MDF kitchen facades covered with PVC film are the choice of those who value variety, comfort and coziness, but are not ready to spend significant sums on furniture. Cheap and beautiful - these are the main advantages that these doors have.
There is a lot of discussion around film facades: they are often attributed to fragility. Is it so? And what does their quality depend on? To understand the issue, you need to know the production technology of MDF facades decorated with PVC film.
The pros and cons of matte kitchens
We analyzed matte kitchen facades and compiled a list of pros and cons of this finish.
pros
- The ability to create a kitchen from MDF to suit any design style.
- Easy to care for.
- The marks on the facade are not so noticeable.
- Large selection of coatings and base materials.
- No sun glare.
- They last longer than shiny ones.
Minuses
- The color palette is not as wide as gloss.
- Dark-colored facades are not suitable for small kitchens.
- You need to carefully select accessories to match the design.
Decorative qualities of PVC film facades for kitchen units
Kitchen PVC facades can have a variety of colors and textures. Film manufacturers take into account fashion trends: as soon as a certain material becomes popular, they produce a PVC coating that imitates its shade and texture. Thanks to this technique, you can purchase facades “metal-like,” “wood-like,” or “glass-like.”
The film can be:
- glossy;
- matte;
- mirror
Thanks to modern technologies, various images and patterns can be applied to PVC coatings. 3D drawings that imitate three-dimensional details - stucco molding, milling or decorative carvings - have become widely popular.
Matte kitchens: what are they made of?
The modern choice of materials for kitchen sets is extremely large. We encourage you to use our list to make the best choice.
The most affordable option is a matte chipboard kitchen. To give a matte effect, it is covered with a special film or plastic panels are installed.
Such furniture may look good, but the matte finish is fragile - very often scratches and chips appear in the first months of use. The exception is furniture made of chipboard with aluminum profiles.
A kitchen set made from MDF is much stronger. However, in addition to the options already listed, you can also find more durable coatings. An excellent choice is a set made of MDF coated with natural veneer. The elegant surface is ideal for classic interiors.
The most expensive option for a matte kitchen is solid wood. Durable, environmentally friendly and stylish facades will serve you for many years.
However, a lot depends not only on the basic set, but also on the finishing. In addition to plastic and plywood, other textures are also used.
The facades of the already mentioned materials are quite fragile and very quickly lose their appearance. Now there are facades with acrylic film on sale - they will last up to 7 years, subject to operating conditions.
An alternative would be a kitchen with facades finished with matte acrylic panels. Such furniture is resistant to damage and has high heat-resistant properties. However, it should be taken into account that it will be difficult to care for - the matte finish is achieved thanks to a special relief coating on the surface.
Kitchens with matte enamel look great. In addition, they are very durable and easy to clean. But they will also be expensive.
How to choose an MDF kitchen with PVC
To ensure that the set lasts a long time, when choosing furniture, pay attention to the following points:
- Find out what thickness the adhesive film for furniture is - the minimum is 0.3 mm, while materials from European manufacturers are produced with a thickness of 0.5 mm. But Chinese materials do not meet quality standards - 0.09 mm is not enough for the kitchen.
- Evaluate the manufacturer’s assortment - the variety of products indicates that professional equipment and the right technology are used to produce MDF-covered facades.
- Ask about the guarantee and certificates.
To make the right choice when buying an MDF kitchen with PVC, find out as much information as possible about this material.
When choosing a kitchen, remember that the straight option is always cheaper than a set with curved surfaces
Matte facades: what are they made of?
Matte kitchen is the result of the use of modern materials and processing technologies. The basis of the facades is chipboard and MDF.
Chipboards are used in the manufacture of inexpensive furniture - they emit harmful substances and do not last long.
MDF is a compressed wood fiber that does not use glue.
After production, various coatings are applied to the slabs. The choice of materials for a matte facade is wide: from plastic to natural wood.
Plastic
In this case, MDF panels are covered with a layer of polyvinyl chloride. This material is resistant to deformation, sunlight and moderate temperatures.
