Modern kitchen sets are made from a variety of materials. They are subject to general requirements: environmentally friendly, resistant to moisture and heat and, of course, beautiful.
Kitchens made from MDF are very diverse.
Kitchens made from MDF, a medium-viscosity wood-fiber board, fully comply with these parameters. Durable and affordable material is one of the most popular in the manufacture of kitchen sets.
Advantages and disadvantages
We offer you a table detailing the various properties of MDF kitchens - both positive and negative. With its help, you will better understand the characteristics of the material and be able to make an informed decision about whether to buy such a kitchen.
A variety of MDF kitchens have a lot of advantages.
The advantages of kitchens with MDF are quite extensive:
- The main advantage of kitchen sets made from MDF is, undoubtedly, the cost. Their prices are significantly lower than all-wood kitchens.
- Wide design possibilities . Most often, MDF is used as a base, topped with plastic, acrylic, and various types of films. This allows you to create bright, unique designs. Often MDF sets imitate natural wood, stone, metal and other materials.
- Excellent performance properties. High-quality MDF furniture can last up to 20 years without loss of properties.
- Easy to care for : MFD is not capricious and does not require special detergents. However, it is necessary to take into account that the coating may be more demanding.
- Flexibility . Using MDF panels you can create sets of a wide variety of shapes.
It is important to choose your kitchen carefully so as not to be disappointed with your purchase.
However, be prepared to face a number of disadvantages :
- Unscrupulous manufacturers, under the guise of MDF, can sell sets made of chipboard - a looser and cheaper material.
- If the manufacturer has skimped on the quality and quantity of glue, the set may crack and dry out.
- Headsets covered with film quickly fade in direct sunlight.
- If the ends of the set are not finished with plastic or aluminum, they may swell within a year due to excessive humidity in the kitchen.
- Sets with high-quality external finishing, for example, with acrylic panels, can cost you a considerable amount.
Thus, it is obvious that MDF kitchens are highly reliable only if they are made by a reputable manufacturer and meet quality standards.
High-quality MDF is one of the most reliable materials.
The question often comes up: what is better for the kitchen - MDF or laminated chipboard ? The answer can be unequivocal.
MDF kitchens are environmentally friendly and durable, while laminated chipboard is not very suitable for use near the stove and other household appliances. The material is too loose, so it quickly deforms. In addition, it swells when exposed to moisture, and when heated, it can release formaldehyde into the air - toxic substances harmful to human health.
We recommend not to save money: laminated chipboard is not only worse than MDF, but also more dangerous to health.
What is enamel
In painting works, the concept of enamel is identical to the concept of enamel paints. By definition, enamels or enamel paints are paint and varnish coatings with increased protective properties, which contain a large amount of varnish. Varnish and other components of enamels create a protective film on the surface that is resistant to water and chemical attack.
Since water, steam and household chemicals are present in the kitchen and affect its walls and furniture, the use of enamel paints, as such, is logical and practical.
Types of MDF kitchens: methods of finishing facades
As we have already written, MDF kitchens are often finished with additional materials. It can be veneer, laminate, acrylic panels, plastic, film... In addition, there are various methods of decorative processing that can give the kitchen a completely new look.
There are many options for MDF kitchens.
There are a huge number of options. We invite you to take a closer look at each of them.
The most inexpensive version of a kitchen set made of MDF is with façade finishing with PVC film . Affordable and attractive kitchens look attractive and are very popular. The film can be painted in any color, drawings are applied to it, giving it the appearance of various materials - stone, wood.
High-quality PVC film can reliably imitate wood.
However, it is necessary to take into account that such a set must be carefully finished around the edges - install a plastic or aluminum edge. Otherwise, the film will begin to peel off and bubble. In addition, it cannot be placed in direct sunlight - the coating quickly fades under the influence of bright light.
The film should be washed with a soft sponge and a non-abrasive detergent to avoid leaving scratches. In addition, make sure that the product does not contain chlorine or alcohol - they have a negative effect on the durability of paints.
