Processing the edge of the tabletop from chipboard. Sealing the ends of the countertops - why, where, how much. How to cover a wooden countertop in the kitchen: Belinka

A common kitchen worktop used in most kitchen sets, is a chipboard sheet coated on top with a special wear-resistant plastic. The bottom and ends of the tabletop do not have such a coating. If the bottom of the tabletop is hidden from view and should not have any special coatings, then the ends of the tabletop need to be processed for several reasons: protection from water, strong heat (from hob), a decorative function. The ends are processed in two ways: they glue a special edge for the countertop, or they install a metal end plate. Let's consider the second method in detail.

Tools and materials needed to install the end plate:

1. #1 Phillips screwdriver.
2. Drill for metal with a diameter of 8 mm (if necessary).
3. Drill for metal with a diameter of 4.5-5.0 mm (if necessary).
4. Hacksaw for metal.
5. File with small notches.
6. Sealant silicone transparent (colorless).
7. Self-tapping screws 3.0x16 mm (3 pcs. for each end plate).

To correctly install the end plate on the countertop, firstly, you need to choose the right end plate itself. End strips differ in height, that is, the thickness of the tabletop for which they are intended (28 or 38 mm), the radius of the overhang (3 or 6 mm) and the type of finish of the strip (matte or glossy). Sometimes there are "left" and "right" end strips for mounting on the left and right end of the countertop, respectively (now almost all end strips are made universal, installed on any side). Below, but in the photo, you can see the whole simple process of mounting the end universal bar on a 28 mm thick countertop. The main thing is to treat the end of the countertop well with silicone sealant, similar to processing the cut of the countertop when.

Step 1. Cleaning the end of the countertop from dust, applying silicone sealant.

We apply silicone sealant to the end of the countertop. We cover the entire end face with a uniform layer.

Step 2 Applying silicone sealant to the end strip, fixing the strip with self-tapping screws.

We apply a strip of sealant on the L-shaped side. We apply the bar to the end of the tabletop, align the bar flush with the front overhang of the tabletop (the protrusion of the bar is not more than 1 mm is allowed) and press the bar down so that the rim is firmly pressed against the plastic of the tabletop (sealant should squeeze out from under the rim).

If the holes on the end plate have insufficient countersinking width for the screw head (usually it happens), then it is necessary to carefully (using a drill with a diameter of 8 mm) expand the countersinking so that the self-tapping screw is recessed flush. We twist all the screws in turn, making sure that the bar does not budge.

We fasten the bar with self-tapping screws 3.0x16 mm.

If the end plate is installed on a worktop of a smaller width (less than the standard 600 mm), then it is necessary to drill additional (new) holes in the right places with a 4.5-5.0 mm drill, followed by countersinking.

Step 3 Plank cutting, finishing.

Using a hacksaw, cut the bar flush with the back overhang of the countertop. We process the cut with a file. Remove excess sealant from all sides with a clean cloth.

The plane of the table in the kitchen is an indispensable part of kitchen furniture, it is subjected to constant mechanical stress and is damaged over time. Therefore, the owners of kitchen furniture ask themselves a non-idle question: - How to cover the countertop so that it does not lose its presentation for many years?

In the kitchen, the top of the table or the area above floor cabinets the headset is used as a working area for cutting food and cooking, as well as a place to place household appliances and kitchen utensils. Such a work area must be resistant to impact and various mechanical damage, to influences of temperatures, an ultraviolet and water.

Features of wood countertops

Kitchen sets are made using various raw materials, such as wood. It can be either natural, that is, without a special composition applied on top, or coated with varnish or paint.

The table provides data on tables made of wood.

The advantages of countertops made of wood are:

• a large number of different forms;
• attractive appearance;
• ease of restoration work;
• This material is environmentally friendly and warm.

The disadvantages of countertops made from wood raw materials are:

• ease of ignition;
• ease of contamination;
• easily scratched;
• has a rather high cost.

Ways to protect the kitchen work surface

The working area of ​​the room in which food is prepared is exposed to various liquids, therefore, in order for it to serve for many years, it must be protected from water.

There are several ways to do this:

1. Apply an oil to treat objects made of wood, which is absorbed into the material and prevents the fibers from swelling when wet. For a wooden surface, the following industry products can be used: OSMO TopOil, Belinka, Adler Legno or many others. To treat the working area together with this substance or even instead of it, a special wax is used. But it must be remembered that such a tool will have to be updated over time, that is, applied again.
2. Treat it several times with a special varnish for wood planes. If desired, a little pigment is added to it so that the deep fibers of the tree become darker, and the plane itself for cooking becomes expressive.

