Which wallpaper is better: vinyl or non-woven, what is the difference?

Such different wallpapers

Plain non-woven wallpaper

The first and most important difference between vinyl wallpaper and non-woven wallpaper is, of course, the material from which they are made. In the first case it is polyvinyl chloride, and in the second it is non-woven fabric. As a result, each species has its own set of positive and negative qualities.

If you don’t want to dive into the issue, you can trust an experienced craftsman who is well acquainted with all types of wallpaper. He will help you choose wallpaper that is suitable specifically for your room, calculate the required quantity, and also apply it with high quality.

In this article we will not give advice on choosing or advertise any wallpaper, but will simply talk about how to distinguish non-woven wallpaper from vinyl, but first things first.

Vinyl

Vinyl wallpaper in the kitchen interior
The name vinyl wallpaper is a common abbreviation. In fact, they are called non-woven vinyl wallpaper, that is, they have the same base as their counterpart. It is not done by chance, since pure plastic is very difficult to stick to a surface, while the fabric base is simply impregnated with glue and has high adhesion to all surfaces except metal ones.

Today, vinyl wallpaper is considered the most popular, and this is explained quite simply - such a coating can be used in any room, since it is not afraid of either moisture or temperature changes.

It would take a long time to describe all the characteristics of polyvinyl chloride, so we will list the most significant advantages:

• Vinyl wallpaper is flexible and dense, so it can cover uneven walls.
• They are not at all afraid of moisture, so they can be used in the bathroom, and, if necessary, even washed with strong detergents.
• Vinyl does not fade in the sun and does not lose the beauty of its design.
• A huge variety of colors, patterns and textures.
• Low price, which is lower than non-woven ones.
• Resistant to abrasion and mechanical stress.

Geometric Vinyl

Of course, one cannot do without the disadvantages, which for vinyl wallpaper are mainly related to the density of the material:

• The large weight of the wallpaper, which must be taken into account when selecting glue and gluing.
• Lack of vapor permeability. Vinyl is a dense material that not only does not let moisture in, but also does not let condensation out, which can lead to the formation of fungus and mold on the walls.
• Low quality vinyl wallpaper may have a persistent plastic smell that will be very difficult to eliminate.
• Despite the use of non-flammable additives in production, when melted, vinyl releases toxic fumes that are very harmful to health.

Advice! If wallpaper is glued in a room with constant temperature fluctuations, you should choose porous models that are equipped with micro-holes that prevent the formation of condensation under the surface.

As you can see, the ratio of negative and positive aspects is almost equal; the main thing is to remember them when choosing in a store, so as not to end up with a musty room with a persistent smell of plastic. Well, since the topic of our article is how non-woven wallpaper differs from vinyl, it is necessary to consider the competitor in detail.

Nonwoven

Non-woven wallpaper with ornaments

As mentioned above, the main difference between non-woven wallpaper and vinyl is the top decorative layer, and if in the case of vinyl it turns out to be two-layer, then non-woven wallpaper is a homogeneous coating consisting of one hundred percent dense fabric.

Of course, this material is more environmentally friendly, but it also has a number of disadvantages that you will have to put up with when choosing non-woven wallpaper:

• Less resistant to abrasion and mechanical stress than vinyl analogues.
• They are afraid of water and moisture; such wallpaper cannot be washed, but can only be wiped with a slightly damp cloth.
• The choice of colors and patterns is not so varied.
• Can absorb foreign odors.
• They cost more than vinyl.

From the above, it turns out that such wallpaper cannot be used in the bathroom or kitchen, but they are ideal for a living room or bedroom, especially since the appearance of non-woven wallpaper is very presentable.

Natural non-woven wallpaper

In addition, there are some other advantages of this material compared to vinyl:

• Completely environmentally friendly and safe for health.
• Simplified gluing on walls, which will be discussed below.
• They do not burn on their own, and when burning they do not emit toxic fumes.
• Resistant to ultraviolet radiation.

It turns out that the main difference between non-woven and vinyl wallpapers is their resistance to moisture; non-woven wallpaper also looks more respectable. Accordingly, this is what you should start from when choosing wallpaper for your home, and everything else is a matter of personal taste and preference.

Well, to put everything in its place, we present a small table that shows all the rooms in the house where it is possible or undesirable to use certain types of wallpaper.

The difference between non-woven and vinyl wallpaper

The difference between vinyl and non-woven wallpaper: let's look at it in detail

Huge assortment of wallpaper in a hardware store

When renovating an apartment 15-20 years ago, the difficulty of choosing wallpaper was limited only by the color and thickness of the paper from which they were made. Today everything is much more complicated, and wallpaper is no longer just a roll of paper with a pattern, but a whole work of art, and it should be chosen with the utmost care.

