Processing the edge of a chipboard table top. Treating the ends of the tabletop with sealant - why, where, how much. How to cover a wooden countertop in the kitchen: Belinka

An ordinary kitchen countertop, used in most kitchen sets, is a sheet of chipboard covered 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 treated for several reasons: protection from water, strong heat (from hob), decorative function. The ends are processed in two ways: by gluing a special edge for the table top, or by installing a metal end strip. Let's consider the second method in detail.

Tools and materials needed to install the end strip:

1. Phillips screwdriver No. 1.
2. Metal drill with a diameter of 8 mm (if necessary).
3. Metal drill with a diameter of 4.5-5.0 mm (if necessary).
4. Hacksaw for metal.
5. File with fine notches.
6. Transparent silicone sealant (colorless).
7. Self-tapping screws 3.0x16 mm (3 pcs. for each end strip).

To correctly install the end strip on the countertop, firstly, you need to choose the right end strip itself. The 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 plank coating (matte or glossy). Sometimes there are “left” and “right” end strips for installation on the left and right end of the tabletop, respectively (nowadays almost all end strips are made universal, installed on any side). Below in the photo you can see the entire simple process of installing a universal end strip on a 28 mm thick tabletop. The main thing is to thoroughly treat the end of the tabletop with silicone sealant, similar to treating the cut of the tabletop with.

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

Apply silicone sealant to the end of the countertop. Cover the entire end with an even layer.

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

Apply a strip of sealant to the L-shaped edge. We apply the plank to the end of the tabletop, align the plank flush with the front overhang of the tabletop (the protrusion of the plank is allowed no more than 1 mm) and press the plank down so that the side is pressed tightly against the plastic of the tabletop (the sealant should be squeezed out from under the side).

If the holes on the end plate have insufficient countersink width for the screw head (this is usually the case), then you need to carefully (using a drill with a diameter of 8 mm) expand the countersink so that the screw is recessed flush. We tighten all the screws one by one, making sure that the bar does not move from its place.

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

If the end strip is installed on a tabletop of 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. Trimming the plank, finishing.

Using a hacksaw, cut the strip flush with the back overhang of the tabletop. We process the cut with a file. Use a clean cloth to remove excess sealant from all sides.

The surface of the table in the kitchen is an essential part of kitchen furniture; it is subject to constant mechanical stress and is damaged over time. Therefore, owners of kitchen furniture ask themselves an important 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 located on top floor cabinets The headset is used as a work area for cutting food and preparing food, as well as a place to place household appliances and kitchen utensils. Such a working area must be resistant to impacts and various mechanical damage, to the effects of temperature, ultraviolet radiation 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 wooden tables.

The advantages of countertops made of wood are:

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

The disadvantages of countertops made from wood raw materials are:

• ease of fire;
• ease of contamination;
• can be scratched easily;
• is quite expensive.

Ways to protect your kitchen work surface

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

There are several ways to do this:

1. Use oil to treat objects made of wood, which is absorbed into the material and prevents the fibers from swelling when wet. The following industrial products can be used for wooden surfaces: OSMO TopOil, Belinka, Adler Legno or many others. To treat the work area together with this substance or even instead of it, use a special wax. But it is necessary to remember that such a product will have to be renewed over time, that is, applied again.
2. Treat it several times with a special varnish for wood surfaces. If desired, a little pigment is added to it so that the deep fibers of the wood become darker, and the cooking surface itself acquires expressiveness.

Oil coating for kitchen units

Oil protects furniture from not only moisture, but also from chemical, natural and household influences. This industrial product is largely colorless and can be plant-based, mineral-based or synthetic.

These 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 treated furniture is preserved for quite a long time.
2. It does not dry at all or dries only half and saturates the wood quite deeply. It is made using natural ingredients. It is removed using mechanical force.

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

The oil is applied using a brush or cloth that does not leave lint, it is applied along the entire length of the fibers. The very first layer should dry for twelve hours, then a new layer is applied. Their total quantity in this composition depends on the method in which the product itself will be applied. If a brush is used, two treatments will be done. And when using a rag, you need to do three or four layers. After the composition is completely absorbed, the entire treated area 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 surface for working with food, emphasizes its “pattern”.
2. It leaves the original 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 the outer part of the object for such treatment is exposed to elevated temperatures, then the product does not delaminate and does not flow.
4. Furniture oil is environmentally friendly, so contact of food ingredients with a surface containing the described composition will not harm human health.
5. Oil hides small scratches, worn areas and stains left by cookware.
6. If there is a need to renew contaminated areas, 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 it elasticity and prevents it from drying out.

