Plastic kitchens are often made as follows: sheet plastic with a 2–4 mm thickness is glued to the base. The surface of the facade is smooth, but a variant with a characteristic texture can be ordered. Also, the surface is matte and glossy.

Advantages

The main advantage of plastic kitchens is that the colour range of the future headset is not limited in any way – you can choose exactly the shade that suits your design perfectly. In addition, there are some operational benefits:

• Resistance to damage. If you treat the headset carefully and take good care of it, then the plastic kitchen will look like new in 10 years;
• Resistance to household chemicals. One of the reasons why plastic kitchens endure so long is because they are unafraid of even the harshest home chemicals, allowing for the removal of heavy pollutants without causing harm. The only thing is to beware of abrasive products;

• Heat resistance. This property instead applies to plastic countertops, which makes them very practical for cooking;
• Moisture resistance. The atmosphere in the kitchen is characterized by high humidity and an abundance of splashes, but plastic does not absorb water. Therefore it retains its appearance for a long time;
• UV resistance. Not all plastic kitchens can boast of such an advantage, but most of them. The Colour of the headset will not fade and will change over time when exposed to sunlight;
• Budget. Plastic kitchens combine good quality and reasonable cost, which natural materials cannot always boast of.

Disadvantages

• Difficult care. There are many myths around plastic kitchens – sometimes on glossy surfaces, sometimes on matte surfaces, the fingerprints of the whole family become visible. Most often, this problem concerns dark headsets, so you should choose them very carefully, testing your fingers while still in the store;
• Environmental friendliness. Plastic cannot boast of this feature. If the naturalness of the materials is essential, then it is better to take a closer look at the wood;
• accumulation of dirt in the places where the edge and facade are fastened;
• Yellowing of areas made of low-quality plastic.

Types of plastic kitchens

The service life, appearance and cost of the future product depend on the materials used in the manufacture of the kitchen. You need to pay attention to the base (although imperative) and the edge of the facades. Let’s consider the possible options.

Variety of bases

Two materials most often act as the basis of a plastic kitchen:

1. Chipboard is a budget material that imposes average resistance to moisture and temperature extremes. The service life is limited to 6-9 years since, after this period, the material begins to wear out heavily.
2. MDF is a durable and dense material that lasts longer than chipboard but also costs more. Due to its thick texture has good flexibility and workability, which is used to form facades of the desired configuration. The MDF base opens up tremendous possibilities for creativity.

Variety of ends

A unique edge, applied to the end of the facade, gives the headset a finished appearance and protects it from harmful external influences. Various materials are used for the edging:

1. PVC

 It is a budgetary and widespread option; due to its high plasticity, installation is straightforward. You can even do it yourself. It wears out and cracks quickly, so the service life is limited.

2. Acrylic 

It is an expensive and very durable option. Most often, the edge is transparent and inconspicuous. This is the best option for modern interiors like the loft, hi-tech, minimalism.

3. Aluminum 

It is a durable and rugged material that retains its geometry throughout its entire service life and does not crack.

Variety of plastic

It is worth mentioning about the plastic itself, which is glued. Its characteristics also strongly depend on the type of plastic: for example, having a presentable appearance, such facades will last much more minor. To not be mistaken with the choice, let’s take a look at the most common options.

HPL plastic

The peculiarity is not in the plastic itself but its fastening – it takes place under high pressure. This opportunity appeared due to the strength and reliability of the material, which remains even after pasting. Finished facades have high rigidity, hardness and moisture resistance.

Plastic is not afraid of mechanical stress and temperature changes. But a kitchen made of HPL plastic cannot be called a budget one. But such plastic is almost identical to natural veneer to be used in a classic kitchen.

Excellent performance characteristics: easy to clean, not afraid of moisture and temperature changes, and no colour under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.

CPL plastic

The fixing of this roll of plastic takes place under medium pressure. Its structure is very similar to demanding, so the use of the material is somewhat limited – it fades in the sun and will not survive mechanical stress. Meanwhile, in the store, such facades look very attractive and quite budget.

3D eco plastic

Another option for using a polymer film. The difference is that this 3D plastic can copy the texture of wood, stone or other surfaces almost identically.

