That beautiful decorative covering on your walls is called wallpaper. People always wonder what it’s made of and how.
Wallpaper is a type of decorative material used to cover and decorate the walls of homes, offices, and other buildings.
Wallpaper is usually made of paper or fabric, but can also be made from vinyl, leather, or other materials. Wallpaper can be printed with a variety of designs, including geometric patterns, florals, and landscapes.
Some wallpaper is even made to look like wood paneling or stone. Wallpaper is glued to the wall using paste or adhesive and can be removed by stripping it from the wall.
The good news is that you can install most types of wallpaper yourself. The following sections will explain the different types of wallpaper and how to install them.
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What are the different types of wallpaper, and what are they made of?
There are three main types of wallpaper: paper, fabric, and vinyl.
Paper
Paper wallpaper is the most common type and is made of, you guessed it, paper! It is usually made of a base layer of non-woven fabric or paper that is coated with vinyl.
Vinyl
Vinyl wallpaper is made of, you guessed it, vinyl! It is the most durable type of wallpaper and is often used in high-traffic areas, such as hallways and kitchens.
Fabric
Fabric wallpaper is made of, well, fabric! It is usually made of a cotton or linen fabric that is coated with vinyl.
Nonwoven
This synthetic fiber wallpaper is made of a blend of natural and synthetic fibers, such as cellulose, cotton, and polyester. The fibers are bonded together with resins to create a durable and sturdy wallpaper.
Embossed
Embossed wallpaper always looks expensive and luxurious. It’s made by pressing a design into the paper or vinyl using heat and pressure. The raised design can be anything from a geometric pattern to a floral design.
Anaglypta
This type of wallpaper is made of heavyweight paper that is textured with a raised design. It is often painted or coated with vinyl.
Flock
Flock wallpaper is made of short fibers that are glued to a paper or vinyl backing. The fibers can be made of wool, nylon, or polyester.
Foil/metallic
Foil wallpaper is made of metal foil that is glued to a paper or vinyl backing. The foil can be made of copper, aluminum, or brass.
This wallpaper has an appearance of metal but is actually made of paper or vinyl.
Grasscloth
Grasscloth wallpaper is made of natural fibers, such as jute, hemp, or grass. The fibers are glued to a paper backing.
This wallpaper is often used in formal rooms, such as dining rooms and living rooms, or in modern eco-friendly homes.
How is wallpaper sold?
Most wallpaper is sold in rolls. The width of a roll varies but is typically around 21 inches. The length of a roll also varies but is typically between 15 and 33 feet.
Wallpaper is also sold in individual panels, which are usually about 2 feet wide and 4 to 8 feet tall. Panels are a good option if you want to cover a large area quickly.
The price of wallpaper varies depending on the type, design, and brand. Paper wallpaper typically costs between $15 and $30 per roll, while vinyl wallpaper typically costs between $30 and $50 per roll. Fabric wallpaper typically costs between $50 and $100 per roll.
Luxury wallpaper can cost more than $500 per roll!
How is wallpaper made?
Wallpaper is made by printing designs onto paper or fabric and then coating the paper or fabric with vinyl.
Paper wallpaper is made by first printing the design onto a base layer of non-woven fabric or paper. The base layer is then coated with vinyl, which makes it more durable and easier to clean.
Vinyl wallpaper is made by printing the design onto a vinyl film. The vinyl film is then coated with a clear acrylic film, which makes it more durable and easier to clean.
Fabric wallpaper is made by printing the design onto a cotton or linen fabric. The fabric is then coated with vinyl, which makes it more durable and easier to clean.
What are the benefits of wallpaper?
Wallpaper has a few benefits over paint, including the following:
-It is more durable than paint.
-It is easier to clean than paint.
-It can be removed without damaging the walls.
-It comes in a variety of colors, patterns, and styles.
Wallpaper is a great way to add personality to your home and make it feel like your own. With so many different types and styles available, there is sure to be a wallpaper that you will love!
How to install wallpaper?
Traditional wallpaper is typically placed with a thick wallpaper paste because it is meant to be permanent or semi-permanent and can be constructed of solid paper, paper backing with a vinyl coating, fabric backing with a vinyl coating, or solid vinyl.
Use clear wallpaper glue when in doubt:
Vinyl and other long-lasting materials are used to make temporary wallpaper, although the peel-and-stick adhesive is less difficult to remove than wallpaper paste.
Peel-and-stick wallpaper is popular for its easy installation process—simply peel off the backing and stick it to the wall. No need for wallpaper paste!
The simplest DIY wallpaper choice is fabric because it is virtually foolproof, and the glue can be easily removed with water if you make a mistake installing it.
What are some tips for hanging wallpaper?
- Start by measuring the wall and calculating how many rolls of wallpaper you will need.
- Next, prep the wall by cleaning it and removing any old wallpaper or paint.
- If you are using traditional wallpaper, mix the paste according to the instructions.
- Cut the wallpaper to size and apply the paste to the back.
- Hang the wallpaper on the wall, starting at the top and working your way down.
- Smooth out any bubbles with a wallpaper brush or roller.
- Trim the edges with a sharp knife.
How long does wallpaper last?
It depends on the type of wallpaper and how well it is maintained.
Paper wallpaper can last for 5-10 years, while vinyl wallpaper can last for 10-20 years. Fabric wallpaper can last for 20-30 years.
Luxury wallpaper can last for 30+ years if it is well-maintained.
What are some tips for cleaning wallpaper?
Wallpaper can be dusted with a soft cloth or vacuumed with a soft brush attachment.
You can also clean wallpaper with a mild soap and water solution. Be sure to test the solution in an inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn’t damage the wallpaper.
For tougher stains, you can use a diluted bleach solution. Again, be sure to test the solution in an inconspicuous area first.
How do you remove wallpaper?
Wallpaper can be removed by scoring the wallpaper with a scoring tool and then soaking it with a wallpaper steamer or hot water.
Once the wallpaper is soaked, you can use a putty knife or scraper to remove it from the wall.
Sometimes you might need professional help to remove stubborn wallpaper. But most people can use these methods to remove wallpaper successfully.
Conclusion
Wallpaper can add a touch of elegance to any room in your home. With a little bit of time and effort, you can easily transform a plain wall into a work of art.
There are a variety of colors, patterns, and styles to choose from, so you can find the perfect wallpaper for your home.
Most wallpaper is relatively cheap, so it is a great way to add some personality to your home without breaking the bank.
Wallpaper is also relatively easy to install, so you can DIY the installation.