Glass kitchen apron: interior photos, pros and cons

Russia, Moscow region, Moscow+79041000555

Glass kitchen apron is a good alternative to use ceramic tiles in the hob area and by an order of magnitude superior in quality characteristics to any wallpaper or decorative plaster in the kitchen. Consider what it is (photo examples) and what are the features of its installation and use.

Benefits 

• One-piece coating. Since solid glass is used for the manufacture, there are no seams or joints on it, in which dirt would inevitably accumulate.
• Wear resistance. It is resistant to moisture and steam, does not absorb fat at all.
• Expanding the space in small kitchens and increasing the amount of light due to the reflective capabilities of glass
• Easy to clean.
• Easy installation.
• Originality of design. Thanks to modern technology, there is an unlimited selection of colors and patterns that can complement any interior.
• Backlight. You can optionally install local lighting.

disadvantages

The disadvantages include the lack of the ability to make additional holes or adjust the dimensions of already made ones.

Varieties

There are several types of such decorative panels.

Clear glass

They are glossy or matte. Glossy is almost invisible in the kitchen, and its main task is to protect the surface from dirt, steam and oil stains. The apron made of frosted glass has a more interesting and unusual look.

Photo printing on glass (skinned)

This option is one of the most popular among buyers. In addition to its classic characteristics, it has an individual design that is resistant to external influences. Its longevity is determined by the fact that the image (drawing or even a family photo) is applied from the inside using special technology. The picture is resistant to fading, moisture and can withstand temperatures up to 120 degrees. Particularly catchy and original look aprons with 3D printing, they become a real center of attention of the kitchen and attract the eyes of guests.

Solid colored glass

The darkened or transparent glass looks laconic and stylish, besides the color can be chosen for any kitchen interior. Colored glasses must undergo heat treatment, and paint is applied to the back surface, which ensures the design's resistance to pollution and ease of cleaning.

Vinyl film image

This view is a more affordable alternative to photo printing. Printed vinyl film is placed behind the glass to protect the image in use. However, the film may wrinkle under the glass, burn out and peel off - this is especially true if the work or materials used were of inadequate quality.

Tempered glass (triplex)

Triplex is a special tempered glass for the kitchen. Its main advantage is the maximum protection of the image from external influences. Such an apron is made as follows: between the two layers the image is placed and “hardened”. This design is simply impossible to break into fragments - in the case of a sufficiently powerful blow (which happens very rarely in operation) it is covered with a web of cracks, but in no case will it crumble to smithereens. However, they are less popular due to the high cost and some difficulties in mounting holes.

Mirror apron

It looks somewhat unusual, visually increases the illumination and free space. However, many do not like to watch their reflection while cooking or cleaning. For this reason, they are most often made not completely mirrored, but with matte and decorative elements.

Features of installing glass panels

Typically, installing such an apron takes very little time - skilled workers will need no more than 2 hours. On the wall it is fixed in different ways.

Using fasteners during installation

This method is common and most optimal, since the mounts securely fix even a very thick and weighty apron. An additional advantage is the lack of preparatory work to level the wall surface. It can also be easily removed and then put back.

Types of fasteners:

1. Hinged mounts are small metal plates that are inserted into glass. For installation, no holes are made on the apron, and the hooks themselves are hardly noticeable. This method helps most accurately and evenly place it relative to the wall and furniture.
2. Straight through mount. For this type of fastener, holes are made in the glass of the apron (before it is “tempered"), and after installation they are closed with decorative caps. The advantage of this type of fastening is that during installation usually there is a gap of 4-5 mm between it and a wall, which allows you to mount such panels on very curved surfaces or even on an old tile the tile.
3. Use liquid nails or adhesive. In this case, the apron is glued directly to the wall. It is important enough in this way that the surface is previously prepared for work: it is leveled, plastered and completely dried. Installing it with an adhesive base is much simpler (there is no need to drill a wall, use fasteners), and on the other hand, this installation method is considered less reliable.
4. If desired, the installation of one of the above methods can be done on their own, however, this requires some skill and the presence of skills in working with glass.

Kitchen glass apron care

The following points should be noted, especially if you have a white apron for white kitchen from glass:

• Fast reaction. It is easiest to remove impurities immediately after their occurrence, for this it is worth using a universal microfiber cloth;
• Soft attitude. To care for glass, you should definitely opt for soft napkins and washcloths, which will avoid scuffs and scratches on a glossy surface;
• The choice of cleaning agents with dirt-repellent properties and special fluids to preserve the luster of the glass surface.

What can be your decorative kitchen (sample photos)