What are the advantages and disadvantages of enamel kitchens? Tips and reviews from owners

Finishing materials and furniture for the kitchen must be resistant to moisture and dirt. In this regard, impeccably shiny enamel facades seem not entirely practical to some owners. In the photo, glossy sets look very elegant, and how they perform in use can be determined by real reviews from owners of enamel kitchens.

Headset characteristics

Furniture determines the style of the interior and affects the overall atmosphere of the room. Therefore, when choosing it, you need to take into account not only the color or material, but also the quality and composition of the coating that was used in the manufacture of the facades. Like other furniture, enamel kitchens are usually made of chipboard or MDF. Type - angular, U-shaped, straight, radius. Plates with a thickness of 1.9-2.5 cm are cut into pieces of the required size and prepared for further processing.

The technology is similar to that used for finishing cars. It consists of priming and gradually applying several layers of paint (from 4 to 8) to the facades. After each of them has dried, the surface is sanded, which increases the headset’s resistance to external influences.

The shade is even and does not fade over several years. The final stage is finishing with enamel, which performs protective and decorative functions. Types of varnish coating:

• matte;
• gloss;
• metallic;
• chameleon - these are the most expensive enamel kitchens.

What to look for when choosing facades in furniture stores

A modern kitchen is used for more than just cooking. This is a place where romantic evenings and noisy family celebrations are held. Therefore, when arranging a room, every detail is thought through. When choosing a kitchen set, specialists from the Antares store advise taking into account the following nuances:

• allocated budget;
• color spectrum;
• preferred style.

Kitchen units based on AGT facades are in demand, however, if you have a limited budget, you can also take a closer look at facades made of chipboard. You should not skimp on the quality of materials; the appearance, comfort, and duration of use of the furniture depend on this indicator.

Advantages and disadvantages of enamel furniture

Advantages of enamel-coated facades:

• attractive appearance;
• assortment of colors and shades used in the manufacture of furniture. This makes interior planning and design easier;
• the ability to order headsets of different shapes - rounded, wavy, as well as with drawings and patterns;
• variety of textures;
• environmental safety of the material;
• lack of edges on facades. They look as if they are completely covered with enamel;
• ease of care: you will need a sponge or cloth, detergent and polish;
• enamel resistance to ultraviolet radiation, elevated temperature, humidity;
• compatibility with different kitchen design styles - modern, high-tech, etc.

Despite the abundance of advantages, enamel kitchens also have disadvantages:

• significant cost due to manufacturing technology;
• sensitivity to dirt - fingerprints, grease drops, drips and stains. All these marks are clearly visible on a glossy surface, so enamel care must be regular and thorough;
• not very high resistance to mechanical damage. Cracks and chips may appear on the facades, which are difficult to disguise;
• sometimes - fading of the coating under the influence of sunlight.

Attention! The service life and attractive appearance of the enamel largely depend on the quality of the material, the integrity of the manufacturer and the operating characteristics of the headset. For neat owners, the facades remain for a long time as if they had recently been brought from the store.

AGT facades

Advantages

1. Aesthetics
2. Resistance to moisture and mechanical damage.
3. Affordability
4. Easy to care for
5. UV resistance
6. Abundance of decors and textures
7. Environmental friendliness

Flaws

1. Fingerprints, dust and other contaminants are visible on the smooth surface
2. To make the kitchen look harmonious, it is important to correctly combine the colors of glossy surfaces
3. Sometimes the film on the panels may peel off

Such surfaces are covered with several layers, which allow the furniture to maintain an attractive presentation, despite a long time of use.

Differences from acrylic facades

Both materials - enamel and acrylic - are characterized by a luxurious shine that captivates the eye. And although enamel facades are not only glossy, but also matte, when choosing a set, consumers often compare these particular coatings. It is impossible to say for sure which of them has more pros or cons. Rely on your own preferences, as well as the basic characteristics of the materials:

1. The shine of the enamel is less bright than the shine of an acrylic kitchen. Remember that spending a long time in a room where gloss predominates can have a stimulating effect. This is harmful for people with unstable mental health.
2. Acrylic facades are most often straight. Enamel kitchens can have almost any configuration. Another plus is that they have a wider color palette. The differences are due to manufacturing technology.
3. Both types of coating are considered environmentally friendly and easy to maintain.
4. If we compare them in terms of strength, then acrylic has an advantage over enamel.

