friendly and affordable option than photo printing. The film is rolled onto the inner surface of the glass, which protects it from moisture and temperature changes. However, over time, it can wrinkle, peel and fade if the material and work were of poor quality.

5. Apron made of tempered glass triplex

Triplex is called laminated glass of different thicknesses. Its advantage is that the drawing is reliably protected from any external influences. A triplex apron is a “sandwich” of two layers of glass, between which an image is “baked.” If you suddenly manage to break the triplex, it will not break, but will simply become covered with cracks. However, this option is used quite rarely in the kitchen. The reason is the relative high cost, its thickness is greater than that of a regular glass apron, and there are some inconveniences with cutouts for sockets and roof rails.

6. Mirror apron

It looks very stylish and unusual, visually expands the space and creates an unusual visual effect. But many people are very uncomfortable constantly seeing themselves in the mirror while cooking or washing dishes. Therefore, instead of a mirror panel it is better to use mirror tiles with sandblasted finish and partial matting.

From the designer
A glass apron is very good for a cramped and small kitchen. Unobtrusively reflecting surrounding objects, it visually expands the space. Glossy surface such an apron reflects light and makes it lighter.
A landscape or a picture with a city view adds perspective, depth to the space, pushes the boundaries - exactly what is needed for a small-sized kitchen.
High-quality glass panels made using technology are very durable. This apron will definitely serve you at least until the next major kitchen renovation.

Installation of a glass apron - important nuances

Installing a finished apron takes very little time. On average for a standard apron experienced craftsmen it takes 1-2 hours.

The speed and cleanliness of installation distinguishes skinali from or mosaic.
The glass apron is attached to the wall in two ways.

1. With fasteners

This installation method is considered optimal. The apron is fixed very securely, even if the glass is thick and heavy. Another plus is that with this method of fastening there is no need to carefully prepare and level the wall. In addition, if necessary, the apron can be easily removed and put back.

Please note: two types of fasteners can be used - hinged or walk-through.

Hinged fasteners- these are metal plates-“hooks” the size of a centimeter into which a glass panel is inserted. There are no holes in the apron. The plates press against the glass and are very unnoticeable. This installation method allows you to most accurately join the edges of the panels if the apron is not solid.

Using pass-through fastener Before tempering the glass, special holes for screws are made in the corners of the apron. After installation, they are closed with special decorative caps with a diameter of 2 cm.

The advantage of this method is that there is a gap of about 4 mm between the glass and the wall. Therefore, such aprons can be mounted even on a very uneven wall or, for example, on old tile. But the fasteners will be visible all the time, and they will not fit every design.

2. For glue or liquid nails

With this method, the glass panel of the apron is glued to the wall. It is very important that the wall is properly prepared. The surface must be leveled, plastered and dry. Installation with glue on one side is easier - no need to drill the walls and mess with fasteners. On the other hand, the use of fasteners is considered more reliable.

After installing the glass panel, the joint between the apron and the tabletop is covered with a wall edge. If the apron is not solid, but composite and there are joints, it is very important that the master carefully aligns the panels without leaving gaps. The joints are treated with silicone sealant, which protects the wall from fungus. The thinnest layer of sealant with outside with careful work of the master it will be invisible.

Standard installation, which is offered by Moscow companies, does not include preliminary preparation of the wall and installation of fittings and accessories (plinths, rails, sockets, lighting, etc.). These services will have to be paid additionally.

If desired, you can install the glass apron yourself. But this work requires experience and skill in handling glass.

Glass splashback with lighting

Dimensions

The standard height of a kitchen apron is usually from 40 to 90 centimeters. According to experts, it is desirable that the length of the glass panel be no more than 2-2.5 meters. If you have a large kitchen and you need a long apron, it will be made into a composite one. In this case, the joints at quality work turn out almost invisible.

How much does a glass splashback cost?

Prices for a glass apron, even in Moscow, not to mention the regions, can vary greatly. How much the finished product will cost depends on many factors: the type of glass, the method of painting and applying the image, the installation method and the cost of fasteners, whether the apron is composite or solid, whether there are beveled corners in the work area, whether additional design modifications to the image are needed, etc.

The editor of the site studied the price lists on the websites of a couple of dozen Moscow companies that manufacture custom glass aprons, which allowed us to get some idea about the services and the general price level.

A surveyor's visit to Moscow costs about 1,000 rubles, to the region - about one and a half times more expensive.

