Kitchens with PVC coating: how durable the set is, and how to make the right choice

Modern manufacturers provide a huge range of furniture from different materials, and kitchens are no exception. The choice of headset must be taken especially responsibly, because surfaces are exposed to a lot of negative factors - high humidity and steam from cooking, splashes of water and oil, as well as constant cleaning with detergents. The facades and walls of the cabinets must withstand all this with dignity and not lose their attractiveness during operation.

Materials from which the kitchen is made

Sets made of MDF coated with PVC film are especially popular among buyers due to their low cost. The base material can be easily processed in the form of milling, so you can use it to create a kitchen of any style and complexity of design. MDF itself is not beautiful, so it is painted or covered with films that have a decorative and protective function.

Main types of milling

MDF for kitchen facades: main characteristics and features

The basis of the material consists of waste from the wood processing industry - these are shavings and sawdust, which are mixed with binding components and pressed. Processing MDF at high temperatures in drying chambers gives sufficient strength and resistance to delamination of sheets under the influence of moisture. During the production process, safe binders are used that do not emit harmful substances during operation.

Main characteristics of MDF:

• low cost with maximum strength and reliability as a material for making furniture;
• immunity to high humidity and high temperatures;
• does not allow the growth of fungi and mold on its surface;
• twice as strong as chipboard.

MDF is a perfectly smooth sheet that has no structural defects in the form of knots or cracks. This material can easily be called a worthy alternative to natural wood, but with improved performance characteristics.

How to care for film facades

Most of the shortcomings appear only when the production technology is not followed. However, reviews indicate that improper care can also affect the durability of furniture. After all, if you wash furniture with everything you can get your hands on, you can ruin even a very high-quality set.

If you want your kitchen to look as impressive as in the photo in manufacturers’ catalogs, you need to follow simple recommendations:

• wash film facades without using abrasives;
• Solvents and products containing chlorine cannot be used;
• protect furniture from temperatures above +70 °C;
• ensure the maximum possible distance between facades and stoves, ovens, heating devices, incandescent lamps and other heat sources;
• do not allow the air to cool to -15 °C;
• protect from prolonged exposure to moisture.

PVC film is glued at a temperature of +120…+180 °C. This is how many degrees a typical home oven produces. Naturally, cabinets may suffer from such proximity. And moisture is the number one enemy of any furniture. The same applies to temperature changes. For film facades, the ideal option is +10…+35 °C.

PVC: coating for kitchen units

The most affordable material for giving the surface the desired decorative qualities. PVC film is manufactured with different thicknesses of 0.25-0.5 mm, which determines the method of applying it to facades and the final strength of the coating to mechanical stress and the influence of humidity. Therefore, when choosing a kitchen, you should pay attention to the method used to add decorative qualities to the furniture; the preservation of the appearance and service life of the set depends on this.

Methods of applying PVC film to the base:

1. Laminating. It is considered the simplest technology when the film is glued to the base under high pressure and temperature. The coating is smooth, but short-lived; usually the service life of kitchen units with this method of application is 7-10 years.
2. Lamination. The most common base processing technology. The film is applied under high temperature and additionally coated with a protective compound. This technology increases the long-term use of the kitchen by more than 10 years.
3. Post-formation. New technology that provides maximum strength and resistance of the coating to mechanical damage and moisture. The film is applied to the base under the influence of a press, with which you can add different patterns and reliefs to the design of the coating.

Not only the strength, but also the cost of kitchen sets depends on the technology of applying PVC. At the same time, the decorative qualities of the facades can be the same, the difference lies only in the durability of the coating. The film can be matte or glossy, imitate a stone or wooden surface and is produced in different colors.

Film, enamel or plastic - which is better?

Along with film finishing, enamel, acrylic or plastic coating is popular. At first glance, it is difficult for an uninformed buyer to determine the material used for the manufacture of furniture facades. How is film different from plastic and enamel? Which is better to choose? To answer these questions, you need to know the main features of these materials.

Plastic MDF facades. Plastic coverings of facades have a bright glossy surface. Such facades are resistant to mechanical damage, do not deform from exposure to moisture or high temperature, and do not fade in the sun. The colors are varied, but the palette is not as wide as that of film . Plastic facades are perfect for kitchens, bathrooms or hallways. The disadvantages include the higher cost compared to film facades, as well as the fact that handprints are clearly visible on the plastic. Restoration, as in the case of film, is impossible.

Acrylic facades. Coating furniture facades with acrylic is a new technology for us. This process is quite complicated, so furniture with acrylic fronts cannot be called cheap. Acrylic has an even smoother and glossier surface than plastic. This can be considered both an advantage and a disadvantage: the excessive shine of furniture, although beautiful, can be very tiring, and fingerprints will also have to be removed. Acrylic is environmentally friendly and does not contain harmful impurities. It is much more resistant to mechanical damage than plastic or film. Bright, rich color does not fade over time and does not fade in the sun. But acrylic facades cannot boast of a variety of shapes : they are only dull and even. If you need furniture of more complex shapes, you will have to make a choice in favor of film or painted facades.