In this article we will talk about how non-woven wallpaper differs from vinyl wallpaper, and why it is important to know about this when choosing them for your home.

Such different wallpapers

Plain non-woven wallpaper

The first and most important difference between vinyl wallpaper and non-woven wallpaper is, of course, the material from which they are made. In the first case it is polyvinyl chloride, and in the second it is non-woven fabric. As a result, each species has its own set of positive and negative qualities.

In this article we will not give advice on choosing or advertise any wallpaper, but will simply talk about how to distinguish non-woven wallpaper from vinyl, but first things first.

Vinyl wallpaper in the kitchen interior

In fact, the name vinyl wallpaper is a common abbreviation; in fact, they are called vinyl wallpaper on a non-woven basis, that is, they have the same base as their counterpart. It is not done by chance, since pure plastic is very difficult to stick to a surface, while the fabric base is simply impregnated with glue and has high adhesion to all surfaces except metal ones.

Today, vinyl wallpaper is considered the most popular, and this is explained quite simply - such a coating can be used in any room, since it is not afraid of either moisture or temperature changes.

It would take a long time to describe all the characteristics of polyvinyl chloride, so we will list the most significant advantages:

• Vinyl wallpaper is flexible and dense, so it can cover uneven walls.
• They are not at all afraid of moisture, so they can be used in the bathroom, and, if necessary, even washed with strong detergents.
• Vinyl does not fade in the sun and does not lose the beauty of its design.
• A huge variety of colors, patterns and textures.
• Low price, which is lower than non-woven ones.
• Resistant to abrasion and mechanical stress.

Geometric Vinyl

Of course, one cannot do without the disadvantages, which for vinyl wallpaper are mainly related to the density of the material:

• The large weight of the wallpaper, which must be taken into account when selecting glue and gluing.
• Lack of vapor permeability. Vinyl is a dense material that not only does not let moisture in, but also does not let condensation out, which can lead to the formation of fungus and mold on the walls.
• Low quality vinyl wallpaper may have a persistent plastic smell that will be very difficult to eliminate.
• Despite the use of non-flammable additives in production, when melted, vinyl releases toxic fumes that are very harmful to health.

Advice! If wallpaper is glued in a room with constant temperature fluctuations, you should choose porous models that are equipped with micro-holes that prevent the formation of condensation under the surface.

As you can see, the ratio of negative and positive aspects is almost equal; the main thing is to remember them when choosing in a store, so as not to end up with a musty room with a persistent smell of plastic. Well, since the topic of our article is how non-woven wallpaper differs from vinyl, it is necessary to consider the competitor in detail.

Non-woven wallpaper with ornaments

As mentioned above, the main difference between non-woven wallpaper and vinyl is the top decorative layer, and if in the case of vinyl it turns out to be two-layer, then non-woven wallpaper is a homogeneous coating consisting of one hundred percent dense fabric.

Of course, this material is more environmentally friendly, but it also has a number of disadvantages that you will have to put up with when choosing non-woven wallpaper:

• Less resistant to abrasion and mechanical stress than vinyl analogues.
• They are afraid of water and moisture; such wallpaper cannot be washed, but can only be wiped with a slightly damp cloth.
• The choice of colors and patterns is not so varied.
• Can absorb foreign odors.
• They cost more than vinyl.

From the above, it turns out that such wallpaper cannot be used in the bathroom or kitchen, but they are ideal for a living room or bedroom, especially since the appearance of non-woven wallpaper is very presentable.

Natural non-woven wallpaper

In addition, there are some other advantages of this material compared to vinyl:

• Completely environmentally friendly and safe for health.
• Simplified gluing on walls, which will be discussed below.
• They do not burn on their own, and when burning they do not emit toxic fumes.
• Resistant to ultraviolet radiation.

It turns out that the main difference between non-woven and vinyl wallpapers is their resistance to moisture; non-woven wallpaper also looks more respectable. Accordingly, this is what you should start from when choosing wallpaper for your home, and everything else is a matter of personal taste and preference.

Well, to put everything in its place, we present a small table that shows all the rooms in the house where it is possible or undesirable to use certain types of wallpaper.

Wallpapering

Vinyl wallpaper with a pronounced texture on the ceiling

To the question of how vinyl wallpaper differs from non-woven wallpaper, there is another answer - according to the method of gluing it to the wall. Despite the fact that both of these types have the same base, they are glued completely differently.

