Vinyl wallpaper: properties, characteristics, care details

Composition and technical characteristics

What, exactly, are wallpapers called vinyl? They consist of two layers, the upper one, or base, is polyvinyl chloride (vinyl) , and the lower one, adhesive to the wall, is paper or non-woven .

The strength and other characteristics of vinyl wallpaper depend on both the base layer and the type of vinyl. Thus, the paper base is less durable and dense than non-woven material . And the appearance of the coating and its thickness, as well as the characteristics of care, are influenced by the type of vinyl, its finishing (embossing, pattern, and so on).

All vinyl wallpapers are famous for their wide variety of options. This gives wide scope in choosing interior design.

Such wallpaper is suitable for almost any premises, residential and non-residential. They are durable.

There is a coating designed for painting, which gives additional opportunities to decorate the room to your taste.

For gluing vinyl wallpaper, special glue , since they are quite heavy. itself is applied only to the wall .

A few words about gluing

Wallpaper strips are glued end to end. It is important to ensure that they do not stretch, otherwise the seams may move when drying.

A room covered with vinyl wallpaper will look rich and have an original, individual design. You can choose the appropriate color option and coating texture. For example, wallpaper can imitate finishing materials such as brick, tile, decorative plaster or wood .

In addition, the noise-absorbing properties of such wallpaper are also high . They are resistant to damage, which cannot be said about paper or textile ones.

Vinyl is a non-flammable substance, so wallpaper made from it will not ignite. And this is an important indicator regarding the fire safety of the premises .

Types of vinyl wallpaper

The top vinyl layer can be of several types. The air permeability of the wallpaper, its thickness, as well as external characteristics depend on the characteristics of the type. There are four main types of vinyl covering:

• foamed vinyl;
• smooth or dense;
• solid;
• silkscreen printing.

The most common is foamed vinyl . Such wallpapers have a pronounced, obvious and clear relief. The porous structure makes the coating breathable . These wallpapers are light and easy to work with.

Foamed Vinyl

Foamed vinyl wallpaper can be painted and wiped with a damp cloth. However, you should not get them too wet, as the porous surface can absorb excess moisture.

Recommendation. An important advantage of foamed vinyl is that it perfectly hides surface irregularities. Therefore, such wallpaper can be glued to unprepared (uneven) walls without fear that the defects will be very visible.

Smooth Vinyl

Smooth vinyl, or in other words, dense, is made in such a way that it can be washed. This is a fairly durable coating , most often having a smooth surface. There are also relief options in the form of brickwork or stone . Often, thick vinyl wallpaper is glued in places with high humidity, for example, in the kitchen, hallway or bathroom . Their structure is such that their surface is easy to care for.

Find out the consumption of water-based wall paint before purchasing - this will help you avoid unnecessary costs.

Read about tile kitchen countertops in this article. Here you can learn about all existing types of kitchen countertops and the criteria for choosing the best one.

The important thing is that smooth vinyl is resistant to sunlight: its color does not fade in the sun . You can also use detergents when washing such wallpaper.

During the manufacturing process, all harmful substances are removed from such material, so at room temperature they do not evaporate and are not harmful to health .

Hard Vinyl

Hard vinyl can imitate many materials and is very resistant to mechanical damage . This material is quite dense.

In appearance, hard vinyl wallpaper can resemble decorative plaster, different types of fabric or tiles.

An important quality is breathability .

Silkscreen printing

Silk-screen wallpaper is rightfully considered the most attractive type of vinyl wallpaper. This type of vinyl owes its name to the fact that its surface resembles silk . This effect occurs thanks to a special hot stamping method.

Such wallpaper is flat, thin and looks like fabric made from silk threads.

Silk-screen printing looks very rich and original . Thanks to this coating, you can create a truly spectacular atmosphere in the room. At the same time, such wallpapers are durable and strong.

Types of Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl floors vary in several ways.

Depending on the installation method, vinyl can be:

• Adhesive
  – only placed on glue.
• Locking
  – mounted using locking connections, like laminate or parquet boards.