The most expensive option for MDF sets is enameled . Special enamel paint is applied to the facades in several thin layers. This coating is highly resistant to moisture, dirt and even mechanical damage. However, there is one nuance here - under no circumstances wipe enamel surfaces with hard sponges - they will leave unsightly scratches.
Enameled kitchens are a stylish and modern solution.
Most often, such kitchens are glossy. The matte version will cost you more, since it requires special treatment with a special compound. However, it is easier to maintain: dirt is not as noticeable on a matte finish as on a glossy one.
A more affordable replacement for enameled MDF kitchen facades is the installation of acrylic or plastic panels . In this case, you also need to make sure that the edges are covered with aluminum or plastic frames. Otherwise, the panels begin to come off and moisture and dirt accumulate underneath them. This causes the headset to deform and quickly become unusable.
Acrylic panels can look very different.
Caring for acrylic and plastic panels in MFD kitchens is very simple: just wipe them regularly with a soft cloth. Hard brushes often scratch the finish, but scratches are not difficult to remove with polish.
If you prefer classic or eco-style kitchens, consider veneered MDF kitchens . Modern veneer reliably imitates natural wood and is distinguished by high aesthetic and performance characteristics. The material is non-toxic when heated and does not emit harmful substances. In addition, it tolerates operation well under temperature changes and high humidity.
The veneered set is similar to a solid wood kitchen.
Caring for a veneered MDF kitchen is not particularly difficult - just wipe it regularly to remove dirt. Sometimes there are recommendations to use polish. However, we do not recommend doing this: the polish attracts dust and debris, so cleaning a kitchen treated in this way will be much more difficult.
Sometimes MDF kitchen sets are finished with laminate . Durable and lightweight, it is well suited for kitchen use. It is necessary to take care of it in the same way as veneer. However, please note that this option is not suitable for radius kitchens. Laminate is not highly flexible, so it is used only for straight, L- or U-shaped kitchens.
Laminate is another popular finish for MDF kitchens.
MDF facades with paper-resin film is gradually leaving the market . Such facades look very beautiful... For about the first six months. Then the coating begins to peel off even with the most careful care. Their only advantage is their affordable price. Therefore, we do not recommend such headsets for purchase.
Refuse film in favor of modern materials.
Regardless of what type of finishing you choose, contact trusted furniture companies. Unscrupulous manufacturers try to save money and often use low-quality materials and consumables. This causes MDF kitchens to break down within the first months of use.
The use of uncertified materials can be simply dangerous - they often release toxic substances into the air. Therefore, we recommend that you ask for certificates for each component of your kitchen - this will protect your family and can guarantee the high quality of the purchased kitchen.
Characteristics of painted MDF
Painted MDF facades are produced using powder dyes, so an extremely wide palette of colors for such products is offered. The cost is determined by the chosen decorative design option.
What is the material
To make MDF boards, small sawdust is used, bonded together by pressing using lignin and paraffin under conditions of high pressure and temperature. A special feature of lignin is that this substance is obtained from heated wood, so there is no doubt about the environmental friendliness of the finished product. The high popularity of MDF is explained not only by this criterion, but also by the ease of working with the material, which is characterized by moisture resistance and decent mechanical properties.
Painted MDF is produced using the following technology:
- The MDF material is first prepared for painting by cutting to the required dimensions;
- You can paint MDF after it has been impregnated with primer, which is applied using a spray gun to level the surface, smooth out irregularities and scratches;
- When the primed material has dried well, proceed to applying a layer of enamel. The procedure is repeated the prescribed number of times;
- The final stage of the process is opening the surface with varnish, after which the facades are polished with special machines to make the surface shiny and smooth.
Glossy surfaces look beautiful
Thanks to the manufacturing technology used, it is possible to design not only straight, but also corner kitchens from painted MDF, resulting in a stylish set.
Features of MDF facades
Painted kitchens made in this way become not just a functional piece of furniture, but also a decorative element, decorating the kitchen interior. When planning the finishing, you can choose a suitable coating from the catalog, getting a smooth facade in a glossy or matte finish with a pattern or a special effect.