On some sites you can use a calculator that allows you to get a preliminary estimate of the cost of the future apron. The price, of course, will be very approximate and can easily change during an actual order.

We tried to calculate the cost of a tempered glass apron with photo printing, 250 cm long and 60 cm high, with cutouts for two socket blocks and roof rails. Three calculators promised that such an apron would cost about 14 thousand rubles. This price includes measurements, the cost of manufacturing the apron, delivery within the Moscow Ring Road and installation.

If clarified Optiwhite glass is used, then the price of exactly the same apron rises to 17.5-18 thousand rubles.
On average, prices for a 6 mm tempered glass apron with UV photo printing start from 4.5-5 thousand per square meter, including the cost of fasteners.

An apron with photo printing with a 3D effect will cost from 9.5 thousand rubles per meter.

The minimum price for a transparent apron made of tempered glass 6 mm without photo printing starts from 3.5 thousand rubles. The same apron, but made of transparent Optiwhite glass, will cost about 30% more.

Tempered glass is 40-50% more expensive than regular silicate “raw” glass.

If you choose triplex with photo printing, then prices start from 10.5 thousand per square meter.

The average production time for a glass apron is 10-15 working days.

Please be aware that there are a number of services that may require additional charges.

These include apron fitting, color proofing, color proofing, additional design processing of the drawing and creation of an individual layout. Some companies charge a fee for purchasing an image from a stock photo. Many manufacturers offer to additionally protect the surface of the apron with a transparent or colored protective film. For some, this service is free, for others - from 500 rubles per linear meter.

Virtual fitting of three apron options in a photo of your kitchen within the Moscow Ring Road costs 900-1000 rubles. Some companies undertake to do it for free when placing an order.

Photo gallery

Examples of how a glass apron can look on real kitchen, look in our photo gallery.

Photos of aprons from manufacturers

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 Backsplash: 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 color choices with different surface textures 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 transparent material on top of 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 .

However, if you plan to do the painting yourself, you must definitely use a special ultraviolet vinyl paint that 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, clean 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 cuisine at 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 the glass remains, transmitting the exact color. 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

It is possible to install clear glass on a wall that is already painted the color you want, but some care must be taken 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. Best choice for the material there will 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 walls is known for adding depth and thereby making a 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 flair to a traditional kitchen, consider Mochachino hexagonal mosaic tiles. This elongated hexagonal tile is a stained glass mosaic consisting of cool gray, warm gold tones. Due to color differences, this geometric tile also likes brown, beige colors on cabinets and countertops.

• For a white kitchen to make it appear lighter and airier, consider choosing a glass subway mosaic tile in white. These glazed glass tiles have a soft white shade, help reflect natural light, blending beautifully with other white tones.
• For a bold accent area, Desert Mirage subway tiles are a good choice. This is a mosaic mixture of four different 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 appearance For a multi-style design, check out the 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 from 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 monochromatic look, the options for glass mosaic tiles are 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. Until 2010, subway mosaic tiles in aqua color were used as a sign of a “modern kitchen”. 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 there is a glass material. This is a one or two inch wide strip that goes up six inches and is parallel to the countertop, but variations are possible.

Mosaic

Consider the full range of sizes. Not all glass tiles are mosaics. You can find her at 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. The good news with stained glass is that you have more pattern and color options since you'll be starting from scratch.

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.

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Kinds

The use of a glass kitchen apron makes the kitchen more modern, in some cases even unique. A beautiful colored design on a glass panel or tile that shines and sparkles in a variety of colors can transform a kitchen into a work of art and enhance the ambience of the kitchen.

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 a unique hand painted. Such tiles help to create non-standard and memorable glass mosaics or monochrome design compositions in the “techno” style.

Skins are panels made of stalinite or triplex (tempered glass) with a high-definition image printed on them. Modern method photo printing, used in the production of skinals, allows you to create unique design projects. 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 to make it transparent (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 mounted at the manufacturing stage and turns such a panel into 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. Fireproof glass is 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 section of the panel near hob or plates, 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 price quality panels and tiles 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 very high 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 is 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.

Just like on the surface of 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 an image is possible either by gluing a film to the reverse side of the skin, or using the modern uf printing method. 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 the 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 vacuum chamber. Upon receipt finished product It is worth paying 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 the 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 creation in glass through holes, 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 you to install the panel 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, there are antipodal magnets on the inner surface of the skin and on the wall, which support the weight of the panel and are invisible from the outside. This is a very neat and clean way of attaching.