Which wallpaper is better: vinyl or non-woven? Vinyl or non-woven wallpaper: which is better for the home? Vinyl wallpaper on paper or non-woven fabric.

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The choice of wallpaper has long been one of the most important aspects of renovation. It is at the moment of choosing wallpaper that numerous quarrels and altercations occur. It will depend on him appearance the room, its mood and atmosphere in it.

But choosing a beautiful color is not so bad. Many people consider the external component of wallpaper to be the main one, forgetting about the material from which the wallpaper is made. But the right choice will allow you to save not only nerves during the operation of the wallpaper, but also money due to the fact that you will not have to re-glue it every couple of years.

Nowadays, there is a huge variety of materials from which wallpaper is made. AiF.ru will help you choose the one that is right for your case.

Photo: Shutterstock.com

Paper wallpaper

Paper wallpapers are still one of the most popular in Russia. True, many consider them already morally obsolete. Let's explain why.

Paper wallpaper can also be different: single-layer or double-layer. But in any case, they retain all their shortcomings. Firstly, they are not among the most durable types wallpaper - this applies to both operation and the moment of wallpapering on the wall. Secondly, paper wallpaper is very susceptible to environment- they happily absorb moisture, can change color under the influence of various factors, and when exposed to direct sunlight they are prone to fading. Thirdly, paper wallpaper is practically impossible to wash - if something gets on it, it will remain on it almost forever.

But there is paper wallpaper and an undeniable plus. By and large, this is the only plus. We are talking about cheapness. It is precisely because they are cheap that the Russian people love paper wallpaper. This factor can only work if you handle paper wallpaper carefully. Otherwise, their fragility and frequent need for replacement will eliminate any savings when purchasing. Another advantage of paper wallpaper is environmental friendliness. They do not release any into the air harmful substances.

It is recommended to use such wallpaper either on a very limited budget, provided that the family does not have small children who can stain the wallpaper or animals that can tear it. It is also not recommended to glue paper wallpaper in damp rooms and in the kitchen due to the fact that they can become deformed from moisture and change color under the influence of by-products during cooking.

Vinyl wallpapers

Vinyl wallpapers are becoming more and more popular in our country. People choose them due to their practicality. With a huge number of advantages, they have practically no disadvantages.

The only possible drawback that can be found in vinyl wallpaper is their relative high cost when compared with paper wallpaper. But thanks to practicality, in which the service life of vinyl wallpaper can easily reach 10 years, they can be even more economical than paper wallpaper.

The advantages of vinyl wallpaper include their practicality. Firstly, they are very durable and can even be subject to deformation. Secondly, vinyl wallpaper can withstand even wet washing without problems. There are several types of vinyl wallpaper - from those that can be gently wiped to those that can easily withstand a cleaning session with a vacuum cleaner.

Vinyl wallpaper is so called due to the top layer, which is made of vinyl. He also gives them those positive traits, which distinguish them from paper wallpaper. The basis on which the vinyl surface is applied and which will be glued to the wall is most often the same paper. Less commonly, the more practical non-woven fabric is used as a base, but this significantly affects the cost of the wallpaper.

There are practically no restrictions on the use of vinyl wallpaper. However, we recommend avoiding using them, or any type of wallpaper in general, in the bathroom. When used in damp rooms, in the kitchen, as well as with the prospect of frequent wet cleaning of the room, it is better to choose wallpaper that is more resistant to this very wet cleaning. This can be determined by special markings on the packaging, which are indicated by the number of waves from one to three. The more waves, the more resistant the wallpaper is to moisture. If the wallpaper depicts a wave with a crest, then for washing you can use either a brush with a cleaning agent or a vacuum cleaner with a wet cleaning function.

Photo: Shutterstock.com

Structural wallpaper

Lately, structural wallpaper has also become popular. This is wallpaper on a paper or non-woven basis, onto which a structural relief pattern is applied in a special way. This wallpaper is intended for painting. That is, after they are glued to the wall, they need to be painted. This allows structural wallpaper to be matched to almost any interior.

Also among the advantages of structural wallpaper is the fact that instead of re-gluing them, you can simply paint them - the same or even a different color. Structural wallpaper on a non-woven basis can withstand up to 12 layers of paint. On paper based- up to 7 layers of paint. They are durable and very wear-resistant. Another plus is ease of use - you can wash the wallpaper with anything, as if you were just washing a painted wall.

