Covering for protecting the kitchen table - which is better, protection options, alternatives, recommendations.

Wooden kitchen countertop - what could be more comfortable and beautiful? Natural wood is environmentally friendly, noble and modern. Many people prefer this material, especially for countertops. At the same time, the tree must be protected from the effects of fat, moisture, heat and other factors. This function is traditionally performed by varnish. Choosing a varnish for a kitchen countertop is a special matter, as it must meet many requirements.

Wooden kitchen countertop - what could be more comfortable and beautiful?

Features of varnishes for countertops

Today, many types of varnish coatings for the kitchen are manufactured and they all differ in their composition and properties. To understand what varnish to coat the kitchen table top with, you need to know the main features of these substances:

• Acrid smell
• Drying time
• Protective properties
• High temperature resistance
• Fire properties
• Environmental friendliness
• Adhesive properties

Important! Once dry, most varnish coatings are odorless, but some substances may emit an unpleasant odor during use. Such compositions usually dry quickly. Conversely, there are compositions that are almost odorless, but they harden for a very long time - up to two weeks.

Many modern coatings can withstand temperatures up to +300 degrees and at the same time have fire-fighting properties. When heated, they release special substances that prevent the wood from smoldering and igniting.

Many modern coatings can withstand temperatures up to +300 degrees and at the same time have fire-fighting properties.

It is very important that the varnish for the kitchen countertop does not emit harmful or toxic substances. Modern compositions undergo the necessary control at the production stage and are safe after drying. However, when they dry, they can emit a pungent and toxic odor. In any case, it would be superfluous to ask for a GOST certificate of conformity when purchasing.

It is very important that the varnish for the kitchen countertop does not emit harmful or toxic substances.

The adhesive properties of the composition determine how deeply it penetrates into the material. This will prevent the varnish from peeling, cracking or bubbling.

The adhesive properties of the composition determine how deeply it penetrates into the material.

Protective film for the table according to your size

Protective film for the table is an excellent solution to preserve the beauty and original appearance of the tabletop. It is indistinguishable from glass, but at the same time it looks like a layer of varnish or epoxy resin.

The surface covered with such a film is reliably protected from external influences. The polymer film will not be damaged either by high temperature or by an accidental cut with a kitchen knife.

As you might guess, the main function of transparent film on the table is protective. However, some users purchase them to improve the appearance of the desk. She looks very aristocratic and reserved. In other words, this is an ideal solution for arranging offices or catering premises.

The growing demand for protective film, as well as the intensive development of technology, stimulate the replenishment of the market with new types of goods.

Main parameters of protective film

Today, film can vary in several basic parameters:

• Dimensions. In most cases, film is sold by the meter, and the length of the cut is chosen only by the buyer. You can buy protective film for the table in sizes from 60 to 120 centimeters in width, and from half a meter to tens of meters in length.
• Thickness. This parameter is selected individually, depending on the target orientation of the film being purchased. For the home, on a regular varnished tabletop, it is better to choose the thinnest film, up to one and a half millimeters. For a glass tabletop or for tables in a cafe, you should choose a film of two or more millimeters.
• Form. Often this film is purchased for round tabletops. However, you may not have the skills or the right tool to adjust the shape yourself. For such cases, some furniture companies offer a shape cutting service.
• Material. You can buy a protective film for the table made of PVC, silicone or plastic. They differ, most often, not so much in strength as in tactile characteristics. Silicone films seem a little oily, plastic ones feel drier and softer, and so on.

How to protect a wooden table

The varnish coating adorns the wood. With it, the wood texture appears more clearly, the color becomes more saturated, and a specific gloss appears. The most important thing is that the coating protects the wood, and with it the service life of the wooden panel increases to 10 years.

Varnish coating decorates the wood

There are many factors in the kitchen that negatively affect wood: water, hot objects, sharp objects. High humidity and processes associated with cooking provoke the appearance of fungus on wood. The varnish coating protects from all this.

There are many factors in the kitchen that negatively affect wood: water, hot objects, sharp objects.

This type of wood processing is a very complex and labor-intensive process that consists of several stages. How to varnish a tabletop is an art. Since after the composition has hardened, nothing can be changed without a complete rework, the preparatory stages are carried out very carefully.

How to varnish a tabletop is an art.

The surface is completely cleaned, sanded and treated with a special chemical remover. After this, it is wiped with alcohol or acetone, which completely removes traces of fat. Then the composition is applied in three layers, each layer being given time to dry and harden.

The surface is completely cleaned, sanded and treated with a special chemical remover.

Important! The quality of the pre-treatment determines the protection of the wood under the varnish coating and the durability of the latter. Remaining grease or moisture can cause defects or rot in the wood.