Oil coating for kitchen units

Oil protects furniture from the influence of not only moisture, but also from chemical, natural and domestic influences. This industrial product is mostly colorless and can be vegetable, mineral, or synthetic.

Such coatings differ from each other in the drying method:

1. It dries completely, hardens after drying, it cannot be washed off with water and the original appearance of the processed furniture remains for quite a long time.
2. Not drying at all or drying to half, it impregnates the wood deeply enough. It is made using natural ingredients. It is removed by applying mechanical action.

Before applying such a tool, the treated plane is thoroughly cleaned of all contamination and dried. If necessary old paint or the varnish will have to be removed. And if there are defects, then they must be leveled with a special putty, and then sanded with sandpaper.

The oil is applied with a brush or a lint-free cloth over the entire length of the fibres. The very first layer should dry for twelve hours, then a new layer is applied. Their total amount in this composition depends on the method by which the agent itself will be applied. If a brush is used, two treatments will be done. And when using a rag, you need to make three or four layers. After complete absorption of the composition, the entire area to be treated should be wiped well with a soft and clean cloth.

The presented coating has a number of positive properties:

1. Does not change the color of the plane for working with food, emphasizes its "pattern".
2. Leaves the initial natural exchange of moisture in the surface and prevents the appearance of fungi, so the original appearance of the treated area does not change for a long time.
3. If elevated temperatures act on the outer part of the object for such processing, then the agent does not delaminate and does not flow.
4. Furniture oil is environmentally friendly, so the contact of food ingredients with the surface on which the described composition is present will not harm human health.
5. Oil hides small scratches, worn areas and stains left by dishes.
6. If it becomes necessary to renew contaminated areas, then you can remove only part of this coating, and then reapply it to the desired areas.
7. The oil is well suited even for aged wood containing pores, as it is deeply absorbed, gives elasticity to it and prevents it from drying out.

Updating the tree workspace

No matter how carefully the working area in the cooking room is used, it still loses its original appearance over time. After that, you can either buy a new headset, or try to update it. Coloring is the most in a simple way updates.

For coloring working area you need to do the following:

• clean the countertop with sandpaper or a grinding machine;
• cover all defects with a special putty;
• walk on the surface to be treated with paint with alkyd resin, the very first application of this paint will serve as a primer;
• if you wish, you can decorate the plane for kitchen work(draw something yourself or use stencils).

You can decorate the working part of kitchen furniture using the decoupage technique. This technique consists in the fact that decorative napkins are glued to the object to be updated, and then they are varnished several times.

Another way to update is to use a self-adhesive film, which allows you to give the updated item the appearance of a wood surface, stone, marble, leather or metal. Before pasting, the processed part of the furniture will have to be washed well, wiped dry and be sure to degrease.

Before using self-adhesive film, determine the dimensions of the area that needs to be updated in order to properly cut the film. Pieces of this film need to be cut a little bigger size than the table itself. After gluing, no bumps or wrinkles should be left on the film. The smoothing of the film is performed with a plastic scraper.

Cutting board care

Whatever material the kitchen countertop is covered with, it is better to cut food not on it itself, but on the surface of the cutting board. The raw materials for creating a cutting board can be different. kitchen boards are created using plastic, special glass or wood (most often chosen, as it is a natural antiseptic).

A new cutting board needs to be soaked, for which oil is suitable. This impregnation will protect it from liquid, food and bacteria getting inside it.

The oil layer of the board must be harmless to health and resistant to various damage. If oil based on sunflower or olives is used to cover the cutting surface, then after some time it may deteriorate, and this plank will need to be thrown away. Means based on coconut or flax are expensive, but they will not allow the cutting plane to become unusable.

A mineral-based oil is a good choice for cutting board coating. To do this, wipe the cutting board with it, wait until the composition is absorbed, and wipe it with a dry cloth. The procedure should be repeated once every thirty days.

Beeswax can be added to such a cutting board coating to give the coating a density. Wax will increase resistance to moisture and prevent aging of the cutting board. After applying the oil and wax, you will have to let the product dry, and then polish the outside of the plank to a shine.

You should also remember to disinfect the board for cutting ingredients for cooking. You can disinfect cutting boards using these methods:

• hot water and a detergent containing surfactants;
• vinegar;
• hydrogen peroxide;
• chlorine bath cleaners.