High surface quality, which determines the service life of the product, can be stated in the absence of points, foreign inclusions, marks left by the grinder, or polishing defects . The presence of paint sagging, called a “lip,” is also unacceptable.
Decorative finishing of facades
A variety of decorative finishing methods make the range of designer MDF kitchens even wider. We invite you to study the techniques that are used to design headsets in the following photo collection.
A wide choice of decor is one of the advantages of MDF kitchens.
For kitchens made of MDF in a classic style, decorative patina is often used. To do this, the coating is artificially aged, additionally finishing with a golden or silver thin border along the relief elements.
An elegant set with patina at an affordable price.
To give an aged look, stain is used. The coating is covered with a fine mesh crack. So the set looks like a noble antique, and not modern furniture.
Sets made of MDF with embossing look beautiful. The relief surface is covered with paint, often enameled. This technique looks best on volumetric headsets. For a minimalist style, you should choose a different option.
Figured sets made of MDF look very expensive.
Painted facades are often decorated with various decorative elements. These can be miniature frescoes, ornaments, paintings. We recommend such kitchens for use in ethnic interiors. However, with the right choice of design, a painted MDF kitchen can fit into almost any style - from classic to high-tech.
Printed MDF set for a modern kitchen.
Pay attention to the little things: beautiful handles can make an MDF set truly luxurious, but be inconvenient to use. In addition, elements that are too heavy often place too much stress on the MDF. Because of this, the base of the headset cracks and becomes deformed.
Pay attention to details.
As for the shape of the headset, it can be any - straight, radius, L- or U-shaped. MDF takes any shape, so be guided by your preferences. However, keep in mind that a straight set is the most affordable option, while the cost of a radius set made of MDF can reach one hundred thousand rubles.
The unusual shape of the headset looks impressive, but is quite expensive.
Factory painting technology
Traditionally, in factory conditions, MDF facades undergo thorough preparation for painting: they are sanded and primed. First, acrylic paint is applied, then varnish. The next step is polishing.
The process of painting facades may differ, but not significantly, which does not affect the external indicators and technical characteristics of the furniture. For example, some manufacturers coat finished doors with enamel, but it is not as durable as some paints and varnishes. Nevertheless, it is the enamel that creates an additional protective coating against the penetration of bacteria, mold and moisture into the MDF material.
The main condition for the high quality of the final product is, of course, the high quality of the original board. When choosing a material for a kitchen, it is important to check its integrity and compliance with the requirements. The MDF board must be flat, smooth, and uniform.
Tips for choosing
Whatever option you choose, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the list of our recommendations. They will help you purchase a high-quality and durable MDF kitchen :
- The weak point of any MDF set is the edges of the facades. Therefore, no matter how much you want to save money, choose kitchens whose edges are trimmed with aluminum, or, in extreme cases, with melamine plastic. Otherwise, your headset may quickly become deformed under the influence of moisture and temperature changes.
- Since resins are used in the production of MDF kitchens, pay attention to the safety class of the material.
- Sets marked E1 are considered optimal for use in the kitchen. They do not release toxic substances into the air when heated. But furniture marked E2 cannot be placed near the stove - they will evaporate formaldehyde.
- Pay attention to models with adjustable legs . They will allow you to install the kitchen exactly horizontally, which will prevent kitchen utensils from sliding on the countertop. This is especially true for kitchens made of MDF with film facades - moisture can accumulate under the film, due to which sooner or later the set will begin to deform.
- Even if the facades are not made with the most durable material, make sure that the countertop coating is resistant to mechanical damage.
- Take the time to care for your headset. Even the simplest materials quickly fail if not used correctly.
A high-quality MDF kitchen will serve you for many years.
And, of course, do not forget about the basic rule - never buy suspiciously cheap MDF headsets and do not order them from unverified companies. When choosing a kitchen made from MDF, carefully read the reviews - they will tell you where you can buy a reliable and durable kitchen.