MDF facades covered with enamel. Painted facades (enamel) can cause confusion among uninformed buyers: they are just painted, why are they so expensive? The fact is that coating MDF with enamel is a technologically complex, multi-stage process. First, the surface of the slab is primed, then enamel is applied in several layers, thoroughly drying each of them. After this, the paint layer is sanded, varnished and polished. The result is an environmentally friendly product that is resistant to light and minor mechanical damage. The main advantages of enamel facades are the ability to restore a scratched surface (and this is a big plus compared to film!), a huge variety of color palettes (more than 700 colors!) and special effects (metallic, chameleon, mother-of-pearl, galaxy, pearl, etc.). There are four main textures: high gloss, gloss, matte, abrasive surfaces. Disadvantages include the high price and, again, hand marks.

Film, plastic or painting: which is better? Which furniture to choose depends on the buyer’s priorities. If you need special strength, brightness and durability and there is no need to strictly save money when ordering, plastic or acrylic will do. Enamel facades are chosen by those for whom price is not important, but who require, for example, unusual colors or special resistance to sunlight. If you have a small budget, you should pay attention to high-quality, fairly durable and easy-to-care furniture with film fronts. The difference in price between enamel and film can be quite significant, amounting to tens of thousands of rubles, if, for example, furniture for a large kitchen is ordered.

Design of PVC coating on kitchen units depending on the style of the room

Manufacturers offer a wide variety of furniture models for different interiors. And the PVC coating allows you to match the kitchen to any design in the room, so choosing your option will not be difficult.

It is worth remembering that purchasing a headset should only be done after the renovation is complete, when the floor covering is in place and the walls are decorated. If all stages of work are completed and the style in the room is determined, you can choose the texture and color of the kitchen.

Showcases

Classic kitchen design with PVC

It involves the use of natural wood, so you should pay attention to models with PVC film simulating this texture. If the kitchen has parquet boards or laminate, it is better to combine the façade with the flooring.

You can choose the opposite color, for example, bleached oak, which will transform the classic interior. The fittings on the facades should correspond to the “spirit” of the style - these are embossed brass handles, it is possible to use decorative metal overlays on the surface.

New milling

Country style kitchens with PVC coating

;">Country style kitchens with PVC coating

A kitchen set in a rustic design should be made with an imitation of natural materials - these are wooden facades and a stone-like countertop. It is better to choose a coating that is as close as possible to natural shades.

It is permissible to install a kitchen in country style in color, but always with a matte surface. All shades of green, terracotta and brown will do. The set may have glazed cabinets and open shelves on which decorative elements in the form of pots, vases and plates will stand.

How to choose materials?

When choosing furnishings, most people start with design and quality. The appearance of the furniture continues the theme of the interior and pushes other characteristics into second place. The next issue is the durability of materials and fittings, thanks to which the furniture retains its current, fresh decor for many years.

Modern production uses solid wood, plastic, furniture boards made from natural raw materials with various coatings. The quality of furniture products and the price depend on the materials. High cost does not always automatically mean that a headset is better than others. The installation location is of great importance. Kitchen furniture requires completely different priorities in order to maintain an excellent appearance during intensive use:

• Resistant to thermal shocks.
• Reliability of the design.
• Resistant to water and active food ingredients.
• Adaptability to layout.
• Stable under high weight loads.
• Design functionality.
• Easy care.

All consumer requirements are met by MDF furniture board made from pressed crushed wood. Depending on the surface finish, the material has different characteristics and decorative capabilities.

Modern kitchens with PVC coating

Strict style does not allow excesses, so kitchen sets often have straight shapes without visible handles. The doors open by pressing, there are no open shelves or glazed doors.

The main colors of the style are white, gray and metallic with glossy surfaces. Household appliances are built-in as much as possible, but if an oven or refrigerator is in direct access, then it is advisable to give preference to white or silver models.

Pros and cons of the material

The main advantage of MDF film facades is their availability. In fact, PVC film is a budget option for imitation of more expensive presentable materials:

• Solid wood, stone, leather, textiles, etc.
• Glossy or matte plastic with a much more attractive end treatment.

PVC film is easy to care for - just periodically wash it with soapy water to remove all dirt. But you should not wipe with alcohol, bleach or clean with abrasive agents - this can damage the decorative layer and shorten the service life of film facades.

Glossy film facades cannot be called “high gloss” with a perfectly smooth, mirror-like shine, but they do not look cheap. You should be extremely careful when caring: the smallest scratches cannot be restored and can become quite noticeable over time.

This, perhaps, is the most significant drawback of MDF facades under PVC film - they cannot be restored.

If the film was poorly pressed, it may begin to move away from the surface of the MDF, forming “bubbles”. This is a manufacturing defect.

Sometimes, in the places where kitchen modules adjoin the stove, due to constant overheating and steam, the film at the end of the facades begins to shrink. This is not a manufacturing defect and is not covered by the warranty.

