Modern window sills can be made from a variety of materials. At the same time, acrylic stone is considered one of the most beautiful and practical. The window sills cast from it are distinguished by simply excellent performance characteristics. They can last a very long time, and it is extremely easy to care for them. Also, a durable and environmentally friendly acrylic window sill (photos are presented below in the article) will in no way spoil the interior of even the most respectable apartment with its appearance.
A bit of history
For the first time, such a material as acrylic stone, belonging to the group of composite, saw the light in the 60s of the last century. It was invented by scientist D. Smoke for the American company DuPont. Initially, this material was used to make artificial bones. However, it is still very widespread as a finishing material.
General Description
Acrylic stone won its popularity primarily for its high aesthetic qualities. From the outside, this materialresembles beautiful decorative glass. But at the same time, its density is almost half that. This type of artificial stone is made, as can be judged by its name, from acrylic resins. Mineral chips are used as a filler. To give the material decorative properties, special artificial dyes are used.
In general, the technology for the production of such a stone is rather complicated. To make an acrylic window sill with your own hands, for example, is unlikely to succeed. The production of such products is possible only on special high-tech equipment available at enterprises.
How window sills are made
The technology for the production of artificial stone products of this variety includes several main stages. An acrylic window sill is made as follows:
- Cast, polished and coated with special compounds (reducing adhesion) mold.
- The acrylic mixture itself is made and poured into the mold.
- After the material hardens, the front surface of the window sill is carefully polished.
Windowsill benefits
There are just a huge number of advantages for products made of artificial stone. These window sills are different:
- Resistant to pollution. Acrylic stone has an absolutely monolithic structure. That is, there are simply no pores or microcracks in it. And therefore, nowhereseep through dirty water, grease, paint, etc.
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Resistant to chemicals. You can wash such a window sill using any household cleaners.
- Sustainable. In apartments and private houses, window sills are usually located above the radiators of the heating system. Acrylic stone, even when very hot, does not emit absolutely no harmful substances into the air.
- UV resistant. Of course, for a window sill, this dignity is important. After all, it can be illuminated by the sun for several hours a day.
The acrylic window sill itself, for obvious reasons, can have absolutely any shape and size. At the same time, there are never any joints and seams on such products.
Disadvantages of acrylic window sills
Of course, such products have more than just advantages. They also have some disadvantages. These can be attributed primarily to:
- Scratch resistant. The density of acrylic stone is not too high.
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Unable to withstand significant temperature fluctuations.
The last drawback for the windowsill is not too important. The owners of the apartment only need to try not to use it as an alternative to the countertop, that is, do not put hot pots or pans on it. But the possibility of scratches and chips is, of course, a more serious problem. handle acrylicthe window sill will have to be more careful. But, in principle, even if any damage appears on its surface, it will not be difficult to eliminate them. In any case, it is not necessary to dismantle the window sill. You can restore an artificial stone of this variety right on the spot - by grinding.
Product price
In addition to all the above pluses, acrylic window sills have one more important advantage. They cost, especially in comparison with products from other varieties of artificial stone, not too expensive. The price of such a window sill depends mostly on its width. So, for a product of 15 cm you will have to pay about 600 rubles (p / m). A window sill 40 cm wide already costs about 1,500 rubles, 85 cm - 4,200 rubles (prices are per linear meter).
Can I install it myself
An acrylic window sill is mounted using a relatively simple technology. If necessary, this procedure can be performed with your own hands. To do this, two grooves are made in the window opening at the level of the window sill (grinder). Next, the base under the acrylic stone is primed using a special tool. You need to insert the window sill into the grooves as carefully as possible, trying not to scratch it. At the final stage, the plate must be leveled strictly horizontally, using a level. In order to raise one or another edge of the window sill, special plastic gaskets should be used. At home, for this purpose, it is allowed to use some improvised materials (for example,trimming plastic baseboards).
Can it be repaired
The advantage of acrylic window sills is that if any scratches appear on them, you can remove them with your own hands. To do this, the surface is first cleaned of dust, and then polished using a special machine. In this case, it is important to choose the right abrasive. In order for the acrylic window sill to become matte, you should use grade material from 240 and above. Semi-gloss is obtained by using an abrasive grade of 600, and gloss - from 1200.
Modern acrylic window sill reviews
Since the performance characteristics of such products are very good, the opinion of the owners of apartments and country houses about them is simply excellent. The only thing is that when choosing a window sill, the owners of real estate are advised to pay attention to the brand of the manufacturer. Otherwise, you can stumble upon a fake and waste your money.
The products of this variety of the Danke brand are the most popular among our compatriots. Danke acrylic window sill has a beautiful shape (with a semi-circular hood) and is very easy to clean. In addition, the products of this manufacturer are always distinguished by unusual colors. The window sill can be golden (oak), gray-blue (marble), etc.
Also, the owners of apartments and houses praise the products of the German company "Verzalit". This company mainly produces window sills from a special type of chipboard. However,acrylic stone products manufactured at the enterprises of this company can also be found on sale. The Werzalit acrylic window sill is practical and aesthetically pleasing. Due to the high quality of the material used for the manufacture of the products of this manufacturer are much more resistant to scratches than products from other, lesser-known brands.