What varnish to coat the tabletop with?

When choosing a composition, you need to set your main priorities:

• Will the work be done independently or by specialists?
• processing will be at home or in a special workshop
• how long does it take to dry the varnish?
• Is it necessary to adjust the color of the wood?

These points are essential when choosing the type of varnish.

Main types of wood varnish

Alcohol based varnish

Contains resins dissolved in alcohol. When the alcohol weathers, the resins form a strong protective foam on the surface of the products. These substances dry very quickly, but at the same time have a strong unpleasant odor. It is not recommended to stay indoors when drying.

Contains resins dissolved in alcohol.

Oil varnishes

Eco-friendly formulations that do not contain harmful evaporating substances. The disadvantage of this type of coating is the long drying time - about two weeks. After drying, the material is given a yellow tint. This type is the least durable, its service life is about 5 years.

Eco-friendly formulations that do not contain harmful evaporating substances.

Nitrocellulose varnish

A solution of nitrocellulose in a special substance. The composition dries quickly, is very durable and reliable in use. Its service life is up to 10 years. This coating is heat-resistant and you can place hot objects on it. Another advantage of this type is its low affordable price.

A solution of nitrocellulose in a special substance.

Its main disadvantage is its high toxicity. When hardened, it has a sharp, unpleasant and toxic odor. A light specific aroma remains even after hardening.

Its main disadvantage is its high toxicity.

Water based varnish

It takes much longer to dry than oil-based ones – from two to three weeks. Eco-friendly, does not contain harmful impurities. It has a delicate consistency and covers the material with the thinnest film, practically without changing its color. Among the disadvantages, one can note a short service life - up to 3 years.

It takes much longer to dry than oil-based ones – from two to three weeks.

Polyurethane varnishes

High-quality modern coating. Dries quickly and creates a durable elastic film. It is the high elasticity of the film that distinguishes this type. Thanks to this property, the coating is resistant to chips, scratches and other mechanical influences. This type is also heat-resistant and is not afraid of hot objects.

Dries quickly and creates a durable elastic film.

There are options with different shades and textures: glossy, matte, semi-matte. It has a slight unpleasant odor that disappears after hardening. The second disadvantage of this type is the high price.

It has a slight unpleasant odor that disappears after hardening.

Silicone tablecloth

Nowadays, kitchen tables are something of a work of art. The more expensive it is, the greater the desire to show off the acquired beauty without hiding the tabletop behind colored tablecloths. On the other hand, there is a desire to protect the surface from scratches, chips, and difficult to remove stains. For such a case, a transparent film was created.

Transparent silicone tablecloth

Transparent silicone tablecloth

Silicone tablecloth for kitchen table is also known as flexible/liquid/soft glass, protective film, table cover. However, in all cases we are talking about a tablecloth made of silicone or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) up to 3 mm thick. This means that the film can be thin or thick: 1 mm, 1.8 mm, etc. The flexibility of the transparent lining will directly depend on this - the thinner the silicone, the more flexible it is.

Advantages:

• Transparent silicone oilcloth is almost invisible on the surface of the kitchen table. The original beauty of the tabletop will be visible: a beautiful cut of wood, a textured surface, carvings, a marble pattern or a classic white table...
• High temperature resistance – the film is not afraid of high temperatures up to 80°C. It does not lose properties down to -10°C.
• Practicality. Flexible glass is resistant to scratches and other mechanical damage. But in the kitchen the main “pests” are the knife and fork. Also, protective film is irreplaceable in a family with small children.
• Easy to clean on a daily basis: the smooth surface does not accumulate germs, bacteria, or dirt, so to clean the tablecloth you only need a soft sponge/cloth with microfiber and a non-abrasive cleaner. The film is not afraid of felt-tip pens, paints and other coloring substances. The water-repellent composition of the material will protect your kitchen table.
• Silicone tablecloth is suitable for any furniture surface: wooden tables, glass, natural or artificial stone. Even classic fabric tablecloths can be covered with a transparent overlay. At the same time, the soft film does not slip on any surface, fits tightly, leaving no air bubbles.
• Due to its flexibility and lightness, working with a tablecloth is very simple. No special skills are required to lay it on the surface of the kitchen table.
• Suitable for any tabletop shape: from round to complex design. Silicone is easily cut with a stationery knife, and if you need to get a complex shape, you can make an individual order.
• The environmentally friendly material does not cause allergies, it is absolutely safe for people and animals. It is practically odorless and does not emit toxic substances, even when exposed to high temperatures. Therefore, table manufacturers recommend the use of silicone tablecloths on the kitchen table.
• Non-slip material will not cause broken dishes. Plates, cups, glasses, forks do not slip on the transparent cover.
• No sounds! No matter what cutlery is thrown onto the silicone, there will be no ringing sound. The material completely absorbs it.