Wood countertop restoration

Under negative influence liquid and high temperature, the top of the table may become higher, become loose or delaminate, after which the wooden surface must be restored.

Recovery is carried out as follows:

• all damaged areas must be removed;
• dry and sand the restorable outer part of the table;
• make a mixture containing sawdust and polyvinyl acetate glue;
• fill with the resulting mixture empty seats in the table that appeared after grinding, putty for wood is also suitable for these purposes;
• leave the restored item under pressure until it dries for about one day;
• as soon as the table is completely dry, it must be protected with a product containing silicone, oiled or varnished over the entire area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe object.

To remove small scratches, you can wipe the problem area with strong brewed black tea, nucleolus walnut, a mixture of vinegar with an extract from olives, and you can also use machine oil.

If there are scratches on the wooden plane that are deep, then sandpaper is used to sand it, and then grinding. And to give the effects of glossiness and shine, you will have to use felt.

As a result of all of the above, we can conclude that in order to keep a wood kitchen worktop in good condition, it is best to cover it with a compound on oil based with added wax. And to save the board for cutting food, it would also be good for her to do such an application. Then these items will serve for a long time, provided that their protective coating is updated in a timely manner.

On modern kitchens you can find countertops made of artificial or natural stone, glass, of stainless steel, ceramic tiles, but most often a solid wood or chipboard sheets lined with plastic. If you do not know how to protect a capricious surface, there is a risk of its deformation and rapid destruction under the influence of moisture and other negative factors.

Compliance with the basic rules for the care of raw materials will avoid unpleasant consequences. In addition, there are many effective approaches that improve the quality of the product and its resistance to external influences.

Basic rules for working on the countertop and regular surface care

To prevent scratches and other types of damage to the surface of the worktop, it is necessary to observe following rules for the implementation of work:

1. Cutting boards should be used when preparing food, even if nothing needs to be cut. When cutting products, you need to ensure that the process does not go beyond the special stand.
2. Do not leave knives and forks on the surface of the countertop, it is because of them that chipboard sheets are quickly covered with a layer of scratches. Drops of water and food particles are gradually clogged into small holes, which causes the wood to swell and warp.
3. If to working surface must be attached manual meat grinder or similar unit, a soft cloth pad must be used.
4. Regardless of the material from which the surface of the countertop is made, it must be protected from prolonged and abundant exposure to moisture; it is highly recommended not to use abrasives, metal sponges and brushes during cleaning.

Tip: If the surface is additionally coated with varnish or paint, then the use of chemical cleaners, especially solvents, will also have to be abandoned.

1. IN last resort the work area can be protected with a special oilcloth. The main thing is to choose a material that does not change the aroma and taste of the processed products.
2. It is not recommended to put on wood, chipboard sheets and tiles hot dishes, be sure to use a protective lining (at the same time, you need to make sure that it is not made of metal or plastic, but wood or multilayer fabric).

Even if all these rules are observed, the safety of the coating is not guaranteed. A wooden surface can only be reliably protected by proper cleaning and special pre-treatment.

Methods for protecting countertops from the formation of persistent stains

No matter how carefully the work is carried out in a specialized area, the appearance of stains cannot be avoided, especially if it is located near the sink. Drops of water and detergent can cause no less problems than traces of grease. So that the surface of the countertop does not darken and does not become covered with signs of decomposition of the material, it is necessary to adopt the following tips:

• Dry dirt, grease and traces of moisture must be removed immediately. You should not wait until the different components mix and dry, turning into a dense crust.
• For regular cleaning of solid wood or chipboard sheets, a weak and slightly warm soapy solution is allowed.
• Stubborn stains can be removed with lemon juice. If at the same time a little salt is poured onto the surface of the pollution, then it will be possible to pull the dirt out of small scratches.
• A darkened tree is recommended to be treated with a weak solution of hydrogen peroxide. Just pour it on the stain and rub it off after a few minutes. soft cloth. The same manipulation allows you to disinfect the surface.
• In some cases, professional wood bleaches or homemade preparations based on oxalic acid help. They simultaneously draw dirt out of the cracks, preventing the expansion of the tree, bleach and disinfect the material.

It is better to process a fresh countertop without the use of water at first. You can simply rub the dirt with medium grit sandpaper to remove the stain, then sand the surface with the softest equivalent of the product.

