Introduction to Wallpaper Application
Opting for wallpaper instead of traditional paint offers a swift and economical solution to transform your living space. It provides a seamless coverage, hiding imperfections and adding texture or pattern to your walls. With a vast array of designs, materials, and finishes, wallpaper remains a versatile choice for both modern and classic interiors. Among the popular options, blown vinyl wallpaper stands out for its durability and textured appeal.
Understanding Blown Vinyl Wallpaper
Blown vinyl wallpaper, also known as expanded or embossed vinyl wallpaper, features a textured surface with raised patterns or embossed designs finished with a water-resistant plastic layer. This layer makes it resistant to moisture, stains, and everyday wear, making it an ideal choice for high-humidity areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Blown Vinyl Wallpaper
Once a trendy design in the 1970s, blown vinyl wallpaper has recently experienced a renaissance, especially in commercial interiors and increasingly in residential applications. Its benefits include:
- Durability and Ease of Maintenance: Blown vinyl is highly resilient and simple to clean with warm water and mild detergents, lasting up to 15 years when properly installed.
- Water Resistance: Its waterproof nature makes it suitable for areas prone to splashes and moisture.
- Ease of Installation: It adheres well to textured and nonporous surfaces like concrete, wood paneling, or laminate, often requiring only a lining paper for optimal adhesion.
- Variety of Aesthetic Options: Available in numerous colors, patterns, and textures to suit diverse tastes and interior themes.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider:
- Higher cost compared to other wallpaper types.
- Non-paintable and susceptible to shrinking when exposed to heat or direct sunlight.
- Challenging to remove or repair without professional help, especially if applied over existing wallpapers.
Alternative Vinyl Wallpaper Types
While blown vinyl offers many benefits, some prefer other vinyl-based options for different needs and budgets. These include:
- Vinyl Coated Wallpaper: A layer of vinyl applied over paper or synthetic base, offering washability but with less durability than solid vinyl.
- Solid Sheet Vinyl Wallpaper: Entirely made of vinyl, this type provides superior water resistance and durability, perfect for high-traffic zones like kitchens and bathrooms.
- Paper-Backed Vinyl Wallpaper: Combines a pulp paper backing with a vinyl surface, offering ease of installation and good moisture resistance for various rooms.
- Fabric-Backed Vinyl Wallpaper: Features a woven fabric backing, enhancing durability and moisture resistance. Subtypes include:
- Type I: Light-duty, suitable for low-traffic areas such as offices or guest rooms.
- Type II: Medium-duty, ideal for living rooms, corridors, and communal spaces.
- Type III: Heavy-duty, designed for high-traffic or commercial environments like restaurants or public restrooms.
- Grasscloth Vinyl Mimics: Vinyl wallpapers that emulate the textured appearance of natural grasscloth, offering a cost-effective and durable alternative with barely visible seams.
Common Challenges During Vinyl Wallpaper Installation
Despite its ease of application, vinyl wallpaper installation may encounter issues, often stemming from improper techniques or material limitations. Typical problems include:
- Moisture Sensitivity: Excessive humidity can cause swelling, buckling, or mold growth. Monitoring room humidity and ensuring proper wall preparation is essential.
- Temperature Fluctuations: Cold temperatures can make vinyl brittle, while heat may cause shrinking or softening, leading to tears or misalignments.
- Color Bleeding: Transfer of dyes through the vinyl, especially if the ink isn’t colorfast. Always test small sections before full application.
- Stretching and Wrinkles: Improper handling can cause wrinkles or bubbles; pre-folding or ‘booking’ the vinyl for about 15 minutes enhances flexibility.
- Over-Vinyl Layers: Applying new vinyl over old can result in peeling. Removing existing wallpaper ensures better adhesion and longevity.
- Drying Time: Complete drying may take from 2 to 7 days depending on wall conditions and adhesive used. Self-adhesive varieties reduce this concern.
- Adhesive Selection: Using the correct adhesive is vital. Heavy vinyls require strong, specially formulated adhesives, especially on damp or uneven surfaces.
Choosing and Applying the Best Wallpaper Paste
For securing vinyl wallpapers, selecting the appropriate adhesive is crucial. Products like Roman’s Heavy-Duty Paste and Rust-Oleum SureGrip Strippable Adhesive are renowned for their strength, capable of supporting even the heaviest materials. When applying paste, consider whether your wallpaper requires pre-sizing or can be adhered directly. Proper wall preparation, including priming and sealing drywall, enhances adhesion and prevents issues like peeling or bubbling. Always follow manufacturer instructions regarding application and drying times to achieve optimal results.