Areas of application and its advantages
A special feature of the fibreboard from which the kitchen façade is made is its high strength and increased wear resistance for long periods of everyday use. MDF materials owe this to their structure, which has an excellent combination of fibrous wood substances. Also, the advantages of slabs include their low cost, durability, the ability to change the design and create a new one, as well as giving the surface shape, bends and patterns.
For the most part, such production is ordered by designers who deal with the interior of houses during major renovations or arrangement of a new room. You can recreate any necessary part of the intended interior with the help of color and correctly selected textures on the facade, which will organically combine with the entire kitchen. After painting, kitchen furniture made from MDF will be protected from contamination, damage, exposure to high temperatures, steam and moisture.
In addition, during the production of the material, no synthetic substances are used, so there are no harmful substances in it for the body. These qualities and production features make MDF boards an environmentally friendly product.
Such conditions and the possibility of providing a choice or creating a design and appearance to customers allows us to recreate any design idea using various shades. Thematic drawings can also be applied to the surface of the facade, which will be part of the interior.
If all this is not just empty words for the buyer, then he can order furniture, or choose a ready-made facade configuration for painting, on the website, which is located in Moscow and sells similar services. She will be able to implement any design idea and help the buyer, making the right decisions from a professional point of view.
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How to care
An MDF kitchen will serve you for many years only if you take proper care of it. Depending on the type of façade and countertop coating, recommendations may vary slightly. You can read more about each type of finish in the corresponding section of our website.
Proper care is the key to the durability of an MDF kitchen.
Still, there are a few general recommendations:
- Use soft, lint-free fabrics. They will not leave streaks on the glossy surface and will not scratch any type of coating.
- Avoid aggressive detergents: they can change the shade of the façade or countertop. It is best to use dishwashing detergent or simple liquid soap.
- Try not to use polishes. They attract dust and grease, and it is much more difficult to wash a treated surface than a clean one. The exception is plastic facades, which can be treated with a special polish to hide scratches.
- Wipe the surface dry immediately after cleaning. If the coating is not airtight, then moisture penetrates under it, and the MDF sheet can swell and the entire kitchen becomes deformed.
By following these rules, you will ensure the durability of your MDF kitchen, regardless of the type of coating. We hope our tips will help you choose the perfect headset, comfortable and beautiful!
The difference between MDF and other materials
Below are the facts that distinguish a kitchen with MDF facades from other materials.
- There is a choice between finishing and design - buyers can decide whether the MDF base of the kitchen will be matte, painted or covered with plastic film, and there is also a choice between concave or convex shapes.
- MDF facades for kitchens withstand all impacts on them: physical objects, tolerate any temperature, and hold moisture well. This can definitely be considered a plus, unlike wooden facades, which, as everyone knows, after a long time, can form cracks and get scratched from any external influence.
- A certain advantage of such facades is their inexpensive price compared to wooden facades.
MDF kitchens: photos in the interior
We present to your attention a selection of various kitchens made from MDF.
Choosing paint composition for kitchen furniture
Repainting should begin with the selection of paint and varnish material; it will affect the final result. Acrylic products are often chosen for various materials, including wood. But in conditions where there is frequent contact with water and temperature exposure, this type does not show the required resistance. Only acrylic paints in spray cans will do.
It is optimal to paint furniture facades with auto enamels; they have the following advantages:
- A durable protective film is created after drying;
- Withstands mechanical stress;
- Durability;
- Rich color palette.
It is optimal to paint furniture facades with auto enamels.
Primer
Priming is necessary so that the layer adheres well to the surface, and the composition will also help remove remaining flaws. You need to select a primer solution based on the type of wooden material that will be primed. The tool is a roller or brush, drying will take approximately 24 hours.
Priming is necessary so that the layer adheres well to the surface, and the composition will also help remove remaining flaws.
Surface preparation and painting algorithm
Before painting the kitchen set with your own hands, the furniture is prepared. It is necessary to remove all fittings; it is better to remove the doors from the cabinets.
The old finish is removed to improve adhesion and leave a clean surface. Extra elements will not allow the layer to lie flat. The base is degreased. After the material is leveled, the cracks are puttied.
The old finish is removed to improve adhesion and leave a clean surface.
