Wallcoverings add dramatic impact and elements of design to a room

Learn the latest information about today's wallcoverings

Wallcoverings of today are a far cry from the wall paper our grandparents were using. In the forties and fifties, wallpaper was relegated to second place as the paint industry constantly strove to improve not only it's products but also it's advertising.

With improved manufacturing methods, the wallpaper industry fought back and with the advent of vinyl coating, once again wallpaper became a viable choice. Today with new technology "wallpaper" is no longer just paper. There is a wide range of wallcoverings available so that a consumer can find exactly the type of finish they desire to match the decor of the home.

Listed below are the various types of wallcoverings:

• Solid Paper This is the most basic type of paper. It has no vinyl protection and takes a great deal of careful maintenance to keep it looking fresh and clean.
• Vinyl-Coated Paper This wall covering has a thin layer of vinyl coating. It has the look of paper which appeals to some consumers, but must be handled with care as it tends to tear. This can withstand some light washing.
• Paperbacked-Vinyl Paper A top layer of vinyl and an undersurface of paper is how this covering is constructed. It is usually prepasted. It is washable and very often peelable. This is the paper usually preferred by buyers today.
• Fabric-Backed This wall covering has a top layer of vinyl with a fabric undercoating made of fiberglass or cheesecloth. These are more moisture and grease resistant than other types of wallcoverings. It is also sturdier and less likely to tear. These papers are heavy and usually not prepasted. When backed with cheesecloth, the covering has some texture, which makes it ideal for hiding less than perfect walls. Most of these are scrubbable and usually strippable.
• Specialty Products These run the gamut from textured, embossed, and flocked papers, to special coverings such as silk, bamboo, grasses, and Mylar. Murals and wallpaper borders also come under this category. Ask your dealer for any special treatment or maintenance these coverings may require.
• Handprinted Products Wallcoverings are hand-created to restore historical buildings, co-ordinate with special fabric, or even to conserve a particular historical design. They are created by the silk screen process or by inking with carved wooden blocks. These are top of the line coverings and require much care and attention to detail.

Below is a list of the terms used in the above descriptions:

• Washable Can withstand occasional sponging. Use in rooms with light wear such as bedrooms, living rooms, home offices, etc.
• Scrubbable Can withstand scrubbing with a brush and mild detergent. The preferred choice for kitchens and bathrooms.
• Stain Resistant Shows no change in color after removal of grease, coffee, and other food or beverages.
• Abrasion Resistant Resistant to not only staining and scrubbing, but also scraping. Useful in high traffic areas such as hallways and playrooms.
• Colorfast Resists changes to color due to exposure to light. Most of the coverings manufactured today are colorfast.
• Peelable The top layer of wallcovering can be removed, leaving a film of paper that can be used as a liner for new paper. This term usually applies to paperbacked vinyl.
• Strippable The paper can be dry stripped from the wall, leaving a minimum of paste on the wall

Wallcoverings Come in a Wide Variety of Price Ranges

If you are considering purchasing wallpaper, be sure to shop not only at paint and hardware stores, but also check prices out online. There are huge variations in price, even if you are checking the same pattern in several places.

By careful comparison shopping you may be able to take advantage of sales or special promotions you may have missed. Saving money is always a great feeling!