According to the format:

• The roll
  is convenient to use for large areas. The size of the rolls is approximately 2x25 m. Rolled vinyl is mounted only with glue. This is a separate category of vinyl flooring - commercial vinyl, which we mentioned at the beginning of the article.
• The plank
  is used mainly for vinyl floors with wood decor. This vinyl is often called vinyl laminate. Sizes vary among manufacturers, width is approximately 150-190 mm, length 900-1300 mm.
• Tiles
  are most often found square or rectangular; in designer collections they come in the form of various polygons, which you can combine and create your own designs based on existing modules. Manufacturers' sizes vary. For example, Moduleo tiles 655x324 mm, Tarkett tiles 457x457 mm, QuickStep tiles 1300x320 mm.

Variety of formats using the example of the Moduleo MOODS collection

Roll sizes

To correctly calculate the required number of rolls of wallpaper for a room , you need to not only measure the surface area, but also carefully study the data on the label.

There are three sizes of vinyl wallpaper rolls. The most common is 0.53 × 10.05 m. If this is foamed vinyl wallpaper intended for painting, then the roll dimensions can be 1.0 × 10 m or 1.06 × 25 m.

Thus, when calculating the required amount of material, take these small discrepancies into account. The missing roll, of course, can be purchased, but there is no guarantee that its shade will fully match what you already have. Therefore, it is better to calculate correctly right away.

Vinyl Flooring Manufacturers

Manufacturers of various vinyl coverings from several countries present their products on the Russian market. To choose guaranteed high-quality durable materials, it is recommended to pay attention to certified products produced under strict quality control and compliance with strict safety standards. Such manufacturers have managed to win the recognition of Russian consumers.

As a rule, leading companies produce a considerable range of coatings of different types and different wear resistance classes.

• "TARKETT" is a company with French roots (its history dates back to the end of the 19th century!), whose products are in great demand all over the world. One of the largest branches is located in Russia, specializing specifically in PVC coatings (Otradny, Samara region).

The company's product range includes a wide selection of ART VINYL vinyl coverings - a lot of collections with a wide variety of sizes, shapes and shades.

Art Vinyl Cosmic Moon

• "Berry Alloc" and "Vinilam" are famous Belgian companies that supply their products all over the world and have many fans in Russia.

Belgian vinyl tiles. Model “Ash Lime” with adhesive lock

• “Vinyl Boden” is a German manufacturer, and as you know, German quality always attracts numerous buyers.

Vinyl-Boden 6038-6

• "ALLURE" is an American company that necessarily accompanies its products with hygiene certificates. The products are distinguished by their quality and consistently high demand.
• "Bolon" - a Swedish company has also long been engaged in the production of vinyl materials, which are manufactured according to strict European Union standards. Very interesting tiles that create an imitation of a wicker surface.

"Woven vinyl" produced in Sweden

Of course, products from other companies are also offered. There are also many offers from eastern online stores. Therefore, before purchasing, it always makes sense to take an hour to find and carefully study consumer reviews about the coating you like.

Advantages

There are several justifiable reasons why vinyl wallpaper is very popular.

The first thing that catches your eye is, of course, their beauty . And there really is a lot to choose from. Imitations of all kinds of materials - stone, fabrics, plaster - are sometimes so natural that it is difficult to determine at first glance what kind of coating it really is. Wallpaper of any colors and textures is at your service.

Walls covered with vinyl wallpaper seem voluminous , which gives the room more comfort and sophistication at the same time. At the same time, such walls absorb sound , which can be especially important in apartment buildings.

The walls on which you are going to glue such wallpaper do not have to be leveled to perfection . The structure of the material itself is such that it can successfully hide irregularities, cracks and other flaws . And this makes it possible to save time and some funds for surface preparation.

Vinyl wallpaper owes its popularity to the following qualities:

• resistance to mechanical damage;
• density;
• durability;
• resistance to moisture.

Some types of vinyl wallpaper can be wiped with a damp cloth, while others can even be washed with detergents. This helps keep them well-groomed and clean. With proper care, the coating retains its attractive appearance .