Besides the fact that there is even a soft-touch coating. The palette is also quite varied. Here are some examples of tones: cherry, gold, beech, orange, green tea, mocha, wet asphalt.

In addition, such a film is distinguished by its thickness – about 2 mm, which has a pleasant effect on the strength of the material and its protective capabilities.

Acrylic plastic

Furniture made from this modern and multifunctional material has a long service life, during which it will retain its presentable appearance and performance.

The process of making an acrylic plastic facade is not easy:

1. First, the base is primed.
2. Then a drawing or paint is applied to it.
3. Irradiated with ultraviolet rays for hardening.
4. Then the plastic acrylic itself is used with a thickness of 1–1.5 mm.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Incredible toughness and scratch resistance	Will have to wipe fingerprints frequently
The Colour does not fade	Only for flat solid fronts
Excellent gloss	High price
Resistant to water and steam
Long service life – about 30-40 years

Acrylic film

Conventionally, the acrylic film can be called decorative paper, impregnated with absorbents and acrylic resins. Although it is more robust and temperature resistant than PVC film, it still falls short of acrylic. The colour range is not limited so that you can afford any design.

The variety of acrylic film designs is just endless. It can imitate wood or a smooth painted surface – plain or photo-printed. The shell itself can be glossy, matte or iridescent.

Let’s list the advantages and disadvantages of this material.

Advantages	Disadvantages
High coating strength	High price
Resistant to water and steam	Not the easiest care
Suitable for curved facades	Not ideal for milled facades
It does not fade in the sun

Fibreglass

This is a synthetic material for the production of which specific threads in the form of bundles are used and fibreglass and photopolymers. The material is durable and can withstand maximum temperatures – from -40 to +70 ° C. It is a light plastic with a glossy shine and a long service life – about 35 years.

PVC film

This is one of the most cost-effective and widely used materials. The bottom line is that glue is applied to the chipboard or MDF base, and the film is laid and put under the press. Under pressure, the adhesive polymerizes, and the coating is well fixed.

PVC film has many advantages:

• budgetary cost;
• suitable for straight, milled, curved facades ;
• ideal for small and large kitchens, in an apartment or a country house;
• exceptionally resistant to mechanical stress;
• easy to care for.

But it is necessary to list the disadvantages, including:

• the possibility of burnout in the sun;
• low steam and moisture resistance;
• fragility.

Due to such a variety, it is no longer easy to determine what is in front of you – film or plastic. It is best to ask this question to a consultant.

Design ideas

Plastic kitchens have practically no limitations in design possibilities, which can be seen in the photo examples. Of course, this material manifests itself best in modern styles like hi-tech, minimalism, loft and others. Plastic complements the created brevity and simplicity of lines.

The layout of the kitchen can be absolutely any:

• corner – differs in spaciousness and functionality;
• U-shaped – suitable for a spacious room, creates an ample storage space;
• linear – a versatile arrangement that fits any space;
• island – with a functional island in the centre of the kitchen.

Consider the various decorative effects that can be carried out in a plastic kitchen.

Photo printing

Photo printing will help create a unique interior. In addition to the fact that a vast assortment of photos and images are presented in the salons, you can order a drawing or a picture of your production – even depicting your portrait on the cabinet door.

Such an image will become the centre of the room and the place of attraction for all eyes, so you can not worry about the rest of the decor. It is worth considering more classic options for images:

• fruit and flower photos, abstractions, landscapes, if the tabletop is monochromatic;
• black and white pictures if the kitchen is made in a classic style ;
• geometric ornaments and laconic lines when it comes to high-tech;
• hieroglyphs, flora and fauna motifs will suit the Japanese style;
• birds, plants, coffee, megacities will look good in a modern kitchen.

The acrylic film is used as a base – a moisture-resistant and practical material.

Curved facades

A frequent request is curved plastic facades. This is possible only if the basis is MDF. This option is best suited for spacious rooms from 10 sq. m.

Separate bent elements are also possible in small kitchens. Such a surface is coated with a film – acrylic or PVC.

