Worktops in the kitchen cover the working and dining areas, these surfaces are always in sight, they play a big role in the aesthetic perception of the entire room. In addition, countertops are the most functional pieces of furniture in the kitchen, and their resistance, durability and beautiful appearance of the table depend on their coating.
Countertop Requirements
The countertop in the kitchen experiences daily stresses and at the same time remains reliable and beautiful for years, looks no worse than the rest, less in demand furniture. The surfaces of the tables have to deal with spilled liquid, accidental blows with a knife and other mechanical influences, but they should not lose their original appearance. Properly selected coverage will help to cope with different tasks. He must meet the following requirements:
- the surface must have water repellent properties;
- Do not respond to aggressive household chemicals;
- guarantee strength, durability and resistance to mechanical stress;
- the presence of heat-resistant indicators will allow you to put hot dishes on the table without fear of damaging it;
- the countertop should not fade, change its color over time;
- it is important for the coating to have an attractive appearance and match the style of the kitchen;
- you should choose a coating material that is easy to maintain, for example, loose surfaces are able to accumulate pathogenic microbes in the recesses, in such cases it is better to prefer a smooth base.
Coating Options
As we have already found out, for the countertop to serve for a long time, it must be strong, reliable, have a heat-resistant and water-repellent surface.Industrial models made of metal and artificial stone meet these requirements. It is more difficult to protect wood or products from particleboard, MDF. They are laminated, covered with PVC film, plastic, paintwork, liquid glass.
Oil and paint coatings
Such coatings come in two forms: based on oil and wax, using paints and varnish. At home, the worn surface is cleaned of the old finish, then sanded and the protective layer is applied again.
The table top is reliably protected by industrial oils: citrus, tung, linseed. It should be applied to the surface from two or more layers, each of them should dry well before subsequent application. These are environmentally friendly compounds, they have no toxic odors and vapors, are able to repel water, protect the surface from scratches.
Paints and varnishes are also good at restoring and updating wooden countertops. They are resistant to high temperatures, which means that hot cups of tea will not leave marks on the table.
Self-adhesive film
This is the easiest option with which you can update an old countertop. Before laying the film, the surface should sand well with sandpaper, bring to full smoothness. Cover the sticker carefully, carefully expelling air bubbles from under the film.
The range of self-adhesive films is quite large, can be purchased with an imitation of any tree species, stone with a pattern or plain bright products. Such a surface is easy to clean, does not wear out for a long time, the color does not lose its saturation for many years.
Soft glass
Mistresses try to cover the tables with all kinds of tablecloths and oilcloths in order to preserve their appearance, but the litter quickly wears out and becomes unusable. The best solution for this task would be cover the surface with a special film.
The flexible coating looks like a transparent table cover, instead of a tablecloth - a silicone backing. It is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The lining is resistant to household chemicals, it is easy to care for, it is not afraid of high temperatures and scratches, it has water-repellent properties.
PVC is suitable for protecting a wooden surface, particleboard, MDF, glass, metal products, agglomerate, artificial stone. The film is durable, does not deform, has great elasticity, high strength.
Liquid glass
This beautiful and reliable coating was invented at the beginning of the XIX century by Professor Johann Fuchs. Liquid glass is a transparent polymer (epoxy resin). The material does not change color, does not crack or peel. It is resistant to mechanical stress, not afraid of hot dishes and spilled coffee. The smooth surface is easy to care for.
Glass is made on the basis of sodium and potassium silicates. Potassium polymer does not give glare, but sodium glass is more suitable for the countertop.
You can use liquid glass at home, it is diluted with plain tap water. To make the coating look truly glass, Before pouring the composition, the countertop is cleaned of dirt and polished. Then the resin is applied in spiral movements and leveled with a spatula - from the center to the sides.
The intended structure of the surface must be completed before it hardens. By the way, adding dye, you can get a beautiful color coating.
The choice
When choosing a cover for a kitchen table, an important role is played not only by personal preferences, but also the countertop itself, as well as the design of the kitchen. No one will cover the expensive stone foundation with self-adhesive.
Working independently with wood, creating a new countertop or remodeling an old one, To protect it, you can choose oily-wax formulations. They protect the tree from moisture, exposure to high temperatures and scratches. Today, paint coatings are inferior in popularity to oil formulations.
For reconstruction of the table in haste, a self-adhesive film suitable for the atmosphere of the kitchen is suitable. A large selection of drawings and color palette will not impede the adoption of the right decision.
Those who want to create a masterpiece in the kitchen with their own hands can fill the countertop with liquid glass. Such a choice is able to realize any flight of fancy. Everything is poured - wood, shells, sea pebbles, herbarium, branches. Glass can be tinted and made differently structured.
Who does not want to strain particularly, but has a desire to keep the tabletop just acquired, can use PVC film. Soft glass will serve as a reliable protective service.
Beautiful examples
- The slice pattern of any tree is magnificent and unique. Liquid glass helps it to survive and effectively emphasize the beauty of the countertop.
- Unsightly stumps in sections, coated with polymers, look magical.
- The combination of wood and stone, combined with liquid glass.
- Thanks to successful coloring, the polymer coating looks fantastic.
- The transparent polymer has acquired an amazing pattern due to the heterogeneous application of the material in the forms for countertops.
- Examples of varieties of structures and the color of liquid glass.
- Soft glass is an inexpensive coating designed for any table surface.
- Soft glass creates absolute transparency and does not affect the quality of the fake pattern.
- The plot version of the self-adhesive film used to update the table.
- Transparent self-adhesive with elegant unobtrusive design.
- Updating the serving table.
- The appearance of the countertop is impressive - a herbarium covered with epoxy resin. A small corner of nature is focused.
- An example of coating a surface with plastic.
- The tabletop covered with tempered glass is suitable for fusion, modern, minimalism kitchens.
- Particleboard is protected by multi-layer varnish.
- Quartz coating on the kitchen surface.
- Self-adhesive film for decorating a kitchen table in retro style.
- Liquid glass coating on a wooden surface enriches the look of the countertop.
- Epoxy coated sea pebbles give the impression of the presence of real sea water.
Whatever table cover is chosen, it will protect the countertop from many troubles, extend its service life and maintain an aesthetic appearance.
About oilcloth on a glass table, see the next video.