The problem, it seems to me, is in the stove itself. On some budget models, the oven door does not fit tightly enough, and the emanating heat overheats the side modules (and the fronts, respectively, too). For example, I have not heard about the fact that the film comes off when installing ovens. Built-in appliances are initially of higher quality and prevent overheating of the side kitchen modules due to internal convection. Therefore, a free-standing stove should not be tightly “sandwiched” by kitchen tables or cabinets. In fact, this is also written in the passport for the stove, if you study it carefully: the technological gap between nearby tables and cabinets should be at least 10-20 mm on each side for different models.

Also, over time, judging by some reviews, film facades may turn yellow and fade. But there are questions about the quality of the film itself. If you order PVC facades for the kitchen much cheaper than the average from leading manufacturers, be prepared for such troubles.

Loft kitchens with PVC coating

A style with a “note” of audacity and originality allows the use of a kitchen set in any color: from classic white and black to red and bright green, but the surface of the facades should be matte.

Distinctive features of loft style furniture are the severity of forms and massiveness. The fittings must match: large vintage handles or beautiful brass items. A corner set with a large island and a countertop with imitation natural stone will look great in the kitchen.

Advantages and disadvantages of plastic

What's good about this material?

1. Reliable and wear-resistant.
2. Serves up to 25 years.
3. Does not fade under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.
4. Does not deform from sudden changes in temperature or humidity.
5. Withstands minor mechanical impacts.
6. It looks expensive and neat.
7. Glossy surfaces visually expand the space.
8. Can imitate other, more expensive materials.
9. Not afraid of exposure to detergents (except for abrasives).

The only drawback is, perhaps, the relatively high price.

Modern PVC kitchen units

The style makes it possible to choose a kitchen set in any design. This can be the texture of wood or stone on the surface, as well as a variety of color combinations, the presence of ornaments and patterns. Often modern kitchens have a glossy surface, glass and mirror inserts. Fittings on the facades can either be completely absent, or be made of metal or plastic in the shade of the furniture.

If it is difficult to choose a color, designers recommend combining the kitchen set with laminate or linoleum on the floor or with the main tone of the walls. If furniture is selected with patterns on the surface, then you should pay attention to the apron; it should be either monochrome or have a pattern that matches the facades.

Advantages of film facades

The main advantage of film facades is their price. Furniture with them is relatively inexpensive compared to some other finishing options. Film facades have other advantages:

• a huge variety of colors and textures;
• durability;
• resistance to abrasion and cleaning agents;
• the ability to manufacture custom products of any size, shape, for example, curly, bent, etc.;
• high light resistance (to UV rays);
• environmental Safety;
• ease of care.

Whatever furniture you come up with for yourself, your plans can be realized with the help of film facades.

What is MDF?

Composite materials are made from shredded wood fibers that are bonded with wax and resins under high pressure and heat to form uniform sheets of varying thicknesses. MDF or medium density fiberboard has various decorative finishes - monochrome colors, imitation stone patterns, different types of wood. Due to the beauty of their decor and excellent combination of properties, sheets are widely used in the production of cabinet furniture:

• Budget savings and ecology

The main component of MDF is sawdust, shavings of different types of wood, which are crushed to a homogeneous mass. Despite the complexity of the processes, the slabs are noticeably cheaper than natural solids, but at the same time retain their natural origin and meet environmental safety requirements. The uniform rigidity and density of the board is widely used to create cabinet furniture.

• Easy installation

The modular furnishings can be easily arranged in the available space. Products are delivered ready-made or assembled on site. Excellent fittings ensure comfortable operation and long-term use without repair.

• Durable decorative surface

The homogeneous composition of the slabs with high density allows you to create original shapes, three-dimensional patterns, and perforations. The furniture is produced at the factory, so the finishing is done using innovative equipment.

How to choose a kitchen environment?

The fashion for minimalism in the interior does not require lush decorations and bright colors. Natural textures and colors look great on facades with any surface. But the features of the materials add comfort and help balance the space:

• Gloss visually enlarges the room, but the matte effect contributes to coziness. The combination of such decors is universal.
• The edges of doors, tabletops, and drawers are of great importance in the use of furniture. Maximum durability is ensured by postforming with a rounded end.
• Frame structures made of aluminum or MDF are practical, especially in the film version.

The question of choosing between film and plastic is only a matter of design possibilities and a small difference in cost. Therefore, it is better to pay attention to the parameters, stylistic correspondence, design features and modern fittings.

Plastic covering MDF

The popular MDF kitchen with a plastic surface has a discreet elegance and offers ideal consumer characteristics:

• Resistant to water and sunlight.
• Hygienic and environmental safety.
• Use of curved complex contours of façade elements.
• Moderate prices.
• Glossy and matte decors.
• Stability in the presence of aggressive substances and detergents.
• Simple sanitary treatment to remove grease and stains.

In addition to its advantages, the plastic plate has minor disadvantages:

• The monochrome gloss shows fingerprints, splashes, and scratches form over time.
• Matte facades are difficult to clean without streaks.
• Low impact resistance.

If you weigh the pros and cons of plastic finishing and its durability, the demand for such furniture for the kitchen becomes clear.