Washable wallpaper: tips from the master – how to choose and glue

Recommendation points

• Features of washable wallpaper
• What does markings on washable wallpaper rolls mean?
• Washable wallpaper types
• How to glue washable wallpaper
• Washable coating care

Modern washable wallpaper is a versatile wall covering for the kitchen, hallway and bathroom. They have increased strength, good wear resistance and a wide range of colors. How to choose the right type of washable wallpaper and stick it correctly, we will tell you in our article.

Moisture-resistant wallpaper for walls is an excellent option for decorating the interior of a kitchen, hallway and even a bathroom. This method of finishing often serves as an alternative to tiles, since the cost of roll material is much lower, and it is much easier to work with it..

Features of washable wallpaper

Washable wallpapers are intended for use in rooms with high levels of humidity, which makes special demands on their composition. High durability has a reverse side – a special coating does not allow the walls to “breathe”. So if you decide to glue this kind of wallpaper, you need to take care of good ventilation..

The material is almost universal:

1. Suitable for pasting on any surfaces (concrete, plaster, drywall, etc.).
2. No special maintenance required (a brush and a damp cloth are enough).
3. Has a long service life (10-15 years).
4. Quickly glued on and just as quickly removed from the walls (if necessary).

In order to simplify the selection, manufacturers use a single international labeling system. The label depicts one or more wavy lines and a brush.

What does markings on washable wallpaper rolls mean?

1. One line. Moisture resistant wallpaper not intended for washing. When gluing, you can remove excess glue from their surface with a damp sponge.
2. Two lines. Washable option that tolerates wet cleaning well with the use of non-aggressive compounds.
3. Three lines. Super washable wallpaper. Are not afraid of saturated soap solutions and washing with a sponge.
4. Line plus brush. Wallpaper can be washed with a soap brush.
5. Three lines plus a brush. Extra strong abrasion resistant material.

Additional lettering designates the material from which the wallpaper is made:

1. PB – embossed vinyl.
2. BB – foamed vinyl.
3. PV – flat vinyl.
4. STL – fiberglass wallpaper.
5. STR – structural paintable wallpaper.

For the hallway, you can choose wallpaper with increased water resistance, washable and super-washable options are suitable for the bathroom and kitchen. Try to assess the degree of possible contamination in advance: if the coating will have to be washed frequently, it is better to give preference to models with an unexpressed texture. Embossed and embossed wallpaper in such conditions will quickly lose its aesthetic appearance..

Washable wallpaper types

Washable wallpapers differ in the material from which they are made and the method of processing the front side. Each type has its own performance characteristics that must be considered when choosing.

Name	Composition	Subspecies	Life time	Features:
Acrylic Wallpaper	Foamed acrylic applied to paper backing	Foam wallpaper	5-6 years old	Acrylic is applied pointwise, which allows the material to “breathe”. Wallpaper cannot be brushed.
Vinyl wallpapers	Base – paper or fabric, top layer – PVC	Foam vinyl, flat vinyl, embossed vinyl	Up to 20 years	Resistant to fading and the appearance of fungus. Suitable for painting (up to 15 times) and frequent washing. Suitable for kitchens and bathrooms.
Glass fiber	Fiberglass (quartz sand, lime, dolomite, soda)	Single and double layer (paper-based)	Over 20 years	Environmental friendliness, high wear resistance, the possibility of multiple repainting, resistance to aggressive environments.
Metallic wallpaper	Multi-layer option: porous paper, aluminum foil, non-conductive paint, decorative coating	Hand painted	Over 20 years	High cost, vapor permeability of the material. The wallpaper is easy to scratch. When gluing, you need to turn off the electricity. Electrical lines must not run over wallpaper.
Wax-coated stopper	Cork bark, wax impregnation	Various decor options	Up to 20 years	Requires a perfectly flat surface. Antistatic, environmentally friendly. Can be vacuum cleaned.

We do not provide an approximate cost of the listed types of wallpaper, since the price categories for different manufacturers are very different. If we are not talking about elite options, then in almost every type you can find wallpapers that are affordable for your budget..

Washable wallpaper can also include various rolls of synthetic materials (for example, self-adhesive films on a paper or fabric basis). Films can be stylized as leather (devinone), imitate a relief pattern (isoprene, foam) or be covered with a thin layer of plastic (intended for further coloring).

How to glue washable wallpaper

As a rule, washable wallpaper is heavier than the “land” version. That is why it is worth paying special attention to the selection of glue:

1. Vinyl wallpaper requires a special adhesive (eg SuperVinyl). It glides well, making it easier to fit the joints.
2. Acrylic and glass wallpaper require an acrylic adhesive (eg VGT). It is applied only to the wall, the canvas itself does not need to be smeared.
3. Metallized wallpaper is glued with dispersion glue with fungicide. They conduct current well, so you need to follow safety measures.

Important! The most common consumer misconception: the denser the wallpaper, the better it hides the unevenness of the wall. This is not entirely true. The relief and “viscousness” of the canvas are responsible for masking defects. The cork will show even the smallest differences in the plaster – the wallpaper just won’t come together. Vinyl and acrylic are more effective in this regard, especially if you choose wallpaper with a suitable pattern..

Before gluing the wallpaper, you need to carefully study the instructions on the label (different manufacturers may have their own recommendations). You need to start gluing from the window. Masters advise to apply preliminary markup. The main condition is to make sure that the seams do not overlap. Due to the considerable thickness, such an overlap will be conspicuous..

Washable coating care

At the beginning of the article, we mentioned the manufacturer’s markings. It will not be superfluous to keep the label in order to properly care for the wallpaper..

Despite the prefix “washable”, it is better not to overuse wallpaper washing. Sometimes dry cleaning with a vacuum cleaner or brush is sufficient.

It is better to wipe the coating with a thoroughly wrung out cloth. Excess moisture can lead to peeling of the canvas from the wall. In addition, uneven drying will provoke the appearance of ugly streaks and smudges..

The washable coating is a great combination of practicality and original appearance. Among the variety of types of wallpaper, you can always choose the right pattern and texture, and adherence to simple rules for care will help preserve the appearance of your walls for a long time.