Updating the tree workspace

No matter how carefully the work area in the food preparation room is used, over time it still loses its original appearance. After which 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 tabletop with sandpaper or a sanding machine;
• cover up all defects with special putty;
• walk over the surface to be treated with paint containing 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 using stencils).

You can decorate the working part of the kitchen furniture using the decoupage technique. This technique consists of gluing decorative napkins onto the item being renewed, and then varnishing them several times.

Another way to update is to use a film of self-adhesive material, which allows you to give the updated item the appearance of a wood surface, stone, marble, leather or metal. Before gluing, the part of the furniture to be treated will have to be washed thoroughly, 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 cut the film correctly. Pieces of this film need to be cut out a little bigger size than the table itself. After gluing, do not leave any bumps or folds on the film. Smoothing the film is done with a plastic scraper.

Caring for your cutting board

No matter what 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 vary. Kitchen boards are created using plastic, special glass or wood (most often chosen because 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 damages. If you use sunflower or olive-based oil to cover the cutting surface, it may deteriorate after some time, and the board will need to be thrown away. Products based on coconuts or flax are expensive, but will not allow the cutting surface to become unusable.

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

Beeswax can be added to this cutting board coating to add density to the coating. 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 board until it shines.

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

• hot water and detergent containing surfactants;
• vinegar;
• hydrogen peroxide;
• chlorine-containing bath cleaning products.

Restoring a wood countertop

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

Restoration is carried out as follows:

• all damaged areas must be removed;
• dry and sand the outer part of the table to be restored;
• make a mixture containing sawdust and polyvinyl acetate glue;
• fill everything with the mixture empty seats in the table that appeared after sanding, wood putty 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 ​​the object.

To remove small scratches, you can wipe the problem area with strongly brewed black tea, kernel walnut, a mixture of vinegar with olive extract, and you can also use machine oil.

If there are scratches on a wooden surface that are deep, then sandpaper is used to sand it, and then sanding. 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 kitchen countertop made of wood in good condition, it is best to coat it with a composition based on oil based with the addition of wax. And to preserve the board for cutting food, it would also be good for her to do this 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 solid wood or chipboard sheets lined with plastic. If you don’t 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 caring for raw materials will avoid unpleasant consequences. In addition, there are many effective approaches that help 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 on the surface of the tabletop, it is necessary to observe following rules for the implementation of work:

1. You should use cutting boards when preparing food, even if you don't need to cut anything. When cutting food, you need to ensure that the process does not go beyond the special stand.
2. You should not leave knives and forks on the surface of the countertop; it is because of them that chipboard sheets quickly become covered with a layer of scratches. Drops of water and food particles gradually clog into small holes, which causes swelling and warping of the wood.
3. If to work surface needs to 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 heavy exposure to moisture; during cleaning it is highly recommended not to use abrasives, metal sponges and brushes.

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

1. IN as a last resort the working 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 place it on wood, chipboard sheets and tiles. hot dishes, be sure to use a protective lining (you need to make sure that it is not made of metal or plastic, but wood or multi-layer fabric).

Even if all these rules are observed, the safety of the coating is not guaranteed. It is possible to reliably protect a wooden surface only by properly cleaning it 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 be just as problematic as grease stains. To prevent the surface of the countertop from darkening and becoming covered with signs of material decomposition, you need to take on board the following tips:

• Dry dirt, grease and traces of moisture must be removed immediately. You shouldn’t wait for the different components to mix and dry, turning into a dense crust.
• For regular cleaning of solid wood or chipboard sheets, it is allowed to use a weak and lukewarm soap solution.
• Stubborn stains can be removed with lemon juice. If you sprinkle a little salt on the surface of the dirt, you will be able to pull the dirt out of small scratches.
• It is recommended to treat darkened wood with a weak solution of hydrogen peroxide. Just pour it onto the stain and scrub 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 pull dirt out of cracks, preventing the expansion of wood, and bleach and disinfect the material.

It is better to treat a fresh countertop without using water for the first time. You can simply rub the stain with medium-grit sandpaper to remove the stain, then sand the surface with the mildest 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, solid wood can be hardened. True, this manipulation is very different from the approach used in the case of metal:

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

If the base material is chipboard sheets, then the optimal protection against damage will be the sealing procedure. To carry it out, we use ready-made polyurethane (for Food Industry), which we apply 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. You still can’t cut food on such a coating!

Furniture wax can be useful to restore wood and eliminate traces of cracks. To do this, heat it on the stove or in microwave oven. For one part of the product, take four parts of mineral oil and mix. While still warm, treat problem areas, carefully rubbing the product into the cracks. Let the mixture dry, then polish the surface with a soft cloth. This manipulation is recommended to be carried out at least once a year for preventive purposes.