There are several options for a radius kitchen made of plastic:

• only one or two outer fronts of the headset have an unusual outline – beautiful and safe;
• Set with separate radius fronts – this combination of straight and curved wardrobes meets modern fashion trends. The radius facades are not positioned at the edges like they were in the previous edition;
• With a combination of recessed and curved cabinets – the headset is a smooth wave. Most often, these options are made to order. Such furniture will look good in country and Provence interiors.

In addition to curved, there are two more types of facades: solid (conventional) and panelled.

Panelled facades

Such a facade is a frame made of chipboard or MDF, into which the panel is inserted. The latter can be made of wood, glass, fabric or acrylic plastic. It is important not to confuse this type of facade with plastic in an aluminium frame – this is an entirely different story.

Stylistic direction

The kitchen’s design should be in keeping with the rest of the house or apartment. Because creating a plastic kitchen can differ significantly, choosing the ideal option for a particular room is possible. Let’s get acquainted with possible solutions.

Classic style

Strictly speaking, classics and plastic are in no way connected at all since only natural and expensive materials are usually used in a classic interior. Although plastic and artificial, there is one life hack – to use a material that imitates wood, for example, oak, alder, walnut.

A monochromatic headset in white, beige or brown tones will also look appropriate. But you shouldn’t choose more than 2-3 colours at once – for example, emerald, green, terracotta, yellow.

In shape, straight lines should prevail in the headset – it is better to refuse radius and curved facades. Carving or patina decoration is possible.

Particular attention should be paid to fittings – they should fit into the overall design of the kitchen. For example, you can use old gold, silver, bronze or copper.

It is better to refuse gloss in favour of more matte options.

Empire style

An expensive and refined finish characterizes empire style. Facades should have the correct shape with thin flowing outlines and beautiful decorations. Also, the Empire style is characterized by warm and delicate shades and bizarre patterns and designs.

Monochrome beige or white headsets always fit organically into the room. It instantly takes on a solemn look.

The combination of light fronts with dark walls and an ABS plastic kitchen apron looks especially elegant. For example, the facades themselves are not made of ABS plastic.

Minimalism

From the name alone, it’s apparent that this style avoids obtrusive and excessive interior elements. They also ignore the decor of the facades and fanciful fittings.

The main thing is a combination of simplicity and practicality; therefore, sliding systems demand such a headset. Light colours are relevant – cream, milk, coffee, honey, pearl.

It is better to choose furniture matte, almost weightless. Sliding designs are welcome.

Hi-tech

Differs in an abundance of smooth glossy surfaces and a minimum amount of decor. Most often, there are two-colour solutions with adjacent or contrasting tones. The set has clear lines, straight and curved facades are relevant.

Loft

The loft-style demonstrates brutal chic, in which you can see the modern concept of comfort. There are also many glossy surfaces – plastic, glass, metal. For maximum gloss, acrylic is often used.

Colours

Still, one of the indisputable advantages of plastic is a massive selection of design solutions and flourishes. The colour scheme can be natural and natural (beige, olive, brown tones), neon and futuristic (fuchsia, eggplant, burgundy). You can even imitate the pattern of raw materials: wood, concrete or stone.

Another difficult choice is to make a matte or glossy surface. Both options look stylish and elegant. Some tips will help you not to be mistaken with the intention of colours:

1. If the kitchen is small, do not choose dark colours – they will make the space even heavier and narrower.
2. Bright colours can quickly get boring, so it’s best to be careful with them. Better to choose more neutral and natural options.
3. Match colours according to the rules. The base should be a maximum of 2-3 shades of one Colour. It is best to use contrasting decor as accents.
4. You need to combine cold shades with cold ones and warm ones with warm ones.
5. Pay attention to the psychology of Colour; for example, green calms, yellow invigorates, orange awakens the appetite. If you want, on the contrary, to discourage the desire to eat, then it is better to choose blue and black tones.

Monochrome and two-tone options

Monochromatic headset design is the most familiar and popular. But the two-tone combination will freshen up the interior.

Kitchens with glossy surfaces, where different colours are used in the lower or upper part, look very original. You can choose close or contrasting tones.

