KITCHENS
Where hi-tech means price
It is important to recognise that not all fingerprintresistant finishes are the same. As with everything, there are quality differences, and price often reflects quality. As a consumer or product specifier, you must be realistic. A high-priced material and a lower-priced version will never perform equally or have identical long-term capabilities. Fingerprintresistant properties can be found in various materials, from melamine to high-pressure and compact laminates, as well as wraps.
These are typically treated with advanced acrylic resins and undergo an electron beam curing process. This pioneering technology hardens the coating, creating a distinct micro-structured surface that effectively resists fingerprints. Some are then coated with specialised layers such as low-coefficient friction finishes and antimicrobial treatments to improve hygiene. The technology behind the coatings and manufacturing process will directly influence the cost, with the most thoroughly researched and effective materials usually being the most expensive.
Get the cleaning right
Maintaining fingerprint-resistant surfaces is straightforward, but consumers often make the most mistakes here. Incorrect cleaning can damage the surface, remove the protective coating, and cause permanent damage to the finish. This will ultimately eliminate the fingerprint-resistant feature.
For routine cleaning, warm water and a microfiber cloth are usually enough. For tougher stains, non-abrasive household cleaners can be safely used. It’ s best to avoid harsh solvents and abrasive tools to protect the surface ' s integrity.
Many manufacturers recommend cleaning with the grain of the material, moving in one direction and avoiding circular or back-and-forth motions. You can also find cleaning kits or products from some suppliers specifically designed for the product’ s maintenance and longevity.
Thanks to the electron beam curing process, these finishes demonstrate exceptional strength and durability. They are resistant( not impervious to) scratches, abrasions, and weathering, making them ideal for kitchen environments. Additionally, some of the more advanced and expensive finishes can self-heal from superficial micro-scratches, increasing their longevity.
Looking for a fingerprint-resistant finish? Consider the following:
Does it fit your budget? This is one of the more expensive kitchen finishes. Who does the cleaning in the home?
Does it suit your lifestyle?
Does it suit the way you cook?
Would you like to use a darker colour palette?
It is vital that whoever is responsible clearly understands what they need to do so your expensive finish is not ruined.
Although this product is hard-wearing, it is costly, so you should avoid situations where children are bumping into it, climbing on it, or where it might be subjected to misuse.
Fingerprint-resistant does not mean that marks won ' t appear if you have cooking oils and residue on your hands when opening cupboards or drawers. It signifies resistance to natural dirt and oils on your hands. If you cook with lots of fats and oils, do a lot of frying, baking, etc., you will still see marks if you do not wash your hands before opening the cupboards.
Darker colours are naturally more likely to show finger marks regardless of the material. In summary, fingerprint-resistant finishes are stunning and easy to maintain, but they are not miracle solutions.
Have realistic expectations of the product based on how much you paid. No finish will look perfect if you touch it with hands soaked in cooking oil or immediately after stuffing the Christmas turkey. If you clean it properly, it will offer a long-lasting, low-maintenance, elegant finish that will make your kitchen a striking feature in your home.
The technology behind the coatings and manufacturing process will translate directly to the cost of the surface.
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