It has disadvantages: the plastic deteriorates due to mechanical damage and peels off in places where it is heated. If the plastic covering is broken, it will need to be completely replaced. The useful life is short.
Acrylic option
Matte acrylic fronts protect the compressed chips. The acrylic panel is glued to MDF and protects it from fire (can flare up at temperatures from 160 degrees) and from swelling (does not deform from liquids). In addition, acrylic does not absorb grease and dirt and does not fade in the sun.
It is versatile: it can be reflective, but also opaque. Gluing the panel requires a very flat surface, which prevents gluing to any door.
Do not use abrasives (cause scratches).
Enamel
It is easier to paint kitchen facades with enamel, and a variety of matte and mirror shades using additional pearlescent shine, metal, and glitter tints can make the design unique.
Many users report that the enamel becomes damaged quickly. It is not difficult to repair such a coating - a chip or scratch can be rubbed down and painted.
Film
A foil facade is the most affordable solution. In this case, a special film with an imitation of a matte texture is glued to the MDF facades. PVC film has no edges and is suitable for application to facades of any configuration: flat and milled.
The disadvantage of such a facade is that it quickly loses its appearance and is not durable. The adhesive layer dries due to frequent heating and the film begins to peel off. The shelf life of the coating is 7-8 years with proper care.
Natural wood
Natural wood is used in two versions. The MDF panel is covered with natural wood veneer or the facade is made entirely of this material.
MDF with natural veneer is a compromise between modernity and naturalness. The surface of the MDF board is covered with veneer of various types of wood and impregnated with special protective compounds.
Solid wood facades are expensive. But such furniture does not emit harmful substances and will serve the owner for many years. Such a coating will require water-repellent impregnation. Otherwise, the wood may become deformed under conditions of high humidity and temperature changes.
There are façade enamel coatings. Enamel is durable, easy to repair - it easily covers any scratch, but it is more expensive than other facade coatings.
Matte enamel for facades
Restoration of film facades
Many people are wondering what to do if the film does come off, is it possible to glue it? This happens even if you wash the furniture very carefully. If the furniture is under warranty, you need to contact the seller and agree on replacing the defective facades. But it is possible that you will have to prove that you used the furniture correctly.
If the film comes away from the facade, you can try to correct the defect yourself. To do this you need:
- Fill a medical syringe with “Moment” glue, you can take regular “PVA”, or better yet “Liquid Nails”;
- Carefully insert the glue under the film;
- Press the restoration site and wait until it dries.
But if the film has not just peeled off, but has shrunk and deformed, then the glue will be of little help. This happens as a result of overheating of the facades. You can try to mask the defect with putty of a suitable color or order a new facade.
Please note that manufacturers usually cannot accurately replicate the color of the facade. Your new door may be half a tone lighter or darker than the rest of the parts. If you don't mind experimenting, you can play with color. Complement the lime-colored kitchen with several orange MDF facades, and chocolate-colored furniture with beige doors.
For supporters of MDF facades covered with film, there is no question of what is more important, price or functionality. Because this product contains both, and all this is in complete harmony, at a high quality level.
Matte kitchen in the interior
You can use matte surfaces in the kitchen interior in different ways. We have prepared for you a selection of photographs that will show the most successful design techniques.
For example, for a small kitchen in a Khrushchev-era building, a matte set is unlikely to be suitable - you still want to visually enlarge the space. In this case, we recommend choosing a glossy kitchen and adding a matte finish with an apron. Usually this element gets dirty almost more than the tabletop, and this technique will make caring for it much easier.
Matte kitchens look very impressive in rooms with glossy floors. This way you can visually make the ceiling higher, and the contrast will give the interior laconicism and unique style.
The use of combo facades is also justified. In this case, the bottom of the kitchen will be matte and the top will be glossy. We recommend this technique for small kitchens where you want to add volume. Glossy cabinets will make the room visually larger, and the countertop will be easy to clean.