Countertop for a plastic kitchen

Under the term “plastic worktop”, we mean a chipboard or MDF base covered with layers of durable HPL plastic. This option is perfectly combined with any facades – from budget chipboard to expensive acrylic. Plastic countertops have several advantages :

• affordable cost;
• wide range of;
• easy care;
• resistance to ultraviolet rays and high temperatures.

But there are also two significant drawbacks :

• sensitivity to water – if it gets under the plastic coating, the tabletop can swell;
• Impossibility of recovery, unlike natural materials.

Plastic or acrylic?

When choosing a kitchen set, many housewives ask an essential question: which is better – plastic or acrylic.

Acrylic has several essential benefits:

• it is more practical since it will retain its attractive appearance for a more extended period;
• it has an almost mirror shine, which, in turn, visually expands the space, which will be helpful in a small kitchen;
• When creating the material, volatile compounds, impurities and resins are not more environmentally friendly.

It is necessary to consider the main disadvantage of acrylic – it is much softer than plastic. Therefore it is easily exposed to mechanical damage.

For those who find this choice too difficult, manufacturers offer a new solution – acrylic plastic. In this case, the furniture itself is made of plastic and is covered with acrylic on top.

Plastic or enamel?

Enamel is a paint and varnish coating that can create different types of finish:

• glossy;
• matte;
• pearl ;
• chameleon;
• pearl.

It is attractive in that the effect is determined not only by the enamel itself but also by the method of its application or the number of layers. Such a kitchen cannot be called plastic anymore.

Advantages	Disadvantages
A wide variety of designs, not only in gamut but also in finishing effect	Cost is higher than acrylic kitchen
Easy care	There is a possibility of enamel cracking under the influence of steam
Recoverability	Sensitive to mechanical damage
Suitable for flat, radius and milled bases

It turns out that it is impossible to say with absolute certainty that plastic or enamel is better – the hostess herself answers this question based on her expectations and requirements. Plastic acts as a more budgetary and practical option, but enamel gives more variety in design.

Plastic or MDF?

This question is in itself incorrect. Plastic is no better than MDF, and MDF is better than plastic since they are two layers of the exact cake. MDF plays a base or biscuit, and plastic is a thin layer of cream or jam.

Selection recommendations

• Choosing the perfect kitchen is never easy; it depends on the style of the room and the family’s budget. First and foremost, you must select material. If stocks are limited, it is better to pay attention to chipboard facades covered with PVC film. If there are sufficient funds, MDF covered with HPL plastic deserves attention;
• Headset configuration. Based on the area of ​​space, it is necessary to consider the shape of the headset carefully. It is advisable to create a detailed kitchen layout, decide in advance on sockets and switches. Consider whether the technology will be built in;
• Style. It is best to proceed from the characteristics of the room. For example, a small space requires minimalism, while a large one can be decorated in a classic style.

In a large kitchen, you can put a ready-made set, and in a small room, it is better to fit modular and corner plastic kitchens. The modular headset is prefabricated and is perfect for small spaces. You should not choose the option with photo printing, as this will visually reduce the room.

Corner headsets are also popular. They are often installed in small square kitchens, and the facades are selected with light ones.

How to take care of it properly?

For a plastic kitchen to retain its attractive appearance as long as possible, it is worth:

• avoid sudden changes in temperature – it should be from 10 to 40 degrees;
• do not put the kitchen on the street;
• protect from direct sunlight;
• instantly wipe up spilt liquids – a poor-quality base can swell over time;
• choose an aluminium edge, as this is the most durable option;
• clean the facades from dirt daily;
• use special detergents and polishes for plastic, and at the same time soft rags and sponges;
• avoid products based on alcohol, acetone, turpentine and solvents;
• use ordinary liquid soap and dishwashing detergent, which perfectly cleanses grease from plastic;
• use a powerful hood so that the fumes and fatty suspension do not settle on light-coloured furniture;
• refuse to use abrasive products.

If the kitchen is made of white or black glossy plastic, there is one life hack with which you can wash facades without streaks – a standard liquid for cleaning windows.

How to restore facades?

