A look at wallpaper and wall coverings

Wallpaper - the paint alternative!

Believe it or not, but wallpaper is back on the design agenda. New textures, modern colours, and bold designs have led to a wallpaper revival not just among homeowners but also with interior designers, architects and design buffs. But it is not just the aesthetic appeal of wallpaper, which has led to the increased interest in wallcovering, some of the other benefits include:

• easy care - modern wallpapers are washable, durable and wear well
• economical - today's wallpapers have a lifespan 10+ years
• colourfast - most wallpapers have the ability to resist change of loss of colour caused by exposure to light
• quick installation - one coat of wallpaper is all you need
• covers flaws in the wall surface that paint can't
• protects the wall surface
• easy installation and replacement

Types of wallpapers

There are thousands of colours, textures and designs to choose from including floral patterns, metallic shines and retro geometric designs to name a few. Wallpapers can be used in all areas of the home or office, the most common types of wallpaper are:

• Vinyl Coated Paper - these wallpapers are suitable in most any area. They are resistant to grease and moisture and are good for bathrooms and kitchens. The decorative surface of this paper has been painted or coated with an acrylic tape or PVC.
• Coated fabric - This paper is best for use in low moisture rooms, such as living rooms.
• Paper Backed Vinyl / Solid Sheet Vinyl - This type of paper is very durable. It can be used in most areas of the home as it can resist moisture and is stain and grease resistant.
• Fabric Backed Vinyl - There are two variants of this type of wallpaper, solid vinyl and paper based.  Solid vinyl is washable, durable and scrubbable but paper based wallpapers vary widely in their attributes so be sure to check before you purchase if you are using them in high traffic, moisture prone areas.

Wallpaper or Paint?

You can do both. Today's wallpaper manufacturers have designs that match most paints on the market. It is very common to coordinate the two finishes. Some people choose to use wallpaper in a feature wall or to highlight important features such as fireplaces.  Patterned, printed or embroidered fabrics work well on their own or jointly with painted walls.

One of the biggest benefits of wallpaper over paint is that has the ability to cover flaws or stains in the wall surface. Also wallpapering, its a one coat process. There is no need to do additional coats to get the colour right, wallcoverings provide uniform results. While there have been big improvements in recent years in regards to the washability of paints, wallpaper is still easier to maintain. Most wallpapers are washable and scrubbable and maintain their appearance longer.

Installation

Today's wallcoverings are much easier to hang because of technologies such as prepasted papers and non-woven backings. DYI wallpaper installation is possible if you have the time and are well prepared. Like painting, one of the most important steps in wallpaper installation is preparation of the wall surface. Professional paperhangers or wallpaper installers have the skills, equipment and experience to ensure that you get the best results from your investment.  Visit our Painting Quotes Registration Form Page for 3 Free wallpaper installation estimates from prescreened painter and decorators in your local area.