Glass splashbacks have become a strong trend in the contemporary kitchen providing a slick and easy to clean surface with a practically infinite range of colours. Their popularity is partly down to the sleek look they promote, but also for more practical reasons 每 specifically the reduced maintenance they require, especially when compared to tiles. Tiles typically have grout lines which attract grime and mould, and may also require periodic sealing. Kitchens are also not the only place that splashbacks can be used, with any room that requires a clean, flat surface suitable 每 with bathrooms the most obvious location; though they also make excellent feature walls.
Installing A Splashback
Glass splashbacks can be specified clear, but most people want some form of colour to tie in with their other d谷cor or simply as an eye catching feature. This is achieved by applying paint to the rear surface of the glass, which is then fitted to the wall with special adhesive. This is typically done after all the benchtops, appliances and cabinetry have been completed, and installers will charge extra for any cut outs that are needed. If you are installing a whole kitchen it may be cheaper to get a quote for a splashback as part of the total cost. Alternatively the cost of a standalone splashback will be determined by a number of factors, specifically:
- Type of glass 每 normal float glass has a green tinge which will affect any colour applied to the rear of the glass, so factor this in when choosing. Colourless glass, which has low iron content and sold under a variety of brand names, offers better colour accuracy though is more costly
- Quality of glass 每 look for suppliers that use toughened glass, which is more durable and heat resistant 每 so therefore safer for use in a kitchen
- Size 每 there are limits to the length and width of glass that can be specified
Glass Splashback Trends
A&D Glass Painters are specialists in their field, with a background in painting and glazing that makes them especially suited to advise on kitchen splashbacks. They can specify any colour on a chart or match colours to a sample and only use toughened glass. They have noted the following trends from their interaction with their customer base:
- Trends are always changing, but at the moment people are going for the metallic look, as well as bold, powerful colours
- Images, photographs and artwork are also popular at the moment for kitchen splashbacks