Such kitchens look very stylish if the contrast is achieved not only through textures, but also through the correct selection of colors. You can use two close in tone or diametrically opposite shades.
Sometimes designers go further and combine different textures on one plane. The decision is quite bold, but certainly worthy of attention.
Sometimes a matte kitchen has a glossy countertop. In this case, we advise you to pay special attention to the materials: make sure that they are durable, environmentally friendly, resistant to heat and mechanical damage. Otherwise, there is a risk that the entire countertop will need to be replaced
If you have an island in your kitchen, go for a high-gloss countertop while leaving the rest of the countertops opaque.
Use backlighting. This will add comfort and coziness to your kitchen.
An elegant option is to complement the matte facades with a glass apron, which is illuminated from the inside with LED strips. Expensive, but worth it.
Small kitchens
Small, multifunctional and thoughtful kitchens often become the highlight of small apartments or cozy country houses. In no case should such kitchens be overloaded with unnecessary kitchen utensils and made completely dark or light.
The best solution would be to completely abandon contrasting colors, using only individual elements from another material, for example, marble or wood. Such surfaces will retain all the characteristics of a matte finish and will not deprive small kitchens of such valuable space.
Large spaces
The kitchen, which is often the heart of the home, needs the perfect layout. Many owners of large and spacious kitchens, having purchased the latest technical innovations and arranging kitchen furniture, are faced with the problem of excess space.
Matte surfaces will be a real salvation for people who face similar problems, because dark (not necessarily black) matte furniture visually reduces the space. After eliminating the feeling of emptiness, the kitchen will become much more comfortable and its inhabitants will not have to waste time, effort and money on redevelopment.
How to stick PVC on facades yourself
It is not at all necessary to change the kitchen if the cabinet doors have become unusable. You can update your furniture at home if you have self-adhesive kitchen tape. Additionally you will need:
- Centimeter, ruler, pencil;
- Scissors, sharp knife, screwdriver;
- Soft cloth;
- Alcohol for degreasing surfaces.
Remove the doors, twist the fittings, and wash the surfaces with soapy water. While the facades are drying, take measurements from them and transfer them to film. Please note that if a matte self-adhesive film is used, minor defects will remain invisible. All imperfections are visible under the glossy film, so first level the surfaces. Before gluing PVC, degrease the surface.
The self-adhesive film is placed face up on the façade. It is very important to glue the material evenly at the very beginning. Then gradually lift the backing and carefully glue the material further. Smooth the surface with a soft cloth towards the edges. If unevenness or bubbles form, you should immediately lift the section of the film and then re-glue it. Small bubbles are pierced with a needle.
The updated facades will be of excellent quality if the furniture self-adhesive is heated with a hairdryer during gluing.
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Stylistics
Stylistic solutions based on matte kitchen sets can be anything. Undoubtedly, classics are always in trend. In addition, matte finish fits perfectly into modern, loft, hi-tech, romantic, and Provençal styles.
Scandinavian style
Matte white kitchen facades and light-colored walls and floors can resemble a hospital ward. To maintain the restraint of the Scandinavian style and make the interior unique, you should play with the decor. In such a kitchen, you can make the floor dark and place figurines in a contrasting shade on the shelves.
Classic
Here it is worth using natural materials and giving preference to strict and clear lines of furniture and accessories. A beautiful marble countertop and an impeccable wooden dining table will add nobility to the interior.
No decorations that visually cheapen the overall impression. Designers do not accept adding classics with elaborate details and a lot of decorations.
Modern and contemporary
Matte kitchen fronts look very good in this style. The furniture should be simple, without geometric flourishes or unnecessary decorations. No stucco, no Gothic bells and whistles, no romantic scrolls. Everything is just to the point.
Bright curtains, a couple of elements that surprise with their perfection and simplicity will help to “dilute” such an interior. The shades of this kitchen can be any. Preference is given to black and white or a combination of related dark shades.
Loft
This style is a “lover” of metal structures. The furniture in such a kitchen must have the appropriate finish.
