What is washable wallpaper?
Washable wallpaper is not a separate type of wallpaper, but a quality that the coating has. The degree of moisture resistance can be different, the marking is indicated on the back of the roll or on the packaging. Washable coatings are mainly used for finishing the kitchen, which makes life much easier for the housewife.
How to determine that the wallpaper can be washed?
To distinguish whether kitchen wallpaper can be washed, you need to pay attention to the marking, which is indicated on the back of the roll or on the packaging. The designation determines the resistance of the purchased material to moisture.
Marking
Helps determine the degree of interaction of the material with water and the method of care.
What types are there?
Vinyl
Wallpaper is washable type, which means they are suitable for kitchen decoration. The coating is a two-layer canvas made of a paper or fabric base and a polyvinyl chloride coating.
Vinyl can be divided into three subgroups: flat, dense and foamed. Flat vinyl wallpaper is a washable material made by hot stamping, that is, the foamed vinyl is smoothed. The material has a wide range of colors and textures, including silk-screen printing, and can also imitate various surfaces.
Wallpaper made of foamed vinyl has a clear relief surface that allows you to mask minor irregularities in the walls. Not the best choice for the kitchen, although they can also be wiped with a damp cloth.
The photo shows a kitchen decorated with washable companion wallpaper.
Dense or hard vinyl wallpaper is thicker than others, the material is durable and moisture-resistant. The pattern on the canvases is made using hot stamping. A convenient option for use in the kitchen and hallway.
The photo shows a kitchen with a modern design, the walls are finished with green vinyl wallpaper.
Photo wallpaper
Wallpaper with photo printing is first and foremost an effective way to decorate a kitchen, and only then a practical surface. Photo wallpapers by themselves are not the best option for finishing a kitchen, but a laminated surface changes everything completely.
Washable wallpapers with a laminated surface can be wiped with damp cloths, in addition, dirt and greasy stains do not stick to them, which is very convenient for kitchen conditions.
The photo shows a loft-style kitchen. One of the walls is decorated with washable photo wallpaper.
On a fabric base
For finishing the kitchen, it is worth choosing washable wallpaper on a fabric base. This can be the above-mentioned vinyl coatings. The base provides additional strength, this type of finishing will be more reliable than with a paper base.
The photo shows a spacious kitchen in a classic style with bright red washable wallpaper.
Non-woven
Washable coverings are divided into two types: for painting and ready-made covering that does not require additional manipulation. The coating is a flat surface and a relief second layer that forms a repeating pattern or a whole picture.
If you have chosen a paintable type for the kitchen, then to make it washable you need to choose water-based paint.
Liquid
In its original form, it is a dry mixture that is diluted in a certain ratio with water and then applied to the kitchen walls according to the plastering principle. The coating helps to hide the unevenness of the walls and does not require careful surface preparation. To be able to carry out wet cleaning, the surface must be covered with acrylic varnish.
Paper
Wallpaper, although attractive in price and variety of colors, is considered the most impractical material, as they tend to absorb odors, fade in the sun, are easily damaged and are almost impossible to wash off stains of various kinds.
If you choose a washable paper covering for the kitchen, film wallpaper is used. In essence, this is wallpaper with a water-repellent coating, the surface has a glossy outer layer that allows for wet cleaning.
Glass wallpaper
Glass fabric washable wallpaper has a composition that is fundamentally different from other types. The coating is made from glass blanks that are stretched into fibers under high temperature. They subsequently produce the most durable canvas.
Glass wallpaper is universal, it can be painted and washed many times, it is not subject to combustion, prevents the appearance of mold, and is also maximally resistant to damage. However, it has a fairly high price and not such a large selection of textures as other types.
Metallic
Washable wallpaper with an impressive appearance. The coating consists of a paper base covered with aluminum foil and paint. The surface has a pattern that shimmers beautifully in the light. The wallpaper can be wet cleaned, but is practically airtight.
For painting
Different types are suitable for painting, such as non-woven or fiberglass. It is important to choose the right paint for painting, most often it is water-based paint.
Natural wallpaper
Natural washable wallpaper can boast an environmentally friendly and harmless composition, which cannot be found in many finishing materials. Cork or bamboo wallpaper has a recognizable texture, although they do not have a rich variety of colors, they still give the kitchen interior a unique look and support the eco theme.
The wallpaper is washable, it can be wiped with a damp cloth.
Pros and cons
A detailed consideration of the pros and cons allows you to choose the ideal option for yourself washable coatings.
Design options
Decorative stone
Imitation of decorative stone can decorate a kitchen in a modern, loft, country, Provence style. The stone will look harmonious with other types of washable coatings, the surface can be plain or with a small pattern.
The photo shows a country-style kitchen. The wall decoration imitates large stonework.
Like brick
Looks equally good in a brutal loft interior and a delicate Provence style. A wide range allows you to choose any color, shape and size of the pattern, and also significantly saves time on finishing and space in the kitchen.
