Washable wallpapers: types of wallpapers that can be washed

At preparation for repair everyone is sure to come across a concept such as washable wallpaper. Their main feature is clear from the name, but not everyone wonders what washable wallpaper can be. This is a whole group of materials, different in composition, some operational and decorative qualities., price, but united by one quality - the ability to withstand washing, and sometimes the use of brushes. Consider what the main types of washable wallpaper are presented today and compare their properties.

Washable Wallpaper Features and Labeling

All types of washable wallpapers have high strength, wear resistance and durability, are easy to maintain and can be used in rooms with high humidity and the risk of contamination. This type of finish is indispensable. on the the kitchen, in bath and hallway. The flip side of the attractive performance of some types of wallpaper is the inability to pass air, so you will have to provide good ventilation.

The washing properties of the wallpaper will be reported by marking:

• one wave - This is moisture-resistant wallpaper, but you can wash them with a damp sponge;
• two waves - washable wallpaper, however, use only non-aggressive compounds when cleaning;
• three waves - washable wallpapers that are not afraid of saturated soap solutions and most detergents;
• wave and brush - wear-resistant washable wallpaper that can be washed with alkaline solutions and rubbed with a brush;
• three waves and brush - A rare type of wallpaper that is especially resistant to abrasion and it will be almost impossible to damage it during operation and cleaning.

Types of washable wallpapers

Washable wallpapers include vinylacrylic metallic wallpaper, cullet and cork wallpaper with a wax coating. Their performance depends on the composition and method of production, which determines popularity for different types of premises.

Vinyl wallpapers

Most often, it is vinyl that is understood as washable wallpaper, which is explained by their wide distribution, huge selection and affordable price. They do not fade in the sun, are durable, and for rooms with high humidity it is better to choose non-woven fabric as the basis, rather than paper. For bathrooms and kitchens this is a great material.

Washable vinyl wallpapers may be different types:

• foamed vinyl. This is a volumetric-looking wallpaper without embossing, which is quite light and therefore easy to install. Due to their appearance, they are able to hide some wall defects, carefully preparing the surface for their gluing is not required;
• flat vinyl. Such wallpapers are obtained by hot stamping, they imitate decorative plaster, stone, textiles, hide well the imperfections of the walls, are durable;
• kitchen vinyl (dense or smooth). The name suggests that such wallpaper is indispensable for the decoration of kitchen facilities. They are made of rubberized vinyl, the material is thick and dense, has dirt-repellent properties and, according to many experts, can even replace ceramic tiles. Such wallpapers can be not only smooth, despite the name, but also embossed. For the kitchen, however, the latter option is not very appropriate, because removing dirt from the recesses is more difficult.Some manufacturers offer this type of wallpaper with the ability to clean it with a washing vacuum cleaner.

Acrylic Wallpaper

Acrylic Wallpaper in many respects resemble vinyl foamed type, but instead of polyvinyl chloride, acrylic is used in the manufacture. The basis is paper, and acrylic is applied not in a continuous layer, but pointwise, hence the main properties of such wallpapers. Due to the structure of the outer layer, the material lets air through, allowing you to create a favorable microclimate in the room.

Material durable, practical, wear-resistantbut its performance is still inferior to vinyl wallpaper. The thickness of the outer layer is 2 mm, while for vinyl wallpapers the same indicator is 4 mm. This explains the lower durability, but the acrylic wallpaper also can be washed but not used with abrasive detergents or brushes that are too hard - A soft sponge and plain water are ideal. Vapor permeability This material expands the scope of use of wallpaper: they are acceptable even in bedrooms and living rooms. The choice of flowers and ornaments is quite diverse.

Cullet

Cullet made of natural materials: the material is based on glass threads that are woven in the likeness of a fabric, and special impregnations are used to give strength. The main advantages of cullets are:

• naturalness and vapor permeability;
• durability and wear resistance. Scratching such a coating so simply will not succeed;
• incombustibility;
• durability;
• the ability to further strengthen walls and hide surface imperfections;
• the possibility of multiple staining.

Cullets are sold both white and already painted in some color. In any case, if necessary, changing the color is not difficult. So that the wallpaper does not lose its washing qualities, it is necessary to choose the right paint. Suitable water-dispersible, latex and acrylic paints.

As for the appearance, then on sale you can find several types of drawings, such as Christmas trees, rhombuses, guns, etc. Depending on its depth, the maximum number of layers of paint without loss of relief may vary and range from 6 to 20.

Metal wallpaper

Metal wallpaper - This is a two-layer material consisting of a paper or non-woven backing and aluminum foil, which can be embossed, with a pattern painted in a certain color. Initially, such a wallpaper was assigned the function of protection against electromagnetic radiation, but now they have become just an unusual decoration, possessing at the same time mass of useful properties:

• durability;
• simplicity in sticking;
• soundproof properties;
• resistance to prolonged exposure to sunlight;
• resistance to moisture, which makes the wallpaper washable and easy to care for.

If you want to choose metal wallpaper for decoration of one of the rooms, you need to remember the high price of the material. Unfortunately, this is not the only drawback. This type of wallpaper not breathing, the surface is easy to scratch, during installation it is necessary to turn off the electricity and carefully level the surface. In return, the owner gets a luxurious finish. Often metal wallpaper is used only for one of the walls: one that just has to be cleaned most often from pollution.

Wax Cork Wallpaper

Cork Wallpaper - One of the most natural options for wall decoration, because they are made from bark of balsa wood. The wallpapers themselves do not have impressive moisture resistant qualities, but thanks wax impregnation they can not only be used in rooms with high humidity, but also must be washed.

In addition, cork wallpapers do not accumulate static electricity, have excellent sound and heat insulation qualities, are bactericidal, do not absorb odors, are durable and easy to care for. Such a material does not differ in a wide range of colors - rather, on the contrary. Mechanical damage cork wallpaper does not tolerate very wellthey are easy to scratch. Even after applying impregnation or varnishes, it will be possible to wash the surface only with water and a sponge, without aggressive agents and hard brushes.

Sticking Features

For each of the types of wallpaper described above, there are nuances in terms of installation, but there are some general points that it is important to consider before sticking. Special glue plays an important role, because it should be more powerful than the adhesive composition for ordinary, washable, wallpaper. For example, for metallic wallpaper you need dispersion adhesive with fungicide, for acrylic and glass wallpaper - acrylic adhesive, for vinyl - special compounds designed for this type of wallpaper.

Many of these types of wallpapers are able to hide small irregularities in the walls, but it is wrong to think that the thicker the material, the more effectively it hides defects. This ability depends on plasticity and relief, so through the cork wallpaper all the pits will be visible, and vinyl and acrylic wallpapers will hide them.

The most vulnerable spot of washable wallpapers is seams, so when sticking they should pay maximum attention. It is better to spend more time on the formation of neat and even joints than to negate all the unique properties of wallpaper by careless gluing. And finally, it is important to note that washing wallpapers should be washed only as they become dirty - once again it’s better not to touch them.