The interior in the loft style is no less simple than in the classic one. He does not tolerate an abundance of decor, pretentiousness, or bright colors. He is characterized by naturalness. For example, one of the walls can be lined with brick or covered with wallpaper that imitates brickwork.
Country
Country style is characterized by the use of wood and natural shades. The facades are made in the colors of different types of wood with a rough texture.
The shape of the facades is classic: with frames, glass windows and wooden handles. Colors: beige, light brown, light green. Countertops are made of natural or artificial stone.
Modern materials easily imitate the textures of Provencal style. The facades are classic wood, with glass panels and inserts.
Light soft colors: lavender, olive, vanilla yellow and wood tones. The lines are simple, the shapes are round.
Countertops - stone and wood, natural or imitation. It is recommended to choose a tabletop with a glossy texture, using it as an accent.
Which color should I choose?
The color palette and variety of shades of matte facades is slightly narrower than that of their glossy counterparts. However, among the existing options you can find popular and common colors of kitchen lines. When choosing the color of furniture facades, you should take into account the size of the room, the presence of windows and their number. Do not forget about the stylistic decision of the kitchen and its combination with the overall design concept of the apartment.
You should be careful when choosing furniture in a small kitchen. It is better to give preference to a delicate pastel palette rather than variegated colors and dark tones. Black, dark brown and shades of gray will visually make the kitchen smaller and gloomier, while bright colors will visually overload a small room.
It is recommended to opt for elegant white tones. Choose from creamy, milky, linen or ivory. A combination of beige or ocher with a matte white top will look good. This will break up the monotony and make the kitchen modern and cozy.
For large and medium-sized rooms there are no color restrictions. Black or dark chocolate looks expensive and elegant when combined with a matte finish.
In large kitchens, a combination of facades of different colors will look stylish - a neutral top and bright shades for the bottom of the cabinets. It's a good idea to choose a color for your kitchen: the top should be a lighter shade and the bottom a darker shade.
The color scheme depends entirely on the chosen kitchen style:It is better to combine warm tones with warm ones, and use a cool palette only with cool or neutral colors.
- country supports natural wood colors: beige, wenge, coffee or chocolate;
- Provence can be easily expressed in delicate shades of lavender, blue, lilac, green, pistachio, as well as pale yellow and pink;
- for modern high-tech, the best choice would be a combination of white top and black bottom, while all shades of gray will look good;
- classic design loves restrained colors - brown, beige, light gray or sand;
- a matte kitchen fits perfectly into a modern loft, while the style leaves complete freedom in choosing colors: from dark gray to pastel shades of white;
- elegant Art Deco can be combined with a matte finish, but the palette should be slightly muted, without bright accents;
- Scandinavian style is created for the use of matte facades - the best solution would be a white set in combination with a wooden tabletop.
The kitchen looks unusual with the addition of bright colors such as indigo, red, blue, lilac, emerald green or yellow.
It is not necessary to make the entire set in one color; these can be bright cabinets, shelves above the work surface, the countertop itself or other details. When choosing a matte kitchen, do not forget about the texture of the furniture surface. It can be smooth or rough, imitate wood, leather, marble or fabric. Facades with prints will look great. Modern technologies for applying images allow you to choose a design in any style.
This could be a landscape, geometric patterns, images of vegetables, fruits, animals or abstract patterns.
The set is an important part of the kitchen space. Matte furniture, with the right choice of color, should have an attractive and discreet appearance in order to decorate the interior for many years.
Dark kitchens
In addition to all of the above, the shades of matte surfaces play an important role. Dark matte finishes are suitable for people with a measured and calm rhythm of life. In such rooms, relaxation is much better. Meals become measured and truly refined, because no one is in a hurry.
Bright spaces
Matte kitchens, decorated in light colors (most often white), have a completely opposite effect on a person. This type of design can be compared to an invigorating coffee: refined, elegant, sophisticated, but at the same time invigorating, encouraging action.
