Everything you need to know about finding a Wallpaper Installer

Types of Wallpaper

The most common types of wallpaper are:

• Vinyl Coated Paper – has a paper substrate with a decorative surface that has been sprayed with a type of acrylic vinyl or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).  This wallpaper is generally able to be scrubbed or stripped and is suited to most areas, especially the bathroom or kitchen as they are more resistant to moisture and grease than other wallpapers.
  
  
• Coated Fabric – has a fabric substrate coated with liquid vinyl or acrylic and the decorative layer is printed on the coating.  This type of wallpaper is best suited to areas that have low levels of moisture.
  
  
• Paper Backed Vinyl/Solid Sheet Vinyl – has a paper substrate that has been laminated to a solid decorative surface.  This is very durable wallpaper as the decorative surface is solid vinyl, making it suitable for most areas of the house.
  
  
• Fabric Backed Vinyl – has a substrate laminated to a solid vinyl surface.  There is more than one type of this wallpaper.  Solid Vinyl is made up of a vinyl film that has been laminated to either a fabric or paper substrate.  Paper refers to wallpaper that has a paper substrate/ground combination on which the decorative layer has been printed.  True papers are not coated but some may be coated to help seal in ink.

Wallpaper Attributes

Wallpaper has several different attributes that help to determine its durability. These are outlined below:

• Washable/Scrubbable – means that the wallpaper is able to be washed or sponged using a sponge/scrubbing brush and detergent.  This is useful in kitchens, bathrooms and laundries, especially, and also if you have kids!
  
  
• Stain Resistance – the ability of the wallpaper to show no significant change after stains have been removed.
  
  
• Colourfastness – the ability to resist a change in colour or fading that has been caused by exposure to light.
  
  
• Peelable – peelable wallpaper means that you can peel the decorative surface and ground from the wall, leaving the substrate behind which can subsequently be used as the liner for new wallpaper.
  
  
• Strippable – means that you can dry-strip the wallpaper from the wall while leaving behind minimal adhesive or paste residue and without damaging the surface of the wall.

An Interior Decorator Can Help

As there are so many different types of wallpaper, as well as a plethora of patterns, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the amount of choices available.  An interior decorator will be able to help you choose a wallpaper that is right for the area in which it will be hung and also choose paper that will complement your existing décor or form the basis for entirely new décor if you are redecorating.

Applying Wallpaper

Just as you need to prepare the walls for painting, you will need to do the same for wallpaper.  The existing condition of the walls will also have an effect on which type of wallpaper you choose.  For example, if your walls are in great condition, then wallpaper with a flat finish or shimmer effect will look great.  If your walls look somewhat worn, a paper with an embossed or otherwise textured finish will look better.

It is best to get a professional in to install your wallpaper as they will not only be able to prepare the walls correctly, they will be able to help advise you on the best wallpaper for your living conditions and requirements.  Additionally, they will be able to match up the patterns for a seamless look.