Attention! The average cost of both headsets is approximately the same. They are more expensive than film facades, but cheaper than solid wood kitchens.

Film facades: pros and cons, comparison with other options

from February 9, 2014
Film facades are a popular modern solution for the front decoration of furniture: they are economical, varied in color, and allow you to imitate various surfaces. But sometimes buyers have distrust in the quality and durability of such furniture. Many people have the impression that these facades are covered with ordinary film, which can be bought at construction or hardware stores. To understand this mistake, you need to take a closer look at the production technology of film facades and their characteristics.

Reviews and advice from owners

People who choose enamel kitchens are sure: beauty requires sacrifice. The elegant look of the room is worth buying furniture with glossy fronts. Dirt is very noticeable on a dark surface. Therefore, if you don’t want to do cleaning and polishing several times a day, give preference to a light-colored set. In addition, shiny pastel enamel helps to visually enlarge the space. This is especially appreciated by owners of small kitchens.

Advice. Dirt and grease, as well as streaks and drips from dried splashes, are most noticeable in areas exposed to sunlight. If the size of the kitchen allows, take this into account when arranging furniture.

Many consumers also don't like scratches and chips on the surface, which are difficult to protect against while working in the kitchen. Enterprising housewives manage to mask minor damage with ordinary nail polish, matched to the tone of the enamel. Sometimes scratches appear even after unsuccessful washing of facades. Find out in advance the rules for caring for a varnished surface, and also study opinions about furniture manufacturers so as not to buy a low-quality set.

The enamel coating is capricious and demanding in its own way, but it looks very advantageous in the interior, filling it with light and shine. Such a room does not seem trivial. When choosing a headset, rely on the recommendations of experts, consumer reviews, as well as personal preferences. If you are ready to carefully care for the enamel, feel free to buy elegant furniture that will brightly and stylishly transform your kitchen.

Features of caring for film facades

Caring for film facades is really easy. They should be wiped regularly with a damp soft cloth and any non-aggressive liquid detergent.

In order for furniture facades with PVC film to serve for a long time without losing their performance properties, it is recommended to follow a few simple rules:

• do not expose furniture to heat above 70°, do not place it near an electric stove, heaters,
• lighting fixtures, etc., to avoid film peeling;
• do not expose film facades to cooling below -15°, prolonged exposure to moisture or strong mechanical stress;
• Do not use abrasive, aggressive agents, solvents or liquids containing chlorine to clean facades.

If you treat furniture with film fronts with care, it will delight its owners for a long time with its bright colors and smooth surface.

Photo gallery

The basis of the kitchen interior is the furniture. It is important to compare high functionality and aesthetic appearance . It is necessary to choose a material that will last for several years. Quality depends on the manufacturing and processing process. Manufacturers offer a wide variety of models. Recently, enamel coating has become the most popular. It has a number of advantages over other products. Before purchasing, you need to know the specifics of selection and care.

MDF enamel what is it?

When choosing a kitchen facade, plastic or enamel, buyers proceed from aesthetic preferences. It is the performance characteristics that influence the popularity of the choice of a particular material from which the kitchen is made. Here it is important to take into account the ease of maintenance and its durability, corresponding to a certain price range. Today there are a number of modern and popular kitchen facades. When choosing a kitchen, a potential client sooner or later asks the question: which kitchen to choose plastic or enamel? But in order to fully answer this question, it is necessary to consider the positive and negative aspects of MDF coatings. After all, a comfortable stay in the kitchen, its strength and durability in use depend on the right choice.

MDF is a coating that has varieties: enamel, plastic and film. Below we will try to answer:

Characteristic

Several layers of enamel are applied to the facade, and the more there are, the stronger the product (the best option is 4-8 ). MDF is used as a basis , since the surface of the plastic peels off and crumbles.

