Types of wallpaper: their characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, current classifications.

Types of bases and their characteristics

The base is the first, lower layer of the coating. It serves as a foundation for the material onto which the top decorative layer is applied. Thanks to the base, the coating has a uniform color, is easier to stick and has increased strength. There are three main types of bases: paper, non-woven and textile. Each of them has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.

What types of wallpaper are there and their characteristics?

Paper

Wallpaper is presented in a wide variety of colors and patterns at a budget price. Most often, the coating is made with a roll width of 53 cm. Three types of paper wallpaper are produced: in one, two and three layers.

Since the material is thin, finishing requires skill and a well-prepared wall surface. They are not durable, are practically impossible to clean, and are unstable to temperature changes and moisture. Suitable for finishing rooms with the least possible tactile contact, such as bedrooms.

Vinyl

The popularity of the material is due to its wide variety. They are a base and an upper polymer or PVC layer, produced using different techniques in several variations:

• foamed vinyl,
• compact vinyl,
• silk-screen printing.

Externally, all coatings are completely different and have different characteristics. They are easy to wet clean, have high strength, are not afraid of high humidity and sunlight, and are suitable for painting.

Non-woven

The type is divided into two types: non-woven and those that have only a non-woven base. This is a dense and durable material that will help hide some of the unevenness of the walls. The coating is often used for painting, this type has a textured surface with a variety of relief patterns.

It is often made in a wide format, the roll width is 1.06 meters, which is convenient when working with them. The non-woven base is similar to a rubber material, it adapts well to the wall surface.

Liquid

A type of finishing material used to decorate walls and ceilings. A safe and environmentally friendly product. They are suitable for finishing a child’s room and other living spaces, as they contain natural components.

Fabric (textile)

Natural, non-allergenic material that allows air to pass through well and looks great. Fabric wallpaper improves the soundproofing and heat insulation properties of the room.

There are many types of textile coverings: linen, felt, jute, silk, velor and synthetic. However, the coating accumulates dust, with the exception of linen, fades in the sun and is quite expensive

Glass wallpaper

One of the most durable materials in all respects for wall decoration. Glass wallpaper is considered vandal-proof, it is a heavy fabric, it can withstand mechanical damage, animal claws, is not subject to combustion and is not afraid of moisture. The material is suitable for finishing any room, including a children’s room, as it is environmentally friendly and easy to clean.

Natural

The sheets have a natural composition and are made from plants and different parts of trees. The coatings have a recognizable texture, characteristic only of them. Natural roll wallpaper is suitable for finishing balconies, toilets and living rooms, they do not react to temperature changes, sunlight and high humidity. The most popular materials include bamboo, jute and cork.

Lincrust

Not the most famous, but very effective type of coating. Lincrust is produced in several stages and only from natural materials. An exception may be cheaper analogues. Externally, the canvas is a clearly visible relief coating. In the form of various patterns. The material is durable, moisture-resistant, durable and safe. It will decorate the design of a classic or antique living room.

Acrylic

The acrylic type is created using the same technique as the vinyl with foam spraying, the only difference is in the top layer, it is made of acrylic. The material is characterized by low strength and moisture resistance. The thickness of the canvas is two times less than that of vinyl wallpaper, this should be taken into account when painting.

Quartz

The two-layer material consists of a base and a decorative layer of quartz sand with various additives. The type is durable, reliable, with an environmentally friendly composition and a long service life, suitable for painting.

Photo wallpaper

Photo printing is applied to different types of bases: paper, non-woven, vinyl. The canvases are made in different widths, different from the standard sizes. To increase the strength of the coating, an additional layer of varnish or lamination can be applied. The image can be realistic, in 3D format, in the form of a fresco or stereoscopic.

Classification by texture (surface type)

Smooth

Smooth coating accentuates the pattern and color of the wallpaper. Such wallpaper requires a smooth surface, since even minor defects will be visible. Smooth wallpaper is not suitable for painting and is used as a final finishing option.

Relief

The textured surface of the wallpaper can complete the look of the room or be used for painting. Manufacturing technologies provide for different methods of applying the top layer, which allows creating complex patterns and imitating other materials.

Types of relief wallpaper

Metallic

Like other types of wallpaper, it consists of a base and a finishing layer. Paper or non-woven fabric is used as a base. Thin aluminum foil is used for the top layer, which has previously undergone an artificial oxidation process or has been treated with a dye to reduce electrical conductivity. The surface of the canvas can be mirrored or matte, with uniform or partial shine.

Flock or velour

Wallpaper can be classified as a textile type. The canvas has a velvety surface in the form of a pattern, this is achieved by applying textiles to a paper or non-woven base treated with glue. The result is undoubtedly spectacular, plus it improves the soundproofing and heat-insulating qualities of the room. However, fabric wallpaper absorbs odors and attracts dust.

Silk-screen printing

One of the types of vinyl coating with a complex manufacturing method, which results in a beautiful shiny canvas with patterns, among other things, it has good quality indicators.

With glass beads (with beads)

Otherwise they are called beaded. The surface of the canvas is decorated with glass beads of different sizes, forming multi-colored patterns. The surface of this type of wallpaper is quite durable and hard, with high resistance to damage.