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

• 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 changes and high humidity, which has a very serious effect on wood, in contrast to the same stone and especially high-quality plastic. At the same time, if we talk about the countertop, it is also necessary to note the effect of fats, detergents, knives and similar things found in the kitchen. The above-mentioned plastic and natural stone again win in this regard.

Finally, a quality work surface made from good breeds wood can be significantly more expensive than plastic, although cheaper than natural stone. Well, don’t forget the danger of fire.

Oil is the best way to protect wood

It doesn’t matter whether we are talking specifically about the countertop in the kitchen, or about other wooden furniture products, today varnish protection is practiced less and less. The reason is that the varnish is very non-ecological due to large quantity synthetic components. Well, in the case of this element of furniture, where food preparation takes place, the lack harmful chemicals and naturalness is very important. Wherein varnished surface often scratched and needs updating.

Modern oil formulations do not have all these disadvantages. By applying them to the sanded, untreated surface of the wood, we create a layer on it that has 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 have unpleasant odors, unlike varnishes. It is worth noting here that there are both natural oils, and synthetic, as well as mineral.

All wood oils are divided into two types - those that dry immediately and those that dry partially. The former themselves provide very serious protection for a wooden tabletop, creating a durable hard layer on its surface. The latter impregnate the 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 protecting countertops?

• 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 separate and do not become liquid;
• When applied to old wood, the oil protects the latter from drying out and destruction;
• If you need to renew a damaged fragment, using oil can do this as simply as possible. This will not work with varnish;
• Oil-impregnated wood retains the possibility of natural moisture exchange, which prevents the appearance of fungus.

Process of oiling a wooden tabletop

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 filled with putty.

Important! To apply the layer you must 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, you must wait until the previous one dries. The process usually lasts 12 hours.

Painting a wooden tabletop

If oil, for one reason or another, does not suit you very much, then paint may be an option to solve the problem. In the event that we are talking about old board, then many of the actions here are repeated with those listed above. We also need to first remove old layers of varnish or paint, then clean the surface of dirt and dust, sand it and smooth out any unevenness if there are any. After priming, several layers of alkyd paint are applied to the wood.

Tabletop film

There is another way to protect the wooden surface of the tabletop - by applying a self-adhesive film to it. This surface has a number of advantages:

• The film does not allow water to pass through and also withstands the effects of various liquids and household chemicals;
• Film designs are varied. The material can imitate both various surfaces, so have a drawing or pattern;
• If you want to update your appearance, you can remove old film and install a new one.

As a disadvantage, we can remember that this element is still artificial, which neutralizes all the above-described advantages of wood. In addition, when applying the film you must be careful, since the slightest mistake can lead to the appearance of folds and other defects that spoil the appearance of the wood.

How to prevent damage to your countertop

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

Do not wash the surface of the countertop with aggressive agents not intended for this purpose. chemicals. Try to choose the right cleaning product and do not delay cleaning.

Despite the fact that the countertop is still a work surface, it is still better to use an appropriate cutting board. Cutting board It can be plastic or wooden. In the case of the latter, certain care is also required:

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

If you still can’t protect the tabletop

Most often, damage to wood 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 treat it with sandpaper or a grinding machine;
• Place the mixture into the recesses sawdust and putty or polyvinyl acetate-based glue. Then place it under a press and let it dry for several days;
• Before painting or otherwise treating the surface, it is important to give the sealed areas a smooth appearance.

The nuances of choosing a wooden countertop

So that all the above problems arise for you as rarely as possible, and carry out repair work was not required. When choosing a wooden work surface for the kitchen, you need to take into account a number of nuances.

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. If you choose other options, pine is the best. It contains resins that protect the wood from rotting.

Manufacturing method. Solid countertops (solid), which were mentioned above, are not affordable for everyone. 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 types of wood that compose them. Veneer is a very thin covering of natural wood. In the case of the tabletop, he covers it with a slab of MDF or inexpensive types of wood. Finally, laminated options based on chipboard or MDF are very popular. They have a wide variety of appearances.

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

• Remove any puddles or debris to prevent the stain from being absorbed by cleaning the areas immediately.
• Wash the tree warm water with soap.
• Rub the stain with lemon juice. Clean the surface thoroughly to enhance suction power, sprinkle with salt and 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 any remaining chemicals.
• Sand the wood countertop to restore a fresh surface. First use sandpaper with 120 grit to remove stain. Then use 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 cause the wood to become loose or cracked as it eats away at the wood.

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

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