The facade is primed and paint is applied in several stages. As soon as the new layer dries, the surface is sanded. This increases the strength of the product.

At the final stage, an enamel layer is applied. It is needed to protect the headset and aesthetic beauty.

Types of coating:

1. Glossy.
2. Metallic.
3. Matte.
4. Chameleon.

For an enamel kitchen, it is advisable to choose light colors , since dirt is more visible on dark ones.

It is better to purchase kitchen furniture to order . So, you will have the opportunity to choose a unique style. Nowadays it is popular to combine a kitchen with a dining area. They are designed in a single design.

How does enamel coating differ from others?

Enamel is not applied to MDF immediately; first, the entire surface is primed, because before applying the base layer it must be well leveled. After the primer layer has dried, it is covered with paint in several layers, each of them being completely dried and sanded, and only after that a new one is applied. Thanks to this application technology, the surface is perfectly smooth, with rich shades and high resistance to any external influences.

The same painting technology is widely used in the automotive industry.

Advantages of enamel kitchen units

• Care . The surface is easy to clean from dirt if you remove it immediately. Any detergents, soft sponges and rags are suitable. It is prohibited to use chemicals with abrasive components.
• Variety . The customer has a wide choice of colors and designs. It is possible to apply an individual design or small pattern, which is not possible when using other materials. The shape can be rectangular, rounded or wavy. It is easy to choose the appropriate option among the coatings. It will be easy for the home owner to choose a kitchen set that matches the overall style of the room. Enamel looks good with different designs (modern, high-tech, etc.).
• Strength . There is always high humidity and temperature changes in the kitchen. If the housewife regularly cooks and cleans, she needs to choose a durable set. The enamel coating can withstand high humidity and sudden temperature changes. No traces of hot dishes remain on the surface. Moisture does not penetrate the structure, the facade does not swell. The painted product is resistant to ultraviolet rays, unlike other materials that quickly fade and delaminate.
• Environmental friendliness . The materials are completely safe for the environment and residents. The set does not delaminate after a while and does not emit a specific odor.
• Appearance . An enamel kitchen looks bright and presentable. The set immediately attracts the eyes of guests. The owner has the opportunity to order individual kitchen furniture, which will become the main decoration of the room. There are no edges on the façade. The models look as if they are completely covered with enamel. Color saturation is maintained after years of use.

Combined facades

Front decorative panels covered with veneer and enamel at the same time are an option for those who are looking for non-standard design solutions. Typically, such facades are used when decorating a kitchen in the Art Nouveau style.

Advantages

1. Low price compared to kitchen sets made from natural wood
2. Increased moisture resistance and strength
3. Possibility of manufacturing radius facades

Flaws

1. The veneer may peel off from the substrate
2. UV Exposure
3. Fingerprints and dirt are visible on glossy areas

Kitchen fronts are not cheap. It is necessary to approach their choice with full responsibility; the final decision is made only after weighing all the pros and cons.

Disadvantages of an enamel kitchen

• Price . Furniture treated with a layer of enamel is more expensive than other coating options. The main influence on the price is the manufacturing feature. The cost will be higher when ordering a custom style, if there is a pattern or a unique shape. For a smaller amount you can purchase a model made from a different material. However, technical characteristics (resistance to temperature changes and high moisture, strength, durability) will be significantly lower. It is necessary to correctly establish the price-quality ratio.
• Pollution . Caring for the enamel set is easy. However, touch marks quickly appear on the surface. Stains and grease stains are very noticeable on the surface. You will have to clean it regularly to keep the room looking attractive. To make dirt less noticeable, it is recommended to choose a design in light shades.
• Mechanical impact . On a perfectly flat surface, any damage is clearly visible. The enamel coating is poorly protected from mechanical stress. Cracks and small scratches quickly appear and spoil the appearance. It is impossible to remove damage without replacing the whole element. Large chips cannot be restored. You will have to mask the defects with decorative details. Some housewives buy nail polish to match the kitchen set and cover up minor scratches. It is necessary to treat furniture with care so that the appearance is preserved after years.
• Sun rays . If the coating is applied poorly, the color may fade over time. Fading of shades occurs under the influence of sunlight. It is recommended to install the headset in such a way that the sun's light does not fall on it.
• Quality . If poor materials were used in manufacturing, the furniture will quickly deteriorate and defects will appear on the surface. Some manufacturers skimp on raw materials, which negatively affects the quality of the final model. It is better to order a kitchen set from a company with extensive experience and positive reviews.

