Wallcovering Types

by Kim Kinrade

Wallpaper began as an ancient Chinese decoration, made from left over textile lint and fibers, and then flourished when mechanical printing methods made it possible to create rolls. However, wallpaper had its zenith in the 1920's when modern printing process made the product cheap enough for the average buyer.

But wallpaper was easily stained and torn and it wasn't until the late 1940's that plastic resins gave wallpaper durability and a surface that was easy to clean. It was very popular until the early1980's when it suddenly it went out of fashion. But wallpapering has come back very strongly in recent years. This is partly due to advances in digital photography which can create famous tapestries, classic wallpaper patterns and natural murals.

Types of Wallpaper

Normal: Sometimes called "common wallpaper," this traditional type has been mostly replaced with vinyl. Some of this wallpaper can still be found hanging in restored residences and older homes.

Lining Paper: Walls have previously been covered with an oil-based paint or sealer will not have an absorbent surface to get the wallpaper glue to stick. Therefore lining paper is used. This paper also can cover up the grooves in wall paneling so that the surface can be papered over. It's sort of like using a primer before painting on an unknown surface. For best results the lining paper should go on horizontally so that the finished paper has a good base for hanging. In addition, lining paper should be used when putting up exotic wallpapers like bamboo or grass.

Vinyl: This type is the most common one that is found in home improvement stores. It can be put up almost anywhere, even in bathrooms and kitchens. New advances have made it possible to have mildew-resistance substances built in. Another feature is that it is easy to hang and can stand up to scrubbing and moisture. Most wallpapers now come with a glued surface so all you have to do is wet the back.

Foil: This style is used for small spaces and feature walls. It is made from metal foils and comes in various interesting patterns. However, this type of paper is easily wrinkled and subject to fold lines so the utmost care is needed to hang it. As well is will not easily cover up any defects behind the walls. Still, it adds a festive quality to any room.

Flock: Used mainly for formal dining rooms and as decorative highlights flock wallpaper has raised "velvet" patterns. This came from an old practice of gluing waste wool fluff onto a paper surface. Lining paper is always suggested before putting up this type of wallcovering and always vacuum up the loose particles on the paper before applying.

Grass Weave: Grass wall coverings give the room a very tropical feel and this works great in bathroom and recreational areas. However, this is not for the children's bathroom because it works best in areas where it will not be rubbed or scuffed. Since it is hard to maintain consistency in color and texture from one layer to another, every-other-layer should be hung upside-down to prevent a sudden change in the look.

Fabric: As the name implies this type is made from textile remnants laminated to regular wallpaper. However, it is high maintenance as it is not always easy to clean and staining can occur. It is also difficult to hang because it has a tendency to lose its shape if stretched too much.

Planning to Paper

Before you go and buy three or four bolts of wallpaper for a room there are certain plans to be made:

1. Line It Up: Measure the center point of the wall at the ceiling and mark it. Drop a plumb bob from that point and mark the bottom of the plumb bob. Now put snap a line from the two points and that is your starting line.

2. Add 20%: If you want to do 100 square feet of wallpaper buy 120 square feet to accommodate a variety of problems like cutting around obstacles and matching patterns.

3. Placing: Decide where the first piece of paper should go. Start a point on the center of the wall and work towards the corners marking off the width of the paper.

• Rule: If the space between the corner and the last width is greater than 6 inches go back to the center mark and use this as the start mark for the left-hand side. Start the right-hand side the same way and cut off the excess in the corner. Now, if the width from the corner to the last width is greater than 6 inches then start the first piece completely centered on the mark. These methods will ensure that the paper pattern flows properly.

4. Windows: For one window centered in the room center the first piece on a central point of the window. For two windows equi-distance, start the first width midway between them. Measuring makes all the difference in wallpapering as matching the pattern is so important.

For best results consult a professional wallcovering expert. They will help you decide on the right patterns for your room and will guarantee the finished look.