The difference between a plastic facade and an enamelled one is that the plastic cannot be restored if damaged. At least, this is what sales consultants are talking about. Of course, there are several ways to repair furniture, but they do not guarantee a perfect result:

• if it’s a dent, it is best to use a special primer for plastic and then apply the same specialized putty, sealing the groove. After the mixture can be painted over;
• if the plastic just peeled off, then the glue-moment will best deal with this problem;
• if the facade has faded or you just want to update it, this can be done in two ways – by painting or pasting with a new film. For both procedures, the doors must first be removed and degreased and then re-coated.

Top manufacturers

When choosing a plastic kitchen, first of all, you need to look at the quality of the plastic since it is he who can begin to peel off, move away or simply fade in the sun. There are three leading suppliers of plastic panels to look at:

1. ARPA is a manufacturer from Italy. It has more than 150 items in the catalogue available in stores, and more than 1000 units from factories, if it was not possible to choose from the store assortment. The products are famous for their thermal properties, due to which they are widely used in the manufacture of kitchens.
2. Resopal is a German manufacturer whose products have proven to be the best reliability and material strength. There is a beautiful decorative ruler with various effects – for example, a glossy pattern on a matte canvas. In addition, you can find collections with oversized dimensions.
3. ASD is a Turkish manufacturer with a more pleasant price, but it is slightly inferior to its European counterparts in terms of characteristics. But outwardly, it is indistinguishable from more popular manufacturers.

DIY making

If it is too difficult to choose among ready-made solutions, you can make facades with your own hands. This isn’t as difficult as it appears on the surface. Of course, HPL plastic cannot be fixed at home since there will not be enough equipment, but the option with an aluminium frame is quite feasible.

The procedure is as follows:

1. Make markings on the MDF board and plastic, leaving 2 cm on each side for allowances.
2. Cut out blanks, carefully process the edges from dust and burrs.
3. Apply an even layer of glue – you can use special quick-drying or regular PVA.
4. Apply a plastic sheet, adjust the dimensions and roll tightly with a rubber roller, avoiding distortions. The surface must be free from defects and protruding air bubbles.
5. Put the future facade under the press until it dries completely.
6. After drying, you need to trim the edges. The marking is made 3 mm less than the required parameters since this tolerance is intended to install an aluminium frame.
7. End milling and groove cleaning.
8. Structure of an aluminium frame. Measure the required profile length and cut. Saw the ends at 45 degrees. Apply PVA glue, liquid nails or similar.
9. Insert the profile into the prepared groove, tap, level the surface. File the slices. Remove glue residues.

Photos of interesting interiors

A modern and straightforward example of a beautiful combination of deep colours: matte grey and light beige gloss. Pay attention to the base – it is made in the Colour of the upper headset. This is a desirable solution since the headset looks airy and seems to float in the air.

Another beautiful combination is a beige and green kitchen with brown accents. Stunning pistachio tone, which is duplicated in the countertop of the bar counter. It is complemented by the warm brown shade of the chairs, which can also be seen in the edging of the headset. Thanks to the peninsular layout, the size of the working area can be the envy of any hostess.

An excellent stylish example of a nine sq. m made of coloured red plastic with radial facades. An excellent combination with the grey colour of the sink, cooker hood, worktop and plinth. Notice how conveniently the microwave is built into the drawer.

Unusual execution of an ordinary kitchen made of white plastic. Plastic material allows you to create any shape, which designers are happy to use.

Everything is unusual here: from purple with a pearl effect to the shape of a headset.

Without plate decoration, the kitchen would lose its uniqueness.

An unusual solution that suits only a large room.

The original shape of the kitchen, which seems to be on a spaceship.

This kitchen can be called ideal for young children: there are practically no sharp corners.

Excellent fresh colour combination.

Stylish island kitchen with a very thoughtful layout. Pay attention at least to the wine cabinet built into the island.

An excellent solution is a two-level island. The yellow part is suitable even for small children or the elderly.

Conclusion

Plastic kitchens are of a wide variety. If the choice falls on them, you first need to pay attention to the coating of the facades and countertops and then carefully choose the Colour. A well-chosen kitchen will delight you for years to come.

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