Tile wallpaper
Washable tile wallpaper will be an interesting option for finishing the kitchen. They can be used to completely finish the entire kitchen, including the apron area, or to decorate only the dining area. This type of pattern looks good as companion wallpaper, echoing other colors and patterns, such as small mosaics and Gzhel patterns.
Under wood
The popular eco-theme has not retreated for several years. Real wood is not the best option in the kitchen, wallpaper with its imitation will be an excellent alternative. To give a certain tone and apply a pattern to a wooden panel will require a lot of effort, with wallpaper there will be no such problem.
Checkered
The check can be small, large, plain, Scottish. There are quite a few variations. If the walls are decorated with a checkered pattern, then the kitchen set should be chosen in a single color, in the color of the background or wallpaper pattern.
With flowers
A floral pattern will always be relevant. The size of the flowers can be completely different, from a small, nondescript flower to a large flower depicted using photo printing.
The photo shows a light kitchen in the Provence style. The decoration is made of washable wallpaper with a pattern.
Flowers can also reflect different styles and moods of the kitchen, for example, a large orchid of a delicate shade on the wall behind the dining area will make the interior elegant and gentle, and large bright pink peonies will give the interior a romantic mood.
The photo shows a stylish kitchen, the wall is decorated with lilac photo wallpaper with flowers.
Under bamboo
Washable wallpaper with imitation bamboo will support the natural theme in the kitchen interior. Unlike real bamboo coverings, wallpaper is not so limited in the choice of color. The pattern can also repeat a bamboo stem with foliage, this option is suitable for a Japanese theme.
Color scheme
White
White has many advantages. It goes well with any shades, suits any style of design, and most importantly, it visually makes the kitchen space larger. White can be taken as the main color or used as an additional one, combining it with bright colors.
Green
Green has many shades, from bright young greenery, dark olive, which, by the way, is more suitable for finishing a spacious and well-lit kitchen.
The selected shade should reflect the style of the kitchen, for example, rich colors are suitable for a modern style, a calm and muted green tone corresponds to a classic one.
The photo shows a light kitchen in a modern style. The decoration is done in a light green shade.
Beige
A classic and universal shade will be a win-win option for kitchen decoration. Beige goes well with many shades, you can add bright colors to the interior in the form of a pattern on the wallpaper or due to the color of the headset.
Black
A bold black tone should be used with caution in the decoration of the kitchen. It is suitable for light open spaces. Black can also be used as a secondary color, for example, in a pattern on washable wallpaper.
An example of use instead of an apron
Washable wallpaper can also be used to decorate the apron area. To do this, you should choose a durable material that interacts well with moisture. Good options include fiberglass, vinyl, and paintable wallpaper. Coatings that interact worse with water are best covered with protective glass.
The photo shows an open kitchen in a modern style. The apron area is protected by transparent glass.
Tips for choosing
When searching for finishing material, it is worth considering all the nuances of the room, how sunny the kitchen is, the budget, and also consider the characteristics of the washable coating
- The best type of washable wallpaper for the kitchen can be considered vinyl wallpaper on a non-woven base. They have a breathable surface and a long service life.
- The best type of washable wallpaper for painting can be considered glass wallpaper. The material is very durable and can withstand repeated painting.
- It is better not to choose paper wallpaper for the kitchen, even if it has a washable water-repellent coating. They have a short service life and fade in the sun.
- For finishing the kitchen, it is better to choose a coating on a non-woven base, it is durable and elastic, and also tolerates contact with water well.
How to glue?
What glue is best to glue?
Considering that most washable wallpaper is heavy, it is worth choosing the appropriate adhesive. There is special glue for heavy types of wallpaper. When choosing a vinyl washable coating, it is worth choosing an antiseptic glue with fungicides. Regardless of the type of washable wallpaper you choose, the adhesive must be moisture-resistant.
Step-by-step instructions for pasting
Finishing work with washable wallpaper is not much different from regular work. There is a certain order of actions that will help you consistently and efficiently perform pasting.
- Preparing the walls. To do this, you need to remove the old finish, remove any unevenness and plaster the walls.
- Treatment with antifungal liquid.
- Priming the walls.
- Applying markings. Using a plumb line or a level, draw a vertical line on the wall. It will serve as a gluing guide and will help to avoid the strip from “falling over”.
- Preparing the material. Cut the wallpaper into strips of the required length with a 5-10 cm allowance.
- Depending on the type of material, apply glue, after which the strip is applied to the wall.
- Smooth out any trapped air from the center to the edge using a roller.
Remove excess glue immediately. Upon completion of the work, the wallpaper is cut to the same length.
Video
Proper care and washing
Even washable wallpaper coatings have care rules, following which you can extend the service life of the wallpaper and preserve its original appearance.
- When cleaning, use a soft cloth or sponge, avoiding hard brushes,
- As a cleaning liquid, it is better to use a soap solution, if the marking allows it.
- Before wet cleaning for the first time, it is worth doing this on an inconspicuous area to check the reaction of the coating.
- Wet cleaning should be done as needed. Even washable coatings “do not like” too frequent contact with water.
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