KITCHENS
Fingerprints on kitchen surfaces?
Stephanie Forbes
KSA
Why are so many consumers attracted to the idea of a kitchen finish that is‘ fingerprint resistant’, asks Stephanie Forbes, the National Manager of the Kitchen Specialists Association( KSA).
With the holiday season approaching and thoughts of large family meals, house guests, and hours spent cooking in the kitchen on the horizon, reducing a homeowner’ s time spent cleaning the kitchen becomes more important.
This explains why many consumers are attracted to the idea of a kitchen finish that is‘ fingerprint resistant’. But, what does that truly mean? Can you genuinely open your cupboards after stuffing the turkey and not notice a speck of grease on the cupboard door? The honest answer is no. Fingerprintresistant technology is excellent, but it is crucial that consumers and industry professionals have realistic expectations of the products they specify.
Advanced surface treatments
Fingerprint-resistant finishes feature advanced surface treatments designed to reduce visible marks from oils and dirt left by fingerprints. These finishes form a microtextured surface, with microscopic peaks and valleys. When touched, only the peaks are contacted, causing contaminants to settle in the valleys and remain less visible.
Generally, using a fingerprint-resistant material in high-touch areas like kitchen countertops and cabinet doors and drawers offers clear benefits. Unlike traditional surfaces, which easily show smudges and fingerprints, these materials reduce the need for regular cleaning. This is especially appealing if your kitchen experiences high traffic or if you frequently host gatherings.
Crucial to have realistic expectations of the products specified.
84 summer 2025-26 | www. tobuild. co. za