The only disadvantages are the slightly cheaper paper-based version of this wallpaper. In addition to the fewer coats of paint they can withstand, they are also not recommended for use in damp areas due to the properties of the paper, which can easily absorb moisture.

Such wallpaper is most often used in offices and hotels, where there is no particular pretense of sophistication, but practicality is valued primarily. Structural wallpaper coupled with painting, of course, is not a cheap pleasure, but due to its practicality and in the long term, it turns out to be a very economical option.

Glass wallpaper

Similar in properties to structural wallpaper are glass wallpapers that are made from interwoven fiberglass. Thanks to the interlacing of threads, a three-dimensional pattern and relief is created. The fiberglass layer can either be applied to a paper or non-woven base, or directly glued to the wall.

The advantages of this wallpaper compared to structural wallpaper include even greater strength, as well as the ability to smooth the surface on which they are glued. In some cases, they can even cover small cracks and potholes. Paint is applied on top. Glass wallpaper is more fireproof compared to other types of wallpaper.

The downside is the high cost. Therefore, glass wallpaper is mainly used in industrial scale- when finishing large hotels, office and shopping centers, hospitals and other institutions.

Textile wallpaper

Textile wallpaper is considered the most beautiful and most prestigious of all types of wallpaper. The price tag also corresponds to the status: they are one of the most expensive wallpapers.

As the name suggests, upper layer Such wallpaper is made of textile, which is then applied to a paper, or more often, non-woven base, since no one is going to save on textile wallpaper anyway.

The advantages of such wallpaper have already been listed - status and beauty. They create in the room the atmosphere of a noble home in which representatives of the upper class live.

But these wallpapers also have undeniable disadvantages. Although they are durable, they are very impractical. As with paper wallpaper, everything that gets on it stays on it. Not a large number of clean water They, of course, can forgive - then they will simply dry up. But if it is a liquid with dyes, the paint will remain on the fabric forever, and it will be impossible to wash it like a shirt - all you have to do is re-glue it. Also, textile wallpapers can be exposed to direct sunlight for a long time and fade. Therefore, in rooms with textile wallpaper, noble twilight most often reigns.

Most often, textile wallpaper is used in living rooms intended for receiving guests, as well as in bedrooms, where you can afford twilight throughout the day and damage to the wallpaper by any liquids or other staining substances is practically excluded.

Vinyl wallpaper - two-layer. The bottom layer is paper or fabric, and the top layer is polyvinyl, which is embossed or patterned. Such wallpapers are particularly durable. If necessary, they can be easily washed and cleaned with alcohol or solvent. This wall finishing material is indispensable for rooms with high humidity- kitchens and baths. However, vinyl wallpaper has one significant drawback - it does not allow moisture and air to pass through.

There are 3 types of these wallpapers:
- washable vinyl;
- foamed vinyl;
- .

Wallpaper made from washable vinyl has a fairly high moisture resistance, so it can be used for bathrooms and kitchens. To glue such material, glue for heavy wallpaper is used. The latter need both the wall and the wallpaper itself, and they must be saturated with it within five minutes. However, it is important not to let them get too wet, as this can cause delamination.

The first layer of silk-screened wallpaper consists of paper, and the second layer is made of vinyl with silk threads. With the help of such material you can significantly transform your home and make it a real work of art. Both textured and smooth vinyl wallpapers are capable of displaying the light that falls on them differently. This material is elastic, very pleasant to the touch and does not fade for a long time, but its cost is quite high.

Foamed vinyl wallpaper also consists of 2 layers - paper and a special composition. The latter is subjected to heat treatment during manufacturing and as a result forms a relief surface. These wallpapers are very dense, waterproof, and they perfectly disguise many of the imperfections of the walls. Using foam vinyl, it is possible to imitate ceramic tiles, granite, leather, suede, marble, wood, various types of plaster and other surfaces. However, such wallpaper is best used in non-residential premises.

Non-woven wallpaper: advantages

Unlike vinyl, non-woven wallpaper is homogeneous, it consists of only 1 layer. They can be either plain or with a pattern. This material can be used as an independent decorative element or for painting. At the same time, they can be coated with latex, water-based or acrylic paint. Non-woven wallpaper is highly durable. In addition, they are very easy to use.

