Paintable wallpaper is very popular in modern interior design. In this article, we'll explore all the advantages and features of paintable wallpaper and help readers make the right choice.
What is paintable wallpaper?
Universal paintable wallpaper is a unique finishing material that can be repeatedly painted with different colors or coated with plaster. Paintable wallpaper is often finished with a textured pattern. This is an inexpensive yet stylish interior design option.
Paintable wallpaper is much more durable than regular wallpaper. It's long-lasting, thick, and abrasion-resistant. It allows you to change the color scheme of a room: a new coat of paint easily goes over the old one. There's no need to replace the wallpaper itself.
Varieties:
- Vinyl on paper backing — consist of two layers. The relief pattern is created using sawdust. There's no need to match the patterns. The paper-based material is highly breathable, but it tears easily and doesn't tolerate moisture. This material cannot be used in rooms with high humidity. After applying to walls, it shrinks. When applying, apply adhesive to both the wallpaper and the walls. The material is inexpensive.
- Vinyl on non-woven base — double-layered, very dense, durable, and long-lasting (lasting up to 10 years). The stylish texture is created by vinyl. They can be repainted up to 15 times. They conceal any wall imperfections; adhesive only needs to be applied to the wall. This is an ideal option for new buildings that shrink. The top layer of non-woven wallpaper is very fragile and easily scratched, so furniture should not be placed close to it. They are poorly breathable, so mold can grow underneath.
- Glass fiber wallpaper Glass fiber wallpaper is a single-layer textile fabric made of starched glass fibers tightly interwoven. It is an extremely durable, fire-resistant, moisture-resistant, and long-lasting material. It can be repainted 10-25 times and will last approximately 25 years. Glass fiber wallpaper can be used on walls in bathrooms and other damp areas. Paper-backed glass fiber wallpaper is not suitable for this purpose. Glass fiber wallpaper protects walls from cracks, is breathable, and does not collect dust. Installing glass fiber wallpaper requires a great deal of skill and strict adherence to safety regulations.
All materials are environmentally friendly, safe, and durable. They can be used in any room or apartment.
Advantages of paintable wallpaper
Wallpaper designed for painting has many advantages over regular wallpaper.
Advantages:
- The ability to change wall colors multiple times without changing wallpaper. They're easy to repaint.
- A way to create a unique design, a wide choice of colors and textures for painting.
- Easy to maintain, walls are easy to clean from dirt.
- A chance to easily hide small irregularities and other minor defects of the walls.
- Environmentally friendly, use of natural materials.
- Resistance to moisture, scratches, mechanical damage.
Wallpapering with paintable finishes and maintaining them is much cheaper than using regular wallpaper. However, choosing and purchasing the right paint requires time.
Features of using paintable wallpaper
Before applying wallpaper, the walls must be prepared for painting. Remove any previous layers of wallpaper and paint, then thoroughly wash and degrease them, then apply a coat of putty. After this, apply a layer of adhesive to the walls and apply the wallpaper.
After wallpapering, ventilate the room. Wait a few days for the wallpaper to dry before painting.
How to choose paint for the material:
- for glass fiber wallpaper - acrylic or latex;
- vinyl on non-woven backing - water-emulsion;
- non-woven - latex or water-emulsion;
- paper - acrylic, water-emulsion, latex;
- vinyl - latex.
It's advisable to prime paper wallpaper before painting. After painting, the room should be ventilated for several days.
Apply the paint carefully and evenly, in two coats. Any bubbles that appear should be removed with a syringe.
Caring for wallpaper after painting is very simple. The label should indicate whether it's washable:
- Paper wallpaper It needs to be vacuumed every week.
- Non-woven wallpaper You should first vacuum it, then wipe it with a dry cloth.
- Acrylic and vinyl wallpaper can be wiped with a damp cloth or sponge.
In no case should aggressive chemical detergents be used.
How to choose paintable wallpaper
Non-woven and paper wallpapers each have their advantages and disadvantages. Non-woven wallpapers are easy to hang and come in a variety of beautiful patterns. They are more moisture-resistant than paper wallpapers, which quickly become soggy from water. Both types of wallpaper are highly breathable and extremely fragile. Paper wallpapers are less expensive than non-woven wallpapers.
Selection criteria:
- density - there are single-layer, double-layer, woven;
- texture - patterned relief will help to decorate the room beautifully;
- warp — paper and non-woven bases affect the properties and qualities of wallpaper;
- price — glass wallpaper is expensive, non-woven wallpaper is a little cheaper, paper wallpaper is the most budget-friendly.
These factors should be carefully considered when choosing wallpaper. Before purchasing, it's important to thoroughly examine all the properties of each type of wallpaper.
Paintable wallpaper design
Paintable wallpaper allows you to create a unique design. It's easy to choose a flattering color scheme for your interior. You can experiment and repaint rooms several times.
Painting allows you to create an accent wall that will highlight a specific area of the room. This wall should be brighter than the others.
Paintable wallpaper easily and stylishly combines with wood, brick, plastic, metal, textiles and other finishing materials.
Myths about paintable wallpaper
There are many common misconceptions surrounding paintable wallpaper. It's believed that glass fiber wallpaper is harmful to health because it flies out glass chips during painting. This isn't entirely true: glass dust is created by improper cutting and careless handling. This dust can cause skin allergies.
When working with fiberglass wallpaper, wear thick protective clothing that covers all parts of the body. A respirator is also required.
If the glass wallpaper is damaged, torn, or deformed, its edges and shards may injure your hands. Wear heavy-duty gloves when working with it.
At room temperature, vinyl and PVC coatings do not emit toxic substances, but this may occur during a fire. Glass fiber wallpaper is completely non-toxic.
Some types of paintable wallpaper are suitable for kitchens and bathrooms. All wallpapers look stylish and modern.
Conclusion
Paintable wallpaper offers a significant advantage over standard wallpaper. It's more durable, strong, beautiful, and stylish.
The paint is easy to apply to the surface, and another layer can be applied over it. A design with painted wallpaper looks elegant, luxurious, and stylish.