Design and color solutions for MDF kitchens in plastic
Kitchen "Stella"
MDF kitchens in plastic look organically in different styles - from futuristic high-tech to bright modern. Sets with glossy or matte facades, complemented by design solutions in the form of roof rails or original storage systems, allow you to stylishly and intelligently use space even in very small kitchens. If the size of the room is large enough, the color palette of the set can be absolutely any - white, lilac, blue or scarlet-red, as in the Stella kitchen. For small kitchens, it is better to choose glossy facades in light colors, which will visually expand the space.
Types of paints for the kitchen
The production of finishing materials does not stand still, and their composition is regularly improved. Thanks to the addition of various components - rubber base or polymers, excellent performance properties can be achieved.
Acrylic
A relatively inexpensive and versatile option, suitable for painting any surface - wood, concrete, plaster. It is better not to skimp on these coatings, since cheap acrylic paints will not last long.
Silicate
The main feature of this type is high vapor permeability and resistance to fungi. With such a coating, the walls will “breathe” and, if there is a high risk of mold in your home, this is the most suitable option.
Silicone
This type has high elasticity and excellent water-repellent properties, allowing you to hide small flaws and cracks that form when the house shrinks. It is convenient to work with this composition with a roller - the paint does not drip and penetrates well into hard-to-reach places.
Silicate and silicone paints are best suited for finishing a kitchen apron.
Latex
Thanks to the addition of latex, the paint has a more elastic, viscous structure and provides a more durable coating that can also be washed with abrasive agents. However, its cost will be higher. Latex paint is best used for textured surfaces.
Alkyd
Alkyds give a brighter and more saturated color than acrylics. However, they are also highly abrasion resistant and suitable for all surfaces.
Review of materials
But whatever the geometric design of the headset, its material also plays a huge role. It is necessary to take into account that high temperatures will be created in the kitchen and water vapor will begin to spread. All products must also be resistant to grease splashes.
A true classic (albeit very expensive) is the furniture facade made of natural wood. This design will emphasize the solid aesthetic taste of the owners and their respectability. Common for the domestic furniture industry are:
- maple;
- oak;
- birch;
- spruce;
- beech;
- ash arrays.
More exotic breeds can also be used. But the cost can then increase 2-3 times, and sometimes more. Even the excellent aesthetic and practical characteristics of “exotic” do not always justify this difference.
Matte designs made from chipboard (and its subtype - laminated chipboard) have become widespread. You have to pay relatively little for such materials, and it is easier to assemble products from them. The special film provides sufficient resistance to moisture and strong heat. If components fail, it will not be difficult to find replacement parts.
If you want to purchase a safer kitchen, but at the same time not overpay for natural wood, then an MDF structure is suitable. In the manufacture of this material, only completely safe reagents are used. The increased strength of the facades is due to compression under high pressure. MDF can be made in various styles and lasts for a very long time.
You can often find references to kitchens made of plastic. To be precise, plastic is used not as the main structural material, but as a decorative material. The same chipboard, MDF or wood are hidden behind it. The plastic used for the production of kitchen furniture can easily withstand high heat and is very durable.
Plastic products are ideal for modernist style. But many people prefer enamel finishes. A high-quality enamel surface will last a long time. Enamel will also help make the color of furniture more varied. Typically, a special coating is applied in several layers, after which it is thoroughly sanded and painted with a further glossy varnish.
Problems with enamel are:
- impossibility of cleaning with acidic compounds;
- preservation of fingerprints;
- increased price.
Floor and ceiling
The floor in a kitchen with matte furniture fronts should be made glossy. This will give the interior a certain style and add variety. In addition, it is advisable to make a matte ceiling.
However, some designers recommend decorating the ceiling with gloss to visually expand the space when the room is small.
