The kitchen is a place where various processes related to cooking and caring for dishes and other utensils are carried out daily. This explains the fact that this room, like no other, requires frequent and thorough cleaning. Frequent use of detergents and abrasive materials can damage the appearance of kitchen furniture over time. This is especially true for work surfaces and the dining table.
Content
- What is a “soft glass” tablecloth?
- Advantages of “soft glass” film for table
- Properties and composition of the product
- What tabletops are suitable for the “soft glass” tablecloth?
- Sizes and shapes of the flexible glass tablecloth
- How to Properly Lay and Trim a Tablecloth on a Glass Table
- Recommendations for the care of “soft glass”
- VIDEO: A detailed review of the “Soft Glass” tablecloth.
What is a “soft glass” tablecloth?
Tablecloths or oilcloths have always been used to protect table coverings. However, as experience shows, they can be quite impractical. However, progress does not stand still, and for modern housewives there is an alternative option: a transparent or translucent "soft glass" tablecloth. It is not only very practical, but also universal and will perfectly suit any interior.
The "soft glass" tablecloth is a thin (2 mm) smooth covering with a transparent or opaque surface. It is very flexible and does not form creases, bends, or folds.
Advantages of “soft glass” film for table
- Versatility.
It goes well with textiles, stone, wood and other materials. The transparent texture can make the texture of the tabletop more voluminous and multi-layered.
- Additional protection for tabletop coverings.
Such a kitchen tablecloth will prevent premature wear of furniture. It protects the table well from the impact of almost any destroyers: cuts and pricks with a knife, dents, absorption of cosmetics by the tabletop, fat, both vegetable and animal, alcohol, fillers for felt-tip pens and paints. "Soft glass" is not afraid of high temperatures, alkali and acid (if they are not concentrated).
- A variety of shapes and colours.
Thanks to this feature, such a tablecloth will suit any kitchen.
- Durability.
The "soft glass" film is durable and wear-resistant. It can last for many years without losing its appearance.
- Safety.
The material from which such tablecloths are made is non-toxic, hypoallergenic and non-flammable.
- Pricing policy.
The cost of the protective film "soft glass" is low, which makes it accessible to the general public.
Properties and composition of the product
The "soft glass" tablecloth is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a polymer compound often used in industry or construction, or silicone. These materials are not susceptible to the harmful effects of sunlight, moisture, and aggressive household chemicals. They adhere well to any table surface.
Thanks to a number of positive properties described in the previous paragraph, the “soft glass” tablecloth is an indispensable kitchen attribute.
What tabletops are suitable for the “soft glass” tablecloth?
This tablecloth is a real find. It is perfect for tabletops made of various materials.
- Glass.
Protects against cracks, scratches and chips. Due to its transparency, the "soft glass" tablecloth will be almost invisible on the glass.
- Wooden or metal.
Particles of food and household chemicals will not destroy or stain the surface. Such a film will extend the "life" of the tabletop many times over.
- Plastic.
Dyes and grease will not penetrate into the pores. The tabletop will also be protected from scratches and cuts.
- Stone.
It will soften impacts and prevent mechanical and chemical damage to the surface. Silicone and PVC are heat-resistant, so this coating will be an excellent protection for a stone countertop.
Sizes and shapes of the flexible glass tablecloth
Depending on the shape of the table, “soft glass” tablecloths come in the following forms.
- Round (standard size – 100, 115 cm).
- Oval (standard size – selected individually).
- Square (standard size – 50x50 cm).
- Rectangular (standard size – 50x100 cm – 100x250 cm with the possibility of modification).
The characteristics of the material they are made of allow them to be given almost any shape, even the most intricate and imaginative. The same applies to the size. It can be easily adjusted to the desired number.
There is a main rule that will help you choose the right size of the tablecloth (if it is silicone). It states that this decorative element should exceed the area of the tabletop by at least 20 percent. This applies to everyday tablecloths, but if we are talking about festive ones, then 70-80 percent is acceptable. Depending on the individual preferences of the home owners, these figures may vary.
The "flexible glass" tablecloth (both PVC and silicone) can be made strictly to the size of the table, without going beyond its borders. It can also be laid on a textile covering, then the pattern or design on it will look more voluminous and impressive.
How to Properly Lay and Trim a Tablecloth on a Glass Table
As a rule, the “soft glass” film is packed in a roll. This does not affect its shape and texture. However, when unpacking, do not use a knife.
There are no difficulties in laying it, but if we are talking about a glass surface, then for a quick and good result it is better to follow a special algorithm.
- Lay the film flat to allow it to shrink and straighten after unpacking.
- Adjust it to the size of the table (if necessary).
- Prepare the countertop: remove dust, moisture, dirt and stains.
- Place the film with the back side down on the table.
- Press it down, moving from the center to the edges.
- If there are any air bubbles left, spray the film with water and repeat the steps.
If the shape or size of the transparent glass tablecloth does not match the table, it can be trimmed.
You can leave the silicone film hanging from the tabletop. It will look very colorful.
But it is better to adjust the PVC tablecloth to the dimensions of the table surface (2-3 mm smaller than the main surface). How to do this?
- Make the necessary markings with a marker.
- Place on a cutting board.
- Cut off all excess with a stationery knife.
Recommendations for the care of “soft glass”
The transparent tablecloth "soft glass" does not require special care. It will be enough to wipe its surface with a soft sponge or a piece of lint-free cloth (it may stick to the film). In the fight against grease stains and traces of dyes, simple household chemicals for the kitchen, which are available in every home, will help.
Please note! Do not use abrasives (hard sponges and brushes, liquid gels with scratching granules) and undiluted alkalis and acids. They may damage the product.
The "soft glass" tablecloth appeared in the kitchen not so long ago, but quickly became an indispensable assistant in protecting surfaces from damage. It is also able to bring a special accent to the interior and become an original and practical solution.