Many people worry about the environmental friendliness of the material. It has been proven that vinyl itself does not emit harmful substances into the atmosphere . The same can be said for the base, paper or non-woven fabric. The paints used in production are also harmless, as they are water-based .

Important! When purchasing, always check product quality certificates. Only then can you be sure that the product is environmentally friendly.

Another important factor in favor of vinyl wallpaper is that they do not lose their attractiveness in direct sunlight, that is, their color does not fade . This finish will serve you for a long time, maintaining its original beauty.

Advantages of quality vinyl

The advantages of modern polyvinyl chloride include the following:

1. Affordable cost due to well-established automated production and widespread use of the material. Exact prices often depend on the production method and the additives used to improve the performance of the vinyl.
2. Non-flammability. The material is practically not subject to combustion, therefore it can be used in the construction of industrial and residential buildings as an additional element, as well as for insulating electrical cables. With slight heating, the substance does not change its technical characteristics.
3. High mechanical strength and resistance to mechanical stress, including impact loads and abrasion. This is achieved through the use of modern production technology and special additives. Thanks to this, finished products are durable and do not crack over time.
4. Resistant to constant exposure to sunlight. When exposed to ultraviolet radiation, the material does not lose its characteristics; if the product is painted, it will not fade over time. This is why vinyl can be used to create exterior and interior items that are in close proximity to sunlight.
5. The ability of granules to take any shape at the final stage of production. This explains the versatility of the material, which can be used to produce any product.
6. Wide scope of application. Industry, the production of car parts, parts for plastic windows, finishing materials, various accessories and packaging are far from the full scope of use of high-quality polyvinyl chloride. Without exaggeration, we can say that without such material it is difficult to imagine the life of a modern person.
7. Possibility of further processing. Polyvinyl chloride is an artificial material that does not decompose naturally, so its presence in large quantities in nature can harm the environment. However, in modern times, specialists have learned to process this material and obtain secondary raw materials from it, suitable for further use. Such measures reduce the harmful impact on the ecological system.
8. Resistance to low temperatures, including negative temperatures, allows vinyl to be used in various weather conditions.
9. Good electrical insulating properties allow the material to be used for insulating electrical cables.

Does this type of coating have any disadvantages?

Of course, vinyl wallpaper also has some disadvantages - disadvantages that cannot be ignored. This will help avoid disappointments in the future.

The first feature concerns the properties of this finishing material to swell when wet, and then, as it dries, to shrink. Therefore, if you lack experience, problems may arise when gluing. In some species it can be difficult to adjust the sutures .

Not all types of vinyl wallpaper are airtight . So, foamed vinyl allows air to pass through well. But it is not recommended to glue such wallpaper, especially from thick vinyl, in places with poor ventilation or high humidity, as well as in children's rooms.

If the price can be considered a disadvantage, then it is also worth mentioning. Vinyl wallpaper is classified as expensive . But behind the price there is good quality and durability . They can last 7–10 years . If treated correctly they will still look good.

Reviews

Yuri, Moscow: We heard a lot about the beauty of vinyl wallpaper and decided to try it. We chose the option with a non-woven base, rolls 1 meter wide. Surprisingly, the wide strips stuck on quite easily. It is also convenient that you only need to apply glue to the wall. These two points saved our time well. The wallpaper lay down very well and did not crack when drying, like paper wallpaper. There was no damp feeling. The very next day the room was ready, so we could arrange the furniture.

Maria, Omsk: Our walls are very uneven. Therefore, we were looking for wallpaper that could hide the imperfections as much as possible. Friends recommended vinyl ones. They are supposedly voluminous and embossed. Having installed vinyl wallpaper, we were not disappointed. We chose hot-stamped wallpaper: incredibly beautiful! They perfectly hid differences in level and roughness on the walls. Now the room looks especially elegant and rich. We have small children, so we were also attracted by the fact that the obi can be washed. And this is not difficult to do: all contaminants are easily removed. The main thing is that the room always looks beautiful and remains clean.

