Are Acrylic Kitchen Cabinets Suitable for Indian Kitchens?

Prestige Falcon City Kanakapura Road Bangalore, De Panache De Panache Modern kitchen
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Ever since modular kitchens became trendy, homeowners have been using wood and glass doors on their kitchen cabinets. However, with advances in technology, new attractive and durable materials like plywood, MDF, PU, membrane, laminate, acrylic and particle board came into being. Among the various materials, acrylic kitchen cabinets have gained popularity due to their finish, durability, low maintenance and cost. The luxurious look and feel of acrylic cabinets that come in various patterns and colours make modern kitchens look gorgeous.

So whether you are refurbishing your kitchen or designing a new one, be aware of the pros and cons of using acrylic sheets for kitchen cabinets before making up your mind.

What are acrylic kitchen cabinets

Acrylic is a high-quality synthetic plastic material, which is used to give a glossy finish to contemporary kitchen cabinets. They provide a shatter-resistant mirror-like finish to the cabinet surfaces and do not chip or crack easily. Acrylic cabinet doors are either made out of wood or MDF board and then covered with acrylic sheets in the chosen colour and texture to get the type of finish required.

They are different from laminate cabinets as laminate sheets are made by pressing together layers of flat paper and plastic resin. Acrylic finish is also often confused with wood as they are available even in wooden finishes. They are heat resistant and can withstand wear and tear. These laminates are for people with a restricted budget who do not want to compromise on the finish and appearance for creating an attractive kitchen.

Types of acrylic cabinets

Acrylic kitchen cabinets are gaining popularity among contemporary kitchen designers due to their glossy appearance that gives a stylish look to the kitchen area. The material is also extremely durable and lasts for years with proper maintenance. Besides being non-toxic, acrylic cabinets are available in a wide range of designs and colours to complement the modern Indian kitchen layout.

There are two types of finishes used for acrylic kitchen cabinet doors:

  • Acrylic faced doors are made out of acrylic sheets, which are fitted onto to cabinet doors made out of wood or MDF. These sheets are then sealed with a protective layer to retain the sheen and finish.
  • High gloss kitchen cabinets are made by fashioning kitchen cabinet doors with solid acrylic, which is a slightly more expensive material. These cabinet doors have a more vibrant and colourful appearance when compared to the less expensive acrylic sheets.

Acrylic kitchen cabinet prices

Acrylic is ideal for kitchen cabinets that have flat surfaces as they create a glossy finish that is perfect for modern kitchens. For those who are concerned about visible stains on high gloss cabinets, designers recommend the use of matte and semi-gloss finish on cabinets below the counter and high gloss finish on the cupboards above the kitchen counter.

Acrylic finish cabinets retain colour and gloss for long periods. These modular kitchen laminates are available in various textures and a wide variety of colours and finishes like matte, glossy and ultra-high gloss. Depending on the type of finish and look required, acrylic cabinets can cost from Rs. 800 per sqft to Rs.1600 per sq.ft or more. For using a glossy finish for the entire kitchen, the cost can range from Rs. 2 lakhs and upwards.

Pros of acrylic kitchen cabinets

  • Unlike regular plywood doors which chip or peel off, acrylic is resistant to daily wear and tear.
  • Acrylic is UV resistant, so it is ideally suited for the tropical climate in India. Acrylic kitchen cabinet colours will not fade even under the fierce summer sunlight.
  • As acrylic laminates are moisture-resistant, it’s easy to remove stains and food splashes by wiping the surface with soap and water.
  • These high gloss kitchen units are also waterproof, which eliminates the need for special treatment and coating the surface with sealants.

Cons of high gloss kitchen cabinets

  • Due to the glossy finish, imperfections such as scratches, fingerprints and food stains are much more noticeable on the surface, especially on dark colours.
  • It needs regular cleaning and maintenance to retain the high-gloss mirror finish.
  • Acrylic kitchen cabinets are more expensive than laminate cabinets.
  • Differences in shades may occur when sections of the cabinets need to be replaced after several years of use.

Tips for maintaining high-gloss kitchen cabinets

  • Clean off spills from oil, cooking ingredients and food immediately, by using a soft cloth, to avoid damage to the finish and to prevent discolouration.
  • Wipe stains and scratches with a soft cloth dipped in mild detergent and then rinse off the soapy water with a clean cloth, before letting it dry.
  • Avoid hanging damp or wet hand towels on the cabinets to dry as the moisture can damage the finish.
  • Never wipe the glossy cabinet surface with a dry cloth and avoid cleaning with abrasive cleaners and detergents.
  • Avoid using paper towels, plastic scourers, brushes and scrapers to clean the acrylic cabinets as it can scratch the surface.

For more ideas for a modern kitchen, get inspired by these tips to plan your kitchen with all the essential elements.

Why choose acrylic over laminate for kitchen cabinets?

Given its high-gloss texture, acrylic is considered as one of the most preferred options for kitchen cabinets. It not only adds a visual appeal but makes the whole kitchen even more inviting. While laminates can be seen in various glossy varieties, they are not as reflective as acrylic and hence, offer a muted and less striking look. In addition, acrylic modular kitchen will be scratch resistant and will flawlessly retain its ultra-glossy finish for ages, whereas laminate may lose its charm with time.

How to choose a colour for acrylic kitchen cabinets ?

Choosing an acrylic colour for kitchen cabinets can be a difficult choice to make as the entire look of the kitchen depends on this decision. According to expert kitchen planners, if you want a sleek, clean look for your acrylic kitchen units then you should consider lighter colours such as light grey, glacier white and ivory. Similarly, to lend a contemporary feel to your acrylic kitchen cabinets, you can rely on darker shades like metallic charcoal and jet black. Furthermore, wood coloured acrylics can work well for those who want a traditional kitchen that exudes warmth.

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