It is worth saying that when gluing them you do not need to smear them with glue; it is enough to apply it only to the wall. Since non-woven fabric is a natural material, it allows moisture to pass through and “breathes”, wallpaper made from it can be used in almost any room, even in a children’s room.

Nowadays, to create beautiful children's rooms, hallways, living rooms, and dining rooms, wallpapers are used that differ not only color solutions, but also the materials used in the manufacturing process. In this article we will look at paper-based vinyl wallpapers and compare them with non-woven ones.

Paper and vinyl - a modern combination

Just 20 years ago, today's variety of wallpapers would have seemed fantastic. However, fantasy has become our reality, and today we have access to not just different colors and shades, but also wallpapers that are completely different in structure. Simple paper products are not that expensive and will always find their buyer.

After all, paper is an environmentally friendly material that does not interfere with air exchange through pasted surfaces. Therefore, you can safely use paper products to decorate any premises, including children’s rooms. But keep in mind that the humidity in them should not be higher than average. This budget option Many owners of old houses use it to tidy up their rooms, especially since in Lately A large number of multi-colored wallpapers with raised patterns appeared.

But, as a rule, such material does not withstand intensive use; repairs have to be done after 3–4 years. There is also a great danger that with high humidity, such wallpaper will begin to peel off and become moldy, and when exposed to sunlight, it will turn yellow and lose its original color.

Somewhat better in this regard is the duplex version of products, in which two or more layers are connected - unlike single-layer ones, they are stronger and easily tolerate high humidity And ultra-violet rays, and, in addition, have a special protective layer. This wallpaper can even be wiped with a wet cloth. Typically, paper finishing is sold in 10-meter rolls with a width of 55–75 centimeters. In the price option, you can choose both inexpensive domestic and more expensive foreign options.

Paper-based vinyl wallpaper - product types

The use of paper in the production of wallpaper has become possible in combination with another material - polyvinyl chloride. If paper serves as the base, then vinyl is used to make the front layer. Non-woven fabric is also used as a base, which is more durable and less susceptible to stretching.

Thanks to vinyl, wall decoration can be washed with water and used in rooms with a humid climate. Also, given the thickness of the products, they are easy to use when not very smooth walls and hide small defects. True, due to the multi-layer nature of this type of wallpaper, air permeability is very low, especially non-woven wallpaper. However, some manufacturers have overcome this disadvantage and began to produce breathable ones, but this pleasure is not cheap. But their durability and strength can only be envied.

Vinyl wallpaper is divided into the following types:

Compact vinyl (flat wallpaper) imitates materials such as textiles, stone or standard plaster. Quite convenient to use to hide uneven walls.
Silk-screen printing is a type of flat wallpaper with a special embossing that imitates a silky texture.
Foamed vinyl with a pronounced structure is most often embossed. It is characterized by high wear resistance. The surface for gluing such wallpaper should be perfectly leveled, since even minor surface defects will manifest themselves.
Vinyl wallpaper ready for painting. You can create a flower arrangement yourself or choose a unique shade. Many people use this type of thick wallpaper as a decoration, because they are not afraid of ultraviolet radiation, and in addition, they easily tolerate moisture and detergents.
Hard vinyl wallpaper is subjected to a special type of heat treatment. The advantage of this material is that it almost does not cause allergies, in addition, it allows you to imitate any type of coating. During production, different colors are used along with embossing techniques.

Judging by the reviews, consumers increasingly prefer vinyl wallpaper to paper wallpaper. The reason is that they last much longer than their paper counterparts. And even the difference in price is more than compensated for by infrequent repairs. As owners of vinyl trim note, it begins to lose its original appearance only after 10 years.

Non-woven fabric - the basis for non-woven wallpaper

Non-woven wallpaper should be divided into two groups to avoid confusion.

The first group is the wallpaper itself, entirely made of non-woven material, a non-woven material based on cellulose fibers, bonded with a polymer mass. That is, the main component of non-woven fabric is the same as that of paper, but the strength of the material is an order of magnitude higher.
The second group of non-woven wallpapers are products in which non-woven wallpaper is used as a lining front layer all from the same vinyl. Therefore, it is more correct to call them vinyl wallpaper on a non-woven basis. Next, we will talk specifically about the first group, since the second is characterized by all the features of vinyl wallpaper, with the exception of the increased strength that the non-woven base gives to the products.

