When we hear wallpapers, the first thing coming to our head is the digital picture of a device’s home screen. But there is another type of wallpaper which is used for home renovation. They are usually large, decorative pieces of paper or cloth that adhere to walls. Their unique patterns help to give our home any style we prefer.
Advantage of wallpapers
- Diversity: Manufacturers produce wallpapers in endless sizes, shades, finishes, designs and price ranges.
- Durability: Well-maintained, high-quality wallpapers last for generations to come. They stay in good form longer than paint coatings.
- Easy to apply: There is no need to seek experts’ help to install and detach them from walls.
- Easy to change: Are you bored of the current interior look and want to try something new? Replace old wallpapers with new designs.
- Cover imperfections: They can hide deep marks, breakages, slightly uneven surfaces, stains and more faults within minutes.
- Safe for nature: Most wallpapers are nature-friendly because they contain chemical-free, biodegradable ingredients.
Disadvantage of wallpapers
- High cost: Although quality wallpapers might save money later, their initial cost is higher than regular paints.
- Toxicity: Particular types of wallpapers emit VOC gas, leading to adverse health effects. They can be life-threatening for pets and toddlers.
- Not weather-resistant: A lot of wallpapers start peeling off or bubbling automatically during the rainy season.
- Need more expertise than painting: It takes a lot of effort to get a smooth, bubble-free, and shrinkage-free finish. Plus, you have to apply the pieces carefully for proper alignment.
- Surface limitations: They might not work for raw concrete and highly-textured surfaces. Plus, they don’t sit well in wet areas. We don’t recommend wallpapers for restrooms, even if you have water-resistant ones.
- Design disaster: Wong patterns can ruin the aesthetics of your house. For example, a brick wallpaper is ideal for contemporary themes but looks awful with transitional arrangements.
- Time-consuming installation: Unlike paint, adding wallpapers to a room’s wall takes a long time.
How to take care of wallpapers
- Cleaning: The cleaning method depends on what type of wallpaper you have. Non-porous ones are easy to clean with just plain water. Others might require a cleansing product. Pour some drops of dish cleaners into the water and mix properly. Dip a soft towel into the mixture, squeeze off the excess water and wash off all dust gathered on the wallpapers. Rinse with plain water to get rid of soap residues.
- Dry dusting: Variants with rough finishes are more susceptible to dust buildups and require dusting once a few days. Toothbrushes’ harsh bristles can scratch and tear down wallpaper. Try soft dust brushes or microfiber towels instead. Vacuuming at a low setting can be a better alternative too.
- Stain removal: Pencil marks and fingerprints are easily removable with erasers. If you drop red wines, juice or other colourful liquids, blot the access moisture first. Apply the water-vinegar solution to the affected area and wait for 15 minutes. Remove the remaining stain by gentle rubbing with a cloth or soft brush.