Hardening and sealing wood - manipulations that increase the practicality of the material

To minimize damage from moisture and other external irritants, a massive tree can be hardened. True, this manipulation is very different from the approach that is used in the case of metal:

1. Pour a little heated mineral (not edible!) oil onto the working area. We wait a few minutes until the fibers absorb the right amount of product.
2. We take a rag and begin to rub the composition into the surface, acting in the direction of the fibers.
3. We leave the structure for half an hour so that the main component is well absorbed. We make sure that at this time no drops of water fall on the countertop, this will reduce the effectiveness of the approach.
4. We wipe the treated area with a waffle or paper towel removing excess oil.

If chipboard sheets are used as the main material, then the sealing procedure will be the best protection against damage. For its implementation, we use ready-made polyurethane (for Food Industry), which is applied to the problem area in at least three layers. After such a simple manipulation, there will be no problems with cleaning the countertop, and it will become indifferent to the effects of moisture. It is still impossible to cut products on such a coating!

Furniture wax can be useful to restore wood and eliminate traces of cracks. To do this, heat it up on the stove or in microwave oven. For one part of the product we take four parts of mineral oil, mix. We treat problem areas with a warm composition, carefully rubbing the drug into cracks. Leave the mass to dry, and then polish the surface with a soft cloth. Such manipulation is recommended to be carried out at least once a year for the purpose of prevention.

In the vast majority of cases kitchen countertops are wooden surfaces, since wood is common and relatively affordable option. Environmental friendliness and good appearance are its advantages. But at the same time, one should not forget the susceptibility to destruction due to numerous external influences. However, this problem is solvable, since covering the countertop with protective components will help make the wood strong and durable, and improve its appearance even more.

• Wooden countertops, unlike plastic ones, are environmentally friendly;
• Unlike countertops made of natural stone, wooden counterparts are cheaper;
• Naturalness in design. Attractive appearance;
• Ease of restoration.

Disadvantages of wood as a component of kitchen furniture

The kitchen is characterized by strong temperature fluctuations and high humidity, which has a very serious effect on wood, in contrast to the same stone and especially high-quality plastic. detergents, knives and similar things found in the kitchen. The above-mentioned plastic and natural stone again win in this regard.

Finally, a high-quality work surface made of good breeds wood can be significantly more expensive than plastic, although cheaper than natural stone. And don't forget the risk of fire.

Oil is the best way to protect wood

It does not matter whether it is a kitchen countertop or other wooden furniture products, today varnish protection is practiced less and less. The reason is that the varnish is not very environmentally friendly due to a large number synthetic components. Well, in the case of this element of furniture, where cooking takes place, the absence harmful chemistry and naturalness is very important. Wherein lacquered surface often scratched and in need of updating.

All these shortcomings are deprived of modern oil formulations. By applying them to the sanded raw wood surface, we create a layer on it that is distinguished by excellent resistance to water and other influences. At the same time, the texture of the wood does not change, but the oil itself does not unpleasant odors, unlike varnishes. It is worth noting here that there are natural oils, and synthetic, as well as mineral.

All oils for wood are divided into two types - those that dry immediately, and those that dry partially. The former on their own represent a very serious protection for a wooden countertop, creating a durable solid layer on its surface. The latter impregnate wood to a certain depth. Wherein upper layer oils can be removed, and wax can be applied on top, for example.

What are the benefits of oil in countertop protection?

• Complete safety in contact with food, which is important for the kitchen;
• Oils allow you to mask scratches and minor damage to wood;
• Resistance to high temperatures. Such oils do not delaminate and do not become liquid;
• When applied to old wood, the oil prevents the latter from drying out and breaking down;
• If necessary, update the damaged fragment, using oil, you can do this as simply as possible. With varnish, this will not work;
• The tree impregnated with oil retains the possibility of natural moisture exchange, which prevents the appearance of fungus.

The process of oiling a wooden countertop

Before starting work, you need to make sure that the wood is clean and that there are no remnants of the old paintwork on it. In this case, the surface must be carefully leveled and sanded. The recesses can be patched.

Important! To apply the layer, use a brush or soft cloth. The main thing is that the latter does not leave traces.

Working with a brush, it is enough to apply two layers. In the case of fabric, at least four are needed. When applying each subsequent layer, it is necessary to wait for the previous one to dry. The process usually takes 12 hours.

Coating a wooden tabletop with paint

If oil, for one reason or another, does not suit you very much, then paint can become an option for solving the problem. In case it is about old blackboard, then many actions here are repeated with the above. We also need to first clean up old layers of varnish or paint, then clean the surface of dirt and dust, sand it and smooth out irregularities, if any. After priming, several layers of alkyd paint are applied to the wood.

