Wallcoverings are a great way to add color, pattern and interest to any space. They also protect your walls from daily wear and tear while being easy to clean.
They are available in a variety of styles, colors and patterns. It’s important to choose the right one for your space and budget.
What Are They?
Wallcoverings are decorative and functional finishes that include a wide variety of patterns, textures and materials. They offer a number of benefits, including durability and ease of maintenance.
For example, wallcoverings can be a great option in high-traffic areas such as hotels, hospitals, retail stores and schools because they are more durable than paint and require less maintenance.
When choosing a wall covering, consider your budget and how you want your space to look. For instance, a marble-like wall covering may not be the best choice for your bathroom or you may want a tile pattern for your foyer or entryway.
In addition to a wide variety of finishes and designs, wallcoverings are often more durable than paint. They are also more environmentally friendly, because they typically contain recycled content and low VOCs. In addition, wallcoverings are tested to meet or exceed federal specifications for performance and durability. They are tested for colorfastness, washability, abrasion resistance, breaking strength, crocking, stain resistance, tear resistance, blocking resistance and coating adhesion.
Where Are They Best Used?
Wallcoverings offer a wide range of style and design options. In addition to protecting walls from abrasion and staining, they can add color and texture to any room.
They can also help reduce sound in a space, making them ideal for meeting rooms, offices, theaters and auditoriums. Acoustical wallcoverings are made from a combination of artificial polyesters and olefin fibers that absorb and control sound.
They are easy to install, and can be removed and repositioned as often as needed. They can be pasted over a variety of surfaces, including plaster and cement board. To help keep the paste from sticking to bare walls, a fast-drying oil-based primer should be applied.
Installation
Wallcoverings are a versatile product that can be used on many different wall surfaces. They are a great way to add a personal touch to your home.
When you’re ready to start installing a wallcovering, be sure that your surface is clean and free of old wallpaper, dirt or any other debris. This will ensure proper adhesion and prevent problems in the future.
If you’re working with an existing wall, fill any holes or blemishes with drywall joint compound. Wait until the compound dries before applying an acrylic or latex wall covering primer.
Then, sand the wall smooth using 220-grit sandpaper. If the wall has any texture, use a combination of sanding and primer/sealer to create an even surface.
A coat of wallcovering primer/sealer is essential for most wallcoverings, as it provides a new surface to slide the paste into. It also helps to seal out moisture and prevents paint from absorbing into porous surfaces.
Maintenance
Wallcoverings are a great way to add visual and tactile interest to your space while protecting walls from damage and keeping them looking fresh and clean. But, like all products and services, they need some care to maintain their look.
In general, wallcoverings fall into three categories based on their level of maintenance: Washable (coated papers), Scrubbable (generally heavy vinyl’s) and Spongeable. The last category is the most delicate of the three and is best maintained by using a dry, clean sponge/eraser or with a lightly dampened cloth and avoiding heavy water use.
To remove ordinary dirt and smudges, mix a non-toxic cleaner made without sodium lauryl sulfate, harsh detergents, alcohols or synthetic chemicals. Gently wipe (do not scrub) from the bottom of the wall upwards and rinse with clean water from top down. It’s the tiniest of details, but it’s the only way to keep your wall covering looking new and beautiful for years.
Comments are closed.