Silicone tablecloth or soft glass
Let's note the disadvantages that we have collected based on numerous customer reviews about a transparent silicone tablecloth:

• Most clear flexible glass will yellow over time on the table due to exposure to sunlight. But there are manufacturers who add special chemicals to the silicone composition, which preserves the transparency of the protective film for as long as possible.
• It can “go in waves” if you stretch the tablecloth too much to the sides. This is especially true when purchasing flexible glass by the meter, when the seller literally pulls the silicone out of the stuck together roll. This must be done carefully. Be careful when purchasing.
• Smell. Like any new thing, silicone film still has a specific, rather strong chemical smell. Therefore, before laying the transparent oilcloth on the table, it is recommended to hold it outside or on the balcony. As soon as the smell disappears, the tablecloth can be laid on the table.
• Soft glass is slightly deformed and decreases in length. However, if you cut the tablecloth, leaving a small margin, after some time the edges will form a small wave. According to customer reviews, the protective film shrinks within one month. So be patient.
• Despite its heat resistance and scratch protection, it is not recommended to place pots off the heat on a silicone tablecloth or to cut food without a board. Take care of the item and it will definitely have a long service life.

How to stick a protective film on a table without bubbles. Film installation. Flexible glass. Video

Colored silicone tablecloth or with a pattern

Any plain table (or maybe not a plain one) can be given a new color or a complex pattern can be added. After renovating your kitchen, you don’t have to throw away a table that may not fit into the new interior. It is enough to purchase a colored silicone tablecloth. Due to its low cost, you can change the look of your kitchen by replacing transparent films at least every year.

A flexible rug can be less “boring” and barely noticeable on the kitchen counter. Manufacturers offer colored soft glass, with a complex pattern, with lace or fringe, matte or glossy... In a wide range you will definitely find “your” tablecloth.

Colored silicone film on the kitchen table

Which is better: glossy or matte silicone tablecloth?

Before purchasing a transparent protective table cover, analyze the surface on which it will be covered.

Transparent glossy film is better suited for kitchen tables with a grooved or matte surface. The contact between the film and the table surface will be maximum, without bubbles. Such an overlay will not slide. However, it may seem that smooth flexible glass is ideal for a glossy table (for example, with a glass top). But if you lightly press the oilcloth with your fingers, or place the mug on the table, marks will remain, as if there is water or marks between the overlay and the tabletop. After lifting the tablecloth, the marks disappear. To avoid this, use only matte silicone for glossy surfaces .

The matte glossy silicone film has a glossy surface on the top side, and a corrugated surface on the bottom side, the so-called “shagreen”. If your table has a smooth surface, including glass or plastic, choose frosted flexible glass. However, unlike a glossy film, a matte film will not be in full contact with the grooved pattern of the table, so some slipping is possible.

Matte silicone pad

Main advantages of varnish

Due to the wide variety of varnish coatings, this method of protecting wood is the most popular compared to oil impregnation. Despite some of the disadvantages mentioned above, this method has many positive aspects:

• Strength and durability, does not require restoration during its service life
• Possibility to choose the desired shade and adjust the color of the wood
• Protects wood from fire and combustion
• Protects wood from moisture
• Gives a perfectly smooth surface

Tabletop care

Unlike other types of surfaces, wood requires constant care and attention to use. Varnish coating is not a panacea for damage and scratches. First of all, it prevents moisture, grease, and salt from entering and absorbing into the wood, thereby corroding it.

Unlike other types of surfaces, wood requires constant care and attention to use.

It is also important to protect the varnish coating itself from damage: do not place it hot on the countertop, do not allow moisture or grease to remain on it for a long time. Otherwise it will cause white spots to appear. If, however, the table was damaged, the covering will have to be completely restored. To do this, the object is completely sanded, removing the thinnest top layer and coated with a new layer of varnish.

It is also important to protect the varnish coating itself from damage: do not place it hot on the countertop, do not allow moisture or grease to remain on it for a long time.

What are the advantages of furniture film?

The main function of such materials is to preserve the original appearance of the furniture facade. They provide complete protection of the product coating during transportation, reduce the risk of rubbing and increase their service life and storage. On the other hand, it can be used at home, in cases of repairs, or simply to protect furniture from various types of damage.

The advantages of protective film are:

• high mechanical resistance to various damages (prevents chips or scratches, provides protection against impacts);
• temperature stability (can withstand temperature increases up to +80 degrees;
• low absorption rates, moisture resistance;
• do not transmit ultraviolet radiation;
• easy to use and care.

Despite the fact that the protective film has a thickness of 30-50 microns, it has high strength and elastic characteristics.