Film for countertop

You can protect the wooden surface of the countertop in another way - by applying a self-adhesive film to it. Such a surface has several advantages:

• The film does not pass water, and also endures the effects of various liquids and household chemicals;
• The design of the film is varied. The material can simulate like various surfaces, so have a drawing, or a pattern;
• If you want to update the look, you can remove old film and mount a new one.

As disadvantages, we can recall that this element is still artificial, which eliminates all the advantages of the tree described above. In addition, when applying the film, you must be careful, since the slightest mistake can lead to wrinkles and other defects that spoil the appearance of the wood.

How to prevent damage to the countertop

Even taking into account the relative fragility of wood, its correct operation can significantly extend the lifespan and maintain the original appearance. All that is needed for this is to follow a few simple rules.

Do not wash the surface of the countertop with non-aggressive chemicals. Try to choose the right cleaner and do not delay cleaning.

Despite the fact that the countertop is still a work surface, it is better to use the appropriate board for cutting. Cutting board available in plastic or wood. In the case of the latter, some care is also required:

• To increase the protective qualities, as in the case of the countertop, wooden board for cutting can be coated with oil or antibacterial impregnation;
• A simple means of protection - the usual sunflower or olive oil. To maintain the protective effect, it is recommended to apply at least once a month;
• Remember to wash the board thoroughly with hot water after each use, and also dry it well. As a preventive measure, you can wipe the board with hydrogen peroxide or vinegar. If there is serious contamination, use detergents.

If you still failed to protect the countertop

Most often, damage to the tree appears in the form of chips or dents. In this case, the wood often rots, and these areas also need to be removed, which again leads to the formation of voids that need to be filled. In this case, you need to perform several actions:

• Thoroughly clean the surface of the wood, and also process it with sandpaper or a grinder;
• Place the mixture in the holes sawdust and putties, or glue based on polyvinyl acetate. Then place under the press and let dry for several days;
• Before painting or other surface treatment, it is important to give the patched areas an even appearance.

The nuances of choosing a wooden countertop

So that all of the above problems occur to you as rarely as possible, and holding repair work was not required. When choosing a wooden worktop for the kitchen, there are a number of nuances to consider.

Material. If we talk about wood, then the most the best options are oak, teak, walnut and beech and others. These breeds are strong and durable. But they are also the most expensive. In the case of choosing other options, pine is the best. It contains resins that protect the wood from decay.

Manufacturing method. Solid countertops (array), which were mentioned above, not everyone can afford. Therefore, in the selection process, people often give options to glued models. The latter, especially if they consist of different breeds wood, can combine the strength, visual appeal and positive features of all varieties of their constituent wood. Veneer is a very thin layer of natural wood. In the case of a countertop, he glues a slab of MDF or inexpensive types of wood. Finally, laminated options based on chipboard or MDF are very popular. They differ in a wide variety of appearance.

Provide stain protection. Keep your countertop clean to protect it from stains. Stains, dirt and greyness can form on the surface of a wood countertop if it is not cleaned regularly.

• Remove any puddles and debris to prevent the stain from soaking in, clean areas immediately.
• wash the tree warm water with soap.
• Wipe the stain with lemon juice. Scrub the surface thoroughly to increase the suction power, sprinkle with salt and drizzle with lemon juice.
• Mix 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide in one glass of warm water. Pour some of the solution onto the stain. Wait a few minutes. Wipe with a piece of cloth.
• Use wood bleach or oxalic acid to remove the stain. Rinse the area with water to remove chemical residue.
• Sand the wood countertop to restore a fresh surface. First use sandpaper with 120 grit to remove the stain. Then take 180 grit sandpaper to sand the surface.
• Do not use vinegar to clean wood countertops unless the wood has been sealed. Vinegar can dissolve the glue that holds the wood together and make the wood loose or cracked as it eats away at the wood.

Harden the wood in the same way that a cast iron pan needs to be seasoned.

• Pour enough warm mineral oil onto the countertop. Oils help prevent warping and cracking. The wood will absorb as much oil as it needs, so don't worry about too much oil.
• Make sure you are using edible oil. Do not use cooking oil. Over time, these oils will go rancid when exposed to air and will give off an unpleasant odor.
• Use a rag to rub the oil into the wood.
• Rub the oil in the direction of the wood fibers.
• Let the oil soak into the wood for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Wipe the surface with a cloth or paper towel to remove excess oil.