The difference between non-woven wallpaper and vinyl is its high tensile and tensile strength. This means that this version of the product not only adheres well and easily, but also does not tear when the house structures shrink. This will hide unnecessary cracks in the walls. Products made from non-woven fabric do not support combustion; fungus or mold will not appear on them. They can withstand up to 12 layers of paint.

For those who are working with such products for the first time, it is worth knowing that gluing non-woven wallpaper is done using a method slightly different from the traditional one. In this case, special glue is applied not to the sheets, but to the walls. Then the dry sheets are applied to the area covered with glue and pressed and smoothed.

According to experts, this operating technology avoids the formation of bubbles and the wallpaper moving to the side. This wallpaper can be easily applied to prepared plastered walls, as well as to plasterboard, wood or porous concrete. Such wallpaper does not require preliminary putty. And yet, it is advisable to glue non-woven sheets only end-to-end, without overlapping edges on each other. The choice of colors is quite large.

It is also convenient to work with the rolls themselves, which are produced as standard meter width. The product allows air to pass through perfectly and allows the walls to “breathe,” which helps avoid air stagnation in the rooms. Non-woven fabric does not like water, so if you want to put a washable finish in your kitchen or hallway, then it makes sense to choose vinyl or. But keep in mind that you can paint non-woven wallpaper no earlier than 24 hours after pasting the walls.

Vinyl or non-woven wallpaper - which wallpaper is better?

If we take vinyl and non-woven wallpaper for comparison, the difference is quite significant. Firstly, non-woven ones consist of natural cellulose, while vinyl ones have an artificial top layer. And although manufacturers talk about their complete safety, it is still not recommended to glue such products in children's rooms.

Secondly, non-woven products have such a parameter as good air permeability, but vinyl products do not always (only expensive products where the layer structure is subjected to special treatment).

As we have already noted, these two types of wallpaper differ significantly in the method of applying glue to the surface. In the case of vinyl, the adhesive mass is applied to the backside, with non-woven ones - on the wall itself. That is, when working with second products, you do not have to look for a place on the floor or on the table to roll out sheets and coat them with glue.

When choosing one of the materials, you should not completely discard the second. Non-woven fabric and vinyl perfectly complement and replace each other in different situations– for example, in the bathroom there is a place for vinyl wallpaper, but in the living room it is better to cover the walls with non-woven material.

The choice of wallpaper plays an important role in creating the image you like in a room and maintaining its functionality. Miscellaneous purposes rooms in the house determine the requirements for wall coverings and create their own microclimate, suitable for some materials and destructive for others.

In addition to traditional paper wallpaper, non-woven and vinyl varieties have gained popularity. They are used on an equal basis with each other in the domestic sphere, but are strikingly different in functionality.

The main parameters used when comparing wall coverings include:

moisture resistance;
vapor permeability;
strength and wear resistance;
durability;
toxicity;
ease of gluing;
suitability for further processing.

Let's take a closer look at the differences between non-woven and vinyl coverings.

1. Moisture resistance

Non-woven wallpaper is a non-woven material based on cellulose fibers. To keep them in a bound state, polymer adhesives are used. Due to the high hygroscopicity of cellulose, such wallpaper absorbs moisture quite strongly. This localizes their use in rooms with dry air and no sources of moisture - bedrooms, halls, living rooms. Near a sink or shower stall, non-woven fabric quickly becomes unusable.

Vinyl wallpaper is produced in the form of a moisture-proof polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheet connected to a paper or non-woven backing. Vinyl – resistant material, which can be washed not only clean water, but also soap solutions. Only abrasive cleaning agents that mechanically damage the polymer surface are incompatible with it. Vinyl wallpaper is the second most popular material for finishing kitchens, bathrooms and bathrooms (after tiles).

2. Vapor permeability

Despite the apparent solidity of concrete, up to 1/3 of the water vapor leaves the room through the walls. Thanks to the removal of vapors, there is no accumulation of moisture and “stagnation” of air in the room. If the room is set up good system ventilation, the requirement of vapor permeability loses relevance. To ensure a favorable microclimate in a room with natural air circulation, wall coverings must allow moisture to pass through.