When various detergents with an aggressive composition come into contact with the coating material, no damage remains, this allows it to be used to protect the facade of furniture in bathrooms and kitchens.

If we talk about environmental properties, then its composition does not contain toxic substances, this prevents the formation of mold between the facade and the coating. Such materials can be used in children's rooms.

Alternative options

A good alternative to varnish for a kitchen countertop is to impregnate the wood with vegetable oils. Typically, mixtures of tung, linseed, and citrus oils are used.

A good alternative to varnish for a kitchen countertop is to impregnate the wood with vegetable oils.

The main advantages of oil impregnation compared to varnishing:

Environmentally friendly. Oils do not contain harmful substances that are necessary for film formation.

Oils do not contain harmful substances that are necessary for film formation.

Ease of use. Small scratches here are practically not noticeable and do not spoil the appearance. In case of serious damage to the surface, the damaged part can be sanded and then coated with oil again. Moreover, you can do this yourself. When restoring a varnish coating, it is necessary to treat the entire surface completely.

Small scratches here are practically not noticeable and do not spoil the appearance. In case of serious damage to the surface, the damaged part can be sanded and then re-coated with oil.

Oil impregnation does not change color and does not look noticeable, preserving the natural appearance of the wood. Oils can dry completely or partially. In the first case, they form a durable film; in the second, they can be erased from the surface of the wood over time.

Oil impregnation does not change color and does not look noticeable, maintaining the natural appearance of the wood.

General information

The oilcloth for the table is made from laminated protective transparent PVC film. Production - South Korea.

The product has a shiny laminated surface and reliably protects the table from any damage. The oilcloth structure is flexible and durable. It is tear-resistant, practically does not wrinkle and cannot be cut with a knife. Soft glass remains transparent for a long time and retains all its properties.

Thanks to the flexible tablecloth, wear and tear on the tabletop is reduced. Dust on the surface covered with a protective film is practically invisible, any dirt can be easily wiped off without scratching or staining the table material.

Where can I use it?

Flexible glass is intended for use:

• in any office;
• in the kitchen;
• in the dining room;
• in a restaurant (cafe).

Which table is it suitable for?

Protective film is suitable for all types of tables, but is especially relevant for glass and lacquered ones. The tablecloth protects the kitchen table from cuts, the desk from rubbing, and the dining table from accidental stains.

It can also be any table in shape:

• rectangular;
• square;
• round;
• oval;
• non-standard shape.

Tip On a rough surface (for example, unpolished wood or textured PVC film), flexible glass will constantly slide. To hold it, you will have to use gentle glue.

Main characteristics

Before purchasing the product, you must select the thickness:

• 1.2 mm is used to protect chests of drawers, window sills, children's and school tables;
• 1.8 mm is well suited for the kitchen (protection of tables and countertops), children's (protection of desks) and office (protection of tables and window sills);
• 2.2 mm is designed to protect large surfaces and helps emphasize the premium quality of the interior.

Liquid glass on the table has the following characteristics:

• Duration of operation - up to 5 years;
• transparency - 98%;
• hardness - 37;
• blue pigment that protects against yellowness;
• resistance to sunlight;
• food standard - the material is allowed for contact with food;
• synthetic smell - absent;
• There are no heavy metal impurities in the composition.

Advantages of flexible glass

Main advantages of the product:

• easy to trim after shrinkage;
• has a comfortable temperature range - from –20 to +80;
• merges with the surface;
• just spread out;
• does not slip, lies well under its own weight;
• greasy stains are not eaten away;
• any dirt is easily removed.

If you want, you can decorate the tablecloth. Any stickers can be easily attached to the silicone surface. You can also paint it with permanent paint, or attach fringe around the perimeter.

Main disadvantages

Over time, the film may shrink. This happens even against the backdrop of careful operation and proper maintenance. The color of the film becomes cloudy, and the product itself takes on a sloppy appearance.

The deformation cannot be corrected, and therefore you have to purchase a new tablecloth.

Features of wood and additional recommendations

Whatever coating is chosen, it is only a complement and decoration of the main material - wood. It is important to remember that this is living material. The accuracy and dangers of moisture, fats and high temperatures were discussed above.

Whatever coating is chosen, it is only a complement and decoration of the main material - wood.

To preserve the countertop, it is also necessary to maintain an even microclimate in the kitchen, avoiding strong changes in temperature and humidity. Such changes may cause the product to become deformed or even crack. Unfortunately, no coating protects wood from sudden changes in microclimate.

To preserve the countertop, it is also necessary to maintain an even microclimate in the kitchen, avoiding strong changes in temperature and humidity.

With proper care and accuracy, a wooden tabletop will last a long time and will delight you with its comfort and nobility.