Varieties by the number of layers

The number of layers affects the strength, service life and appearance of the material. This division into the number of layers applies to paper wallpaper. There are three of them: simplex, duplex and triplex, respectively one, two and three layers.

Varieties by the method of applying the pattern

Embossed

Embossed wallpaper is a covering with a relief pattern applied in a special way. A distinction is made between paper and vinyl embossed wallpaper.

• Paper wallpaper is made of two layers, in the upper one a pattern is squeezed out, as a result of which a relief surface is formed.
• Hot stamping vinyl wallpaper is made using a slightly different technology. A foamed PVC layer is applied to a non-woven or paper base, which is then heated to a high temperature and pressed with a roller with a convex pattern.

Embossed wallpaper is highly durable, lasts longer, does not fade in the sun and tolerates wet cleaning well. They are suitable for finishing kitchens and toilets, as they do not absorb odors and do not react to temperature changes.

Printed

Printing is applied to two types of coating, primed or unprimed. Primed wallpaper is more expensive, but undergoes treatment to protect against fading. For unprimed canvas there are no preliminary procedures, the pattern is printed directly on the front side.

Natural

Natural wallpaper is made from natural raw materials and has a natural pattern. The variety for bamboo wallpaper is obtained by using different parts of the stem. Cork coverings do not differ in variety, the pattern can have different density and color inclusions. Jute fabrics are usually made without a pattern, but can be in the form of weaves and inclusions.

Types by purpose

For walls

Today, an incredible selection of materials with completely different appearances and characteristics is presented for wall decoration. The range allows you to choose wallpaper based on a specific room and its conditions, be it high humidity, the presence of animals or bright sunlight.

For the ceiling

White textured wallpaper with a wide meter-long canvas, such as vinyl, non-woven or fiberglass, is usually used for finishing the ceiling. Such coverings can have different reliefs and are suitable for painting. Another type is liquid wallpaper, their main advantage is the absence of seams after application. They are also great for decorating ceilings. You can also use colored wallpaper or wallpaper with photo printing, the nature of the image depends entirely on personal preferences.

Classification by functionality

Washable

Washable wallpaper can have different degrees of interaction with water. The marking on the back of the canvas or packaging will help you determine the care method. Usually, the marking is divided into four types and is indicated by waves.

Moisture-resistant

Wallpaper with increased resistance to moisture is suitable for finishing the kitchen, bathroom or toilet. They allow wet cleaning and do not react to changes in humidity. Water-resistant wallpaper includes: glass fiber, vinyl, silk-screen printing, paintable and non-woven.

Vandal-proof

A coating with increased protection against various types of damage. There are several main types: laminated, glass fiber, non-woven and commercial wallpaper. Pasted anti-vandal coatings do not provide absolute protection against stains or scratches, but significantly reduce the likelihood of remaining marks. An excellent option for a hallway or corridor.

Sound-absorbing

Almost all types of wallpaper have sound-absorbing properties to varying degrees. However, some of them have high rates of this quality.

• Tufted wallpaper consists of a fabric base and a synthetic coating; in addition to soundproofing, tufting also insulates the room.
• Velor wallpaper consists of a paper base and artificial velor. A coating with pleasant appearance, but not the highest sound insulation.
• Cork wallpaper. Natural and maximally noise-protective type of finishing.

For painting

Different types of structural wallpaper are used for painting, some of them are suitable for multiple painting, others only withstand a few procedures. The main types include paper, non-woven and glass fiber wallpaper.

• The most durable of them are glass fiber wallpapers, they can withstand many paintings, maintaining their qualities.
• Non-woven wallpapers can be smooth and textured. Textured coating with a foamed vinyl layer is easily damaged.
• Paper wallpapers have an environmentally friendly composition, but are short-lived.

Other types of wallpaper

Self-adhesive

A type of finishing that does not require additional costs for glue. Dry glue is applied to the back of the PVC sheet, which is covered with protective paper on top. Before applying the wallpaper, the protective paper is simply removed.

Color-changing with temperature (thermal wallpaper)

Thermal wallpaper contains thermal ink that reacts to temperature changes. Such wallpaper should be applied to the places where the sun rays hit the most in the apartment, so that the surface of the walls will change during the day.

Fluorescent

Their other name is luminescent wallpaper. In the interior, this type of decoration looks very impressive, modern and unusual. The trick is in a special paint with lumineforms, it is these substances that make the picture glow. Under the light of ordinary lamps or daylight, the wallpaper is no different from ordinary wallpaper, the pattern appears only in ultraviolet light.

Leather

Leather wallpaper is an uncommon way to decorate an interior. The material is almost never found in ordinary stores and is expensive. Leather coating looks impressive, it does not allow moisture to pass through, retains heat and serves as a soundproofing barrier. However, the material is very capricious, when working with it, a master’s hand is required and possible mechanical contacts should be avoided during operation.

Chalk wallpaper

Wallpaper consisting of a self-adhesive base and a black film. The front part is covered with vinyl spraying, on which you can draw with chalk. An excellent solution for a child’s room allows you to solve two problems at once – the development of the child’s creative abilities and the original look of the interior. There are also marker films, but they are often used in offices.