Video: Vinyl wallpaper

Non-woven wallpaper has the greatest vapor permeability. This is facilitated by the specific structure of the glued fibers, which is spacious enough for the passage of water molecules. Ordinary vinyl wallpaper practically does not allow moisture to pass through, but collects it in the form of condensation on its surface.

There is a special foamed type of vinyl that has good vapor permeability. Its disadvantages include reduced water resistance, which prevents wide application in kitchens, bathrooms and toilets.

3. Strength and wear resistance

Due to the high mechanical properties of polyvinyl chloride, wallpaper made from it is often pasted in corridors and hallways. The most durable coatings are made from thick vinyl. They are difficult to damage even during long sliding contacts with metal clothing fittings.

Non-woven wallpaper is less resistant to abrasion and has less tensile strength (it is damaged more quickly during gluing). Upon wet contact with clothing, the top layer of such wallpaper quickly becomes unusable. Before carrying out renovations in the apartment, you should determine in advance the places where it is undesirable to glue non-woven wallpaper due to frequent and wet friction (wardrobe, hallway).

4. Durability

The service life of both coatings is comparable, although slight differences are still present. Manufacturers of non-woven wallpaper guarantee their flawless operation for 8-10 years (provided they are protected from moisture and mechanical damage). Vinyl wallpaper lasts a little longer - 10-12 years.

A fundamental difference in service life is observed when operating conditions change - the level of humidity or the intensity of external influences. In the presence of external factors wear, vinyl wallpaper lasts longer and looks brighter than non-woven wallpaper, which fades faster and loses its initial attractiveness.

5. Toxicity

It should be noted that universal or cheap methods for determining toxicity finishing materials does not exist. Examination environmental safety wallpaper, carried out in specialized laboratories, is available only at the level large manufacturers due to the high cost and specificity of the equipment used.

From a statistical point of view, the likelihood of purchasing non-woven wallpaper that releases toxic substances after gluing is much less than similar vinyl wallpaper. The non-woven fabric contains only glue as an extraneous “chemical”, which is practically not capable of becoming a source of harmful substances after application to the wall.

Video: Non-woven wallpaper

In the production of PVC, a number of toxic components are used, traces of which may remain in the final product - formaldehyde, vinyl chloride, etc. Paints that are applied to the vinyl surface at the factory and do not fade in the sun also sometimes have low environmental qualities.

Almost all budget versions of vinyl wallpaper have bad smell. More expensive branded materials differ for the better in organoleptic indicators, but they are significantly more expensive.

6. Easy to stick

Applying non-woven wallpaper to a wall is much less labor-intensive than vinyl wallpaper. This is caused by the following factors:

a lower specific density of non-woven fabric (g/m2) leads to a decrease in the mass of the glued fabric;
Glue is applied only to the wall. The strip of wallpaper remains dry, which facilitates the process of joining it with adjacent canvases;
there is no need to hide defects and surface unevenness (the gluing procedure is simplified). Wall defects that require plastering when using vinyl wallpaper become less noticeable under the relief structure of cellulose fibers;
accelerated gluing of walls caused by the larger width of non-woven wallpaper compared to standard rolls (1 m versus 0.5 m).

7. Possibility of further processing

Vinyl wallpapers usually come in bright colors and patterns that are durable. sunlight. The catalog of offered designs is extensive, but does not always satisfy the sophisticated requirements of the buyer. Painting vinyl wallpaper is possible, but is limited by the requirements of a textured and plain light-colored surface. Bright wallpaper cannot always be successfully painted due to the high intensity of the initial color.

Non-woven wallpaper is suitable for repeated repainting. The lack of a smooth surface makes it easier to hold a thick layer of paint that can completely cover the original shade. Many non-woven coverings, specially produced in a form intended for painting, are easily recognizable by their monochromatic and repeating patterns. The color of the cellulose coating can be changed throughout the entire period of use. This allows you to completely transform the room without re-pasting the walls.

The presented types of wallpaper are not universal. When choosing them, you should focus on the parameters and purpose of the room. Vinyl wallpaper is suitable for creating washable and wear-resistant surfaces. Non-woven coverings are optimal for gluing bedrooms and living rooms, as well as creating your own extravagant designs.

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