Choosing Wallpaper
Wallpaper is back in style and with so many options available it’s become an easy way to add some sophistication and excitement to any space without spending to much money.
With so many selections in designs and colour on offer you can turn a dull room into something unique and personal.
Types of wallpaper
Below is a list of popular wallpaper types and textures you can choose from.
- Vinyl
Pure vinyl is laminated to a paper or linen backing.
It can be used anywhere and is well suited to service areas as it is washable and easy to clean. They are very dura
ble, and are used in high traffic areas.
- Vinyl Coated
Vinyl coated wallpapers are the most widely used papers on the market. A design is printed on a paper backing and then treated with a vinyl topcoat.
Vinyl coated can be either paper with a vinyl or acrylic coating to the face. Either type of finish is extremely hard wearing. Can be installed in any room.
- Embossed
These designs are pressed onto a paper backing creating a raised, textured effect. The reverse side is hollow.
The embossed textured design tends to hide most wall imperfections so great for covering lightly damaged walls.
Embossed Wallpaper can be easily installed in any room and fairly easy to remove. Embossed Wallpapers are washable.
- Anaglypta
This is a very heavily embossed type of duplex paper (From the Greek Ana Relief Glypta Cameo). It must be painted after being hung and is used on walls as well as ceiling. It is not recommended for use in service areas.
- Hessian
Closely woven Hessian (Hemp or Jute) is stuck to a heavy paper backing. Makes a lovely natural textured effect. Usually available in muted colour palettes.
- Grass Cloth
Natural handcrafted wallpaper made with the fibers of a honeysuckle vine being attached to a paper backing. Very absorbent and can’t be washed.
Choose wisely
to where it’s installed. Not advised for kitchen or bathrooms.
- Flock
Flock has a fuzzy velvet texture. It is made by dusting powdered silk, wool or flock onto a tacky patterned surface paper, creating a three dimensional effect. Very delicate to work with and can’t be washed.
- Mural
Murals depict a variety of scenic pictures or landscapes which are usually divided into quarter panels for installation purposes.
Installation of quarter panels is very tricky. Many new Photo Murals are printed on larger strips instead of panels now. There are a lot less seams making installation so much easier.
- Metallic
Also called foils, these papers have a large percentage of metal on the surface, predominately Aluminium or powdered metals can be added to the ground paper.
- Bamboo Wallpaper
These handcrafted wallpapers are made from environmentally friendly natural products.
Bamboo wallpaper is made by applying bamboo reeds, or vines onto a paper backing with glue. Actual colour and texture of wallpaper will vary slightly from roll to roll.
Natural Bamboo Wallpaper will add a distinctive look for your house and office. Installation is tricky as natural fibre wallpaper isn’t washable.
All these different choices should enable you to create exactly the decor you have in mind.
It’s of highest importance to pay close attention to the manufacturers instructions when installing any type of wallpaper.
Always prime and prep walls according to the manufacturers instructions. A great idea is to use lining paper which is good for surface prep. It evens the porosity of a surface and can strengthen a substrate.
Next weeks blog will give you handy advice and step by step instructions for wallpaper installation process.
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