Olga, Belgorod: When we were thinking about choosing wallpaper, we wanted something beautiful and practical, something that would last a long time. We settled on vinyl wallpaper. We chose washable ones for the kitchen, and bought foam ones for the hallway. It’s good that we found out in advance whether vinyl wallpaper is see-through. The wall had dark spots, so we first coated it with gypsum primer. And then they boldly hung light wallpaper. They look really chic and are easy to clean. They don’t tear or wear out – everything is just as we wanted.

How to care?

Is it possible to wash vinyl wallpaper? In general, this coating belongs to the class of washable coating. But the permissible degree of wetting is indicated on the packaging , and it should be taken into account. Since different types of vinyl have slightly different structures (it can be porous or dense ), different types of cleaning are used.

Is it possible and how to wash vinyl wallpaper?

There is a marking on the package . single wave icon indicates that the wallpaper can only be wiped with a damp cloth. It must be well wrung out, otherwise moisture will be absorbed into the surface.

If the packaging indicates three waves , as well as a brush, such wallpaper can be washed with detergent and a hard brush can be used for cleaning.

Since vinyl wallpaper has a textured surface, dust accumulates on it. Therefore, cleaning should begin by shaking off this dust with a dry cloth or using a vacuum cleaner. If there is a need to wet clean the wallpaper, there will be no dust marks left on it.

How and with what to wash vinyl wallpaper? For this, just clean water is suitable, and if the contamination is severe, then a soap solution or alcohol.

You cannot use abrasive cleaners or aggressive chemicals, as they will damage the very structure of the coating. These include solvents, bleaches or turpentine.

If you use a sponge, it should be exclusively natural.

Wallpaper should be washed from bottom to top to avoid streaks or stains. The soap solution or alcohol should be washed off with clean water, and then the remaining moisture should be removed from the surface with a cotton rag. Wallpaper should not be rubbed vigorously.

Advice. It is better to test the cleaning product on a separate piece of wallpaper before use.

If cared for correctly, vinyl wallpaper will retain its structure and beauty intact for many years.

Benefits of Vinyl Flooring

We talked about the external variety, but vinyl floors have many other advantages.

• Moisture resistant
  . Did you spill something on the floor? There is no reason to worry: vinyl flooring is not afraid of moisture. Feel free to place it in the kitchen and even in the bathroom.
• Wear-resistant
  . The top polyurethane layer protects the surface of vinyl floors from abrasion, scratches, and fading, so the floor looks like new for a long time. Depending on the grade and intensity of use, vinyl flooring can last up to 20-25 years.
• Durable and resilient
  . Vinyl floors are quite rigid and at the same time elastic. It’s pleasant to walk on them because they have a slight “spring”, and at the same time you don’t have to worry about dents from furniture legs, heels or chairs on wheels.
• Quiet
  . The surface of vinyl floors is not as hard as laminate or tile, so it absorbs noise and dampens the sound of footsteps. This creates acoustic comfort for both you and your neighbors below.
• Warm
  . Vinyl flooring acts as insulation; it does not allow the cold from the concrete screed to pass through and leaves all the heat in the room. So you can walk on the floor barefoot and have peace of mind when children are playing on the floor.
• Resistant to temperature changes
  . This makes vinyl flooring suitable for underfloor heating.
• Non-slip
  . Vinyl floors have good anti-slip properties, even when wet. This is especially important when there are children or elderly people in the house.
• Safe
  . High-quality vinyl floors from trusted manufacturers are safe for both humans and the environment. They consist of recyclable raw materials and do not contain or emit harmful compounds. Before purchasing, ask for environmental certifications to ensure you are purchasing safe material. In addition, if proper hygiene is maintained, vinyl floors cannot allow harmful microorganisms to survive, making them suitable for people with allergies.
• Easy to care for
  . Regular wet cleaning is enough to maintain cleanliness. Vinyl floors do not attract dust, there is no fear of spilling coffee or red wine on them - the floors can be easily cleaned with any neutral detergent.
• Antistatic
  . You can forget about unexpected electric shocks when touching conductive objects. Therefore, vinyl floors can be safely used for offices, shops and other public spaces.