Size matters
So font size matters
When asked whether the kitchen is the most important room in the house, the result was fairly evenly distributed. Those who had small kitchens tend not to think that these rooms were the most important - necessary, but not the most important
Those who have large ones are absolutely sure that they are the most important place in their home. Lifestyle also had a big impact. Those who love to cook and entertain consider the kitchen to be an important and integral space that greatly contributes to family life, even if the space is not large enough to "live in." Kitchen efficiency is important to these people. For families where cooking and eating are part of their lifestyle and traditions, cooking, teaching, sharing recipes and passing them down from generation to generation is important to many - and this is done in the kitchen, no matter its size, the belief that cooking eating with a child or as a family is an important moment in family life, and not to be dismissed or taken lightly.
Features of lighting in a matte kitchen
The surface of opaque furniture does not reflect light, but scatters it. Therefore, with a lack of natural light in small kitchens, the interior of dark colors looks gloomy.
Artificial light improves the situation a little, but you shouldn’t count on a warm and cozy atmosphere - for this it is better to choose light matte facades.
If the kitchen window faces the sunny side, then the matte facades will be well lit and the room will not look gloomy. In addition, there will be no sun glare in the kitchen.
In a kitchen with matte facades, good lighting should be provided in the main areas.
- Above the dining table is a chandelier for one or more light bulbs.
- The cooking area has powerful lampshades plus LED backlighting. Another option is a backlit glass apron.
If necessary, cabinet lighting is supplemented with LED strip or additional lamps on the ceiling. The kitchen will be visually more spacious if it has enough light sources.
Work zone
First, you need to carefully consider the issue of ergonomics of the work area. The fact is that all the main work in the kitchen is associated with constantly repeating actions: organizing food storage and washing, preparing dishes, cleaning dishes
In this room, it is very important to follow the rule of the work triangle, the main elements of which are the stove, sink and refrigerator. The kitchen space must be organized in such a way as not to disrupt the chain of basic movements - all 3 items should be located within walking distance of each other at an equidistant distance
When planning the placement of household appliances, you should definitely take into account the specific location of the riser, as well as take into account the rules of the neighborhood. It is necessary to leave a safe distance in front of any household appliances; as a rule, it is indicated in the operating instructions
Any violation of these standards is fraught not only with the destruction of devices, but also with accidents. So, without properly designed insulation, the refrigerator will not be able to work for a long time if it is located next to the oven and hob - the distance between them should be at least 15-20 cm.
Household appliances near a gas stove will be a “time bomb”, so the stove should be placed in a separate place, no closer than 70-80 cm from any other equipment and flammable objects. It is advisable to place the refrigerator away from radiators and other heat sources (oven, gas water heater, microwave oven), while a distance of 5-10 cm should remain between the refrigerator and the walls. If you intend to hang a plasma panel in the kitchen, it should be secured further away from “wet” and “hot” zones.
Maintenance of matte façade
The service life of a kitchen directly depends on its care.
Use the following helpful tips:
- A steam generator can be a good cleaning assistant.
- Do not use abrasive cleaners.
- Avoid sponges and brushes.
- Use microfiber or lint-free cloth.
Designer interiors
A baroque kitchen allows you to combine both wood and glass. Cabinets with small glass inserts will look incredibly beautiful. Baroque style is appropriate for large and bright kitchens.
Give preference to wooden furniture and natural stone countertops. The same techniques can be applied in country style.
For a studio apartment, the kitchen and living room are always designed in the same style. A kitchen in a classic style would look out of place, but a room in the Provence style would look out of place. In addition, all furniture should overlap each other and create an overall holistic image. Combine two, maximum three shades in such a room.
- Straight and clear lines, without bends or bulges - a matte kitchen is the best solution for loft and hi-tech styles.
- Unlike high-tech, in a loft you can use almost the entire palette, the main thing is to correctly combine the shades with each other.
- A kitchen set in the Art Deco style will become a real art object. Please note that Art Deco does not accept flashy shades. Everything should be restrained, but tasteful.
- Matte fronts can be combined with any stylistic decision of your kitchen.
If your kitchen is designed with an island countertop, go for a high-gloss countertop. Thanks to the gloss, the kitchen will not look boring, but elegant.
But be careful when choosing material. It must be durable and of high quality.