Chipboard

An option for those who want to update their kitchen quickly and economically. The facades are based on slabs of compressed sawdust and shavings, which are impregnated with formaldehyde resins. To give the surface an attractive appearance, it is covered with a polymer film, resulting in laminated chipboard.

Advantages

1. Low price
2. Variety of colors
3. Resistance to damage

Flaws

1. Chipboard slabs do not bend, so the surfaces are made in strictly geometric shapes
2. Simplicity of appearance
3. Short service life
4. Absorbs moisture and odors well
5. Since this material is not dense, the holes for the screws become loose over time.

Some interesting facts

• The enamel coating can be applied to the surface of MDF in 4-8 layers. The quality of manufacturing and operational characteristics of facades depend on their quantity. The more layers are applied, the more durable and wear-resistant the finished furniture will be.
• If desired, a kitchen with enamel facades can be repainted in a different color, significantly extending its service life.
• Belarusian kitchens made of MDF with enamel, combining excellent quality with an affordable price, are especially popular on the furniture market.

Types of enamel paints in kitchen painting

The chemical composition of enamel paints, which provides their protective properties, determines their main drawback. Enamel paints are toxic and fire hazard to one degree or another.

The fire hazard of enamels relates more to their liquid state, but even when exposed they burn well. The toxicity of paints determines the place of their application, dividing paints into compositions for interior, exterior or universal use.

Based on their composition, enamel paints are divided into the following types.

Alkyd paints. Refers to paints based on natural components. They create a durable protective, but not elastic, film on a wooden, metal or stone surface. Can be used both outdoors and indoors.

Pentaphthalic paints. This is a type of alkyd paint based on glycerin. These paints are marked with two capital letters PF with numbers. It is worth noting that it is pentaphthalic enamels that have found the greatest application in everyday life.

For example, enamel PF-115 is a pentaphthalic alkyd enamel paint for interior and exterior use. Used for painting wooden surfaces and products, stone walls after plastering, and various metals.

Related article: Height of lower kitchen cabinets: standard and real, how to choose and calculate correctly

In the kitchen, PF-115 can be used for painting wooden products, windows, baseboards, doors, and less often heating radiators and metal structures and products. Work with this paint with open windows, ventilation is required. The paint has a high degree of protection against precipitation and a wide range of colors.

PF-226 enamel is interesting for the kitchen. It is used for painting floors with enamel. The first number “2” in the marking means that this enamel is intended for interior work and working with it is somewhat easier. The color of this enamel is closer to brown.

Glyphthalic paints. Belongs to the group of alkyd paints. They are marked with two letters “GF” with numbers. They are practically not used in everyday life due to the long drying time (three days) and the insufficiently smooth film.

Oil paints. A type of enamel paint based on natural oils and toxic solvents. It has a pungent odor and long drying time (up to 3 days). The advantages include high adhesion, versatility of application, and the highest water-repellent properties. Previously, they were widely used for painting walls in apartments, including kitchens.

The modern use of MA oil paints in interior decoration is questionable due to the presence of more technologically advanced analogues. However, they can be used for high-strength painting of doors and windows.

Niroenamel. This type of enamel paint has a pungent odor and very fast drying (3-4 hours). The letter field is marked with two letters “NC” and numbers. Designed for painting wood or metal, indoors or outdoors. Apply by roller or spray. They dry quickly, but have a strong toxic odor.

In the kitchen they can be used to create glossy surfaces of doors, windows, and wooden furniture facades.