Vinyl wallpaper: advantages and disadvantages

Vinylized Wall Paper

Wall paper based on vinylized material consists of a non-woven base layer, with the top layer made from materials like foamed vinyl (for example, textured hot-press vinyl wallpaper).

• The application process is simpler compared to paper wallpaper; glue is applied directly to the wall, eliminating the need to pre-coat or soak the wallpaper.
• It takes less time to install.
• If the walls are properly prepared beforehand (sanding, priming, and plastering if necessary), and the glue is applied strictly according to the manufacturer’s instructions, the durability of vinylized wallpaper is higher than that of paper wallpaper.
• Such wallpaper helps to conceal wall imperfections more effectively.

• Since it is already a relatively dense material, uncoated vinylized wallpaper remains rigid and does not stretch, making it unsuitable for covering severely uneven walls without cutting the fabric.
• Vinylized wallpaper allows light to pass through, so it should be used on neutral-colored or white walls to prevent the underlying pattern from showing through.

In any case, the vinylized base is much stronger than paper-based ones.

By the way, there are only two possible bases for wall paper: paper or vinyl. Vinyl or fabric alone cannot be used as a base material; the exception is perhaps vinyl stickers. For vinyl or fabric-covered wallpaper, the base is always either paper or vinyl (nylon).

Fabric, as a standalone decorative material, is very rarely used and is usually very expensive.

Vinylized Wall Paper: PHOTOGRAPHY

First example: Vinylized wallpaper in use.

Photo 1 — Vinylized wallpaper from Holden Decor (England), Flamante collection. Price: $212 per roll.

Second example: Vinyl wallpaper with a vinylized base.

Photo 2 — Rasch vinylized wallpaper, Patricia collection. Price: $40 per roll.

Third example: Fabric-backed vinylized wallpaper.

Photo 3 — Rasch fabric-backed vinylized wallpaper, Excellencé collection. Price: $78 per meter.

Vinylized Wall Paper for Walls

Now let’s look at another type of vinylized wall paper.

The use of vinyl has greatly expanded both its decorative and practical possibilities. Thanks to vinyl, manufacturers have been able to create an effect that gives the illusion of “wall depth” — the patterns on the wallpaper appear more three-dimensional, and light seems to penetrate through the layers of fabric.

“Pure” vinylized wall paper is multi-layered and textured, so the top layer can be either grooved or smooth.

The textured layers create various visual effects, while the smooth surface enhances the appearance of any space by making it appear larger.

Compared to other materials, vinylized wall paper has many advantages; its main drawback is generally its price. The examples above illustrate this clearly (and we didn’t include the much cheaper paper-based vinylized wallpapers).

Vinylized wall paper is available in both painted and unpainted versions.

It can be used as a backing layer for other decorative materials or as a finished coating itself, whether it’s meant to be painted over or used as a textured surface.

Let’s summarize the key points.

Base material of vinylized wall paper: cellulose and synthetic binders.Available formats: rolls of various sizes.

Advantages: environmentally friendly, highly elastic, durable, can cover wall imperfections, can be repainted, available in a wide price range, and can serve as a base for other materials.

Disadvantages: higher prices for some models; “pure” vinylized wallpaper is relatively thin and requires careful handling, which may cause the underlying color to show through.

Glue recommended: Special glue should be used for vinylized wall paper; in rare cases, paper wallpaper glue can be used as well.Application method: Apply glue directly to the wall, then stick the wallpaper strip on and smooth it out with a rubber roller.

Painting options: Dispersive, water-emulsion, or acrylic paints.

Maintenance: For “pure” vinylized wallpaper, you can clean it with a damp cloth after painting; for other types, dry cleaning is recommended. For vinylized wallpaper with a vinyl layer, mild cleaning is possible, but avoid using harsh cleaners on fabric-backed versions.

Vinylized Wall Paper for Painting: Product Details

As mentioned earlier, vinylized material holds up well to painting. Let’s look at the specific features of this type of wall paper.A well-known manufacturer of vinylized wall paper for painting is the German company Erismann. Their products can be repainted several times with acrylic, latex, or water-emulsion paints. Due to their unique texture, Erismann’s wallpaper creates the effect of a continuous wall surface, which is difficult to achieve with other materials.Erismann uses environmentally friendly materials in their vinylized wallpaper: cellulose and vinyl (mineral fibers) allow the walls to “breathe”.

Manufacturer: Erismann (Germany).

Product dimensions: One roll measures 25 meters in length and 1.06 meters in width.Base material: Cellulose and vinyl.Top layer material: Foamed vinyl.Water resistance: Most of these wallpapers are waterproof.Fire resistance: Erismann’s wallpaper is flame-resistant and does not burn.Light resistance: Very resistant to light.Number of repaints possible: Up to 7-8 times.

Glue application method: Only on the wall.Removal from walls: Leaves no residue.

No matter how “promotional” the information above may seem, these details are essential when choosing any type of wall or ceiling wallpaper—either from a salesperson or by checking the product label itself.

NOTE! Applying wallpaper in 0.53-centimeter strips makes the application much easier and results in a smoother surface with fewer seams.Many of the above specifications can be indicated on the wallpaper roll in the form of pictograms:

Figure 1 — Pictograms on wall paper

For kitchens, waterproof wallpaper is not sufficient; it’s better to choose extra-water-resistant types that can withstand cleaning with detergents.

Photo 4 — Marburg vinylized wallpaper, Germany

Photo 5 — Marburg vinylized wallpaper, Patent Decor collection

Finally, let’s address some common questions.

Are Vinylized Wall Papers Harmful?Since the cellulose in vinylized wall paper is natural, it is harmless. However, “vinylized” wallpaper that contains synthetic additives or low-quality PVC may be harmful. But reputable manufacturers avoid using such substances, so you don’t need to worry about this.

The only potential downside is that the textured surface may attract dust, which can be a problem for people with allergies or asthma. Regular cleaning helps to prevent this, but it’s better to choose smooth-textured wallpaper in such cases.

Where to Buy Vinylized Wall PaperThe price of vinylized wall paper depends on its light and water resistance, the type of surface, and the materials used in its composition. Additionally, brand reputation affects the final cost.

Prices in Kiev range from 228 hryvnia per roll; in Moscow, they start at 800 rubles per roll.Pre-painted vinylized wallpaper is relatively cheaper:

Between 68.90 hryvnia and 350 rubles per roll in Kiev and Moscow, respectively.

Remember: Always buy high-quality products to avoid potential health issues related to inferior materials.

The textured surface of vinylized wall paper may attract dust, so it’s important to clean it regularly, especially for people with allergies.

In summary, vinylized wall paper offers many advantages, but choose carefully based on your specific needs and budget.