Important! Each type of wallpaper has its own brand of glue, which you need to use, since this is not just an empty name. They have the same adhesive base, but the speed and strength of adhesion to the surface are different.

Having decided to do home renovations with your own hands and understanding the question of how to distinguish non-woven wallpaper from vinyl, you can come to the conclusion that their weight is very different. Accordingly, the method of gluing them on the wall is also different, so vinyl wallpapers need to be spread on the floor and thoroughly coated with glue, then wait five minutes and you can glue them. Each segment is glued end-to-end, and in no case overlapping, as in this case the seams will be visible.

With non-woven wallpaper the situation is somewhat simpler, since in their case the glue is applied to the surface of the wall and a segment of wallpaper is glued to it. We will not dwell in detail on the gluing technology, so more detailed instructions are shown in the video in this article.

Some useful tips

• To understand how to distinguish vinyl wallpaper from non-woven wallpaper, just look at their edges; vinyl wallpaper will have a pronounced multi-layer structure, while non-woven wallpaper will have a homogeneous structure.
• If there are a lot of children and pets in the house, then it is better to give preference to vinyl wallpaper, as they are more durable.
• Before gluing vinyl wallpaper, the surface must be treated with several layers of impregnation to prevent the formation of fungus and mold; in the case of non-woven wallpaper, one layer of primer will be sufficient.
• As mentioned above, non-woven fabric absorbs odors well, but if you take wallpaper for painting, then this problem will not arise even when used in the kitchen.

Conclusion

Wide range of wallpapers

We figured out the difference between vinyl wallpaper and non-woven wallpaper, all the variety of which is shown in the photo above, but which one to choose is a matter of taste and financial capabilities. But it is worth noting that natural non-woven wallpaper, by definition, cannot cost the same as artificial vinyl, so if a manufacturer sets a low price for non-woven wallpaper, this is a reason to wonder whether there is some kind of catch here.

Graduated from the Faculty of Architecture of the Penza State Institute of Architecture and Construction. For the last ten years, he has been a leading specialist in a large construction company in Penza, engaged in the construction of multi-storey residential buildings. Total work experience in the specialty is 18 years. Consults on design issues, selection of materials for interior and exterior decoration, and technology for finishing work.

How do vinyl wallpapers differ from non-woven wallpapers? Similarities and fundamental differences

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Non-woven wallpaper: difference from vinyl How to compare

It often happens that people begin to get a little confused about building materials. What is the difference between vinyl wallpaper and non-woven wallpaper, what is the difference between these coatings and which is better? All these questions are very popular among people who, by their profession, are not associated with the construction industry in general and with interior renovation in particular.

By the way, to say that some of these finishing materials are better and some are worse is not entirely correct, since each of them has its own pros and cons. However, there is a difference between them, and this is not what you should pay attention to when choosing. In any case, the first thing you need to talk about is what criteria are best used to compare vinyl wallpapers with non-woven ones. Here they are:

• Resistant to moisture. This parameter is especially important when working in the bathroom or kitchen.
• Durability and wear resistance. These factors ensure trouble-free operation for many years.
• Easy to install. It often influences whether it is possible to carry out repairs and hang wallpaper yourself.
• Ability to pass air. An important property that helps excess moisture “escape” through the walls of the room.

Attention! It should be noted that we do not compare wallpapers by their cost, since the price in this case turns out to be approximately the same.

Well, now let's move on to a more detailed consideration of each of these factors.

Moisture resistance

As for such a parameter as moisture resistance, both types of wallpaper are slightly different from each other. Thus, coverings that were made from non-woven fabric, although superior to paper in this regard, are clearly inferior to vinyl wallpaper. As for vinyl, its level of moisture resistance is very high. Vinyl wallpaper can be exposed to moisture for quite a long period of time. This is not only convenient in some cases, but also a very practical solution, since such surfaces can be washed using various types of detergents.

At the same time, a kind of “justification” for non-woven fabric can be the fact that this material, as a rule, serves as the basis for wallpaper. As for the outer decorative layer, which, at the same time, also has protective properties, it is most often made of vinyl coating, also known as PVC.

Wear resistance and durability

According to this indicator, vinyl wallpapers are slightly ahead of their non-woven counterparts. However, we are talking, as often happens, about “dry numbers”. In life, it is necessary to take into account all the conditions that arise from a particular situation, since the service life of wallpaper coverings may depend on such circumstances as:

• Distance to heating devices.
• Arrangement of furniture.
• Frequency of room use.
• Accuracy of residents and much more.

Regarding the wear resistance of both materials, it should be noted that each of them has some features. Non-woven wallpaper is less resistant to abrasion. On the other hand, they can be painted, which, in turn, will help neutralize the effects of external damage.

Vinyl wallpaper can be either foamed or dense. And if the first option is not distinguished by any record wear resistance, then the second one clearly looks like a favorite in this regard.

It should be noted! In any case, both of these coatings, subject to careful use, can last for a very long period of time. In addition, as noted above, non-woven coatings, for the most part, are intended for painting. In turn, paint is, in fact, a protective coating that significantly extends the life of such wallpaper, leaving the walls attractive for a long time. However, even in case of slight damage or wear, such wallpaper can simply be repainted, thereby giving a new look to the interior of the room and at the same time painting over the existing wear.

So, it is best to consider this issue from the point of view of the possibility of gluing the surface of the walls with your own hands. By the way, before gluing, you need to think about the right choice of glue, since in both cases you will have to buy an adhesive composition for heavy wallpaper.

As for gluing itself, it will be somewhat easier to glue non-woven fabrics, since in their case it is enough to apply the glue exclusively to the surface of the wall itself. It is not necessary to apply the wallpaper itself, which helps reduce time and effort.

Air permeability

Regarding this parameter, there are some concerns regarding vinyl wallpaper. With non-woven ones, everything is fine in this regard. Some of them, indeed, practically do not allow air to pass through. However, this problem is not critical, since today there is a significant amount of high quality wallpaper on the market that is not susceptible to this problem.

Among other things, it is necessary to say about some external differences. So, as for thick vinyl wallpapers, they are clearly different from their non-woven “brothers”. As for thicker, foamed PVC, this coating is practically no different in appearance from non-woven fabrics. Only an experienced person can understand the difference, not only visually, but also by touch, since the coating made of polyvinyl chloride is somewhat softer.

So, as we see, there are some differences between these two types of wallpaper. At the same time, it is quite difficult to say unequivocally which wallpaper is better - vinyl or non-woven. As a rule, in order to make the right choice, it is necessary to take into account many secondary factors, which are very individual, depending on a particular situation. Good luck with the renovation!

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What is vinyl wallpaper

Vinyl wallpaper is a multilayer type of building material used for wall cladding, where the backing is paper or non-woven non-woven fabric, and the top layer is PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Essentially, PVC is a colorless, transparent thermoplastic polymer, i.e. plastic. People call it for short - vinyl, vestolite, hostalite, jeon, nippeon, sumilite, helvik, norvik, etc.

The structure of vinyl wallpaper.

Attention: from the above definition of vinyl wallpaper it clearly follows that the wallpaper backing cannot determine the type of trellis. However, on many web resources, vinyl trellises on a non-woven basis are called non-woven. This leads to improper use of the finishing material and its rapid deterioration; especially serious consequences occur when choosing the wrong type of wallpaper for the glue.

Recently, 3-layer trellises have become increasingly common on sale, where an opaque liner is attached between the base and the front film, hiding bright spots on the wall surface (the wallpaper does not show through).

A backing made of paper or non-woven fabric helps to firmly adhere the wallpaper with glue to the wall (plastic does not adhere well), and the plastic top protects from water, direct sunlight and scratches. Depending on the production method, there are:

1. Trellis made of foamed vinyl - polyvinyl chloride applied to the substrate is subjected to heat treatment, as a result of which it foams, giving the wallpaper a three-dimensional structure with a beautiful relief;
2. Hot stamping vinyl, when flat wallpaper is heated and a relief pattern is applied to the PVC film using special rollers.

This technology allows you to diversify the types of vinyl wallpaper. Highlight:

• Vinyl compact - imitates stone, natural leather, including crocodile, wood, brick. Such trellises are very durable and can withstand any mechanical stress;
• Evaporated vinyl - using a special technology, all harmful substances are removed from PVC, as a result of which it becomes environmentally friendly;
• Silk-screen wallpaper - silk threads are added to polyvinyl chloride, which shimmer in the light like real silk fabric;
• Kitchen vinyl - has a rubberized insert that turns trellises into an indispensable material for wall decoration in the kitchen and bathroom.

All about vinyl decor

The panels consist of two layers. The first is the foundation. Its main task is to hold the coating on the wall. Non-woven fabric copes best with this. It holds its shape well, is able to hide wall defects and is easy to stick. The paper base differs for the worse. It shrinks, as a result, cracks may appear in the area of ​​the joints, it does not hide surface unevenness and it is much more difficult to glue it.

The second layer is formed by a polyvinyl chloride film, which determines the appearance and performance characteristics of the product. There are two types of its application:

Foaming

The polymer is applied to the substrate, after which it undergoes special processing. As a result, the PVC foams and forms a clear relief. Such panels are thick and loose. They are the best at hiding all sorts of wall surface defects, but have the lowest density of all vinyl sheets. Therefore, they wear out a little faster than other varieties.

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Hot stamping

The initial manufacturing stage is similar to the previous version. Hot stamping is used as a special treatment, resulting in a very dense, moisture-resistant fabric, characterized by increased strength and wear resistance. One of the varieties of such wallpaper is called silk-screen printing; in this case, silk threads are additionally placed under the film.

Regardless of the manufacturing method, all panels are made of vinyl:

• Durable, will last 10-12 years or more.
• Not sensitive to moisture, chemicals and organic solvents.
• Resistant to mechanical damage.
• They are unpretentious in care, tolerate wet cleaning and even intensive cleaning.
• They can imitate almost any texture.

When comparing which is better, vinyl wallpaper or non-woven wallpaper, the main disadvantage of the former is considered to be its composition. Like any synthetic substance, PVC film can be dangerous. True, most often problems arise with low-quality products that have not passed certification. Another disadvantage is low vapor permeability.

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The basis

Vinyl types of finishing can have a base made of either paper or the already mentioned non-woven material. This greatly affects the performance characteristics of the products and even how they will need to be glued. The structure of this material has several layers, each of which plays its own role. The only thing that is the same is the front side covering – vinyl.

Paper bases are used to produce cheaper options. However, in appearance they are very similar to their more expensive counterparts. To find out what it is made of, you need to carefully look at the markings of the roll - the type of base is indicated there. If you have questions about the type, it is better to contact the manager, as this point may be decisive in your choice.

The paper is less durable and some difficulties may arise when gluing. Especially if you have no experience in such repairs. If not handled correctly, the canvas can change greatly in size during gluing and shrink after drying. This will cause gaps to appear at the joints of the strips.

Non-woven finishes do not have such serious disadvantages. And their price will be a little less. The same composition that was used for the base is applied to the front surface, only in a foamed state, and the structure will be single-layer. When the applied layer dries, it forms a very beautiful surface with a pronounced relief of the pattern. Some types of these coatings are purchased for further painting. Another significant factor will be the special properties characteristic of this type of finish.

Wallpaper base

When choosing this material, you should take into account its practicality, characteristics, and wall features. Its basis is of great importance. According to this criterion, the material can be paper or non-woven.

The first type is environmentally friendly and has convenient prices.

These are its main advantages. And the weaknesses are:

1. Susceptibility to moisture and light.
2. Easy to damage.

Advice

I recommend decorating children's, living rooms and bedrooms with similar wallpaper. A big mistake is their use for the bathroom and toilet, kitchen areas and corridors. When gluing, be sure to apply glue to the canvas itself.

The second type contains a layer of vinyl and is characterized by high price tags.

This is their only drawback. And the advantages are the following:

1. Ease of pasting. The glue should simply be applied to the walls.
2. Resistance to deformation.
3. Suitable for use in various premises.

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Moisture resistance

Vinyl wallpaper interacts best with water, of course. They literally “do not burn in fire and do not sink in water,” they are waterproof, and wet cleaning, even in tandem with brushes and cleaning products, will not harm them. Moreover, they are impregnated with special agents that do not allow bacteria, fungi, or mold to settle, which undoubtedly makes vinyl wallpaper an excellent option for bathrooms and kitchens.

Non-woven wallpaper is recommended for use in rooms with dry air, since cellulose is highly hygroscopic and has low water resistance.

What wallpaper is wear-resistant?

Remaking repairs every 2-3 years negatively affects not only the condition of the wallet, but also the nervous system. In addition, it takes a lot of time and effort. To glue wallpaper less often, choose options with the longest service life.

Strength is determined primarily by resistance to mechanical stress and abrasion, but service life is also affected by light fastness.

Non-woven wallpaper is a little more reliable than paper wallpaper: but in places of high load (corridor, kitchen) they quickly become unusable. The degree of UV protection varies from model to model, but since... Wallpaper for walls made of this material is usually light-colored and is not in danger of fading.

Vinyl wallpaper, especially those produced using hot stamping technology, is not afraid of almost anything: in fact, this type of wallpaper can be called plastic. They do not wear off due to contact with furniture or constant touching, and dirt can be cleaned with clean water or detergent. The colors of vinyl are brighter, the designs are more interesting - and at the same time, it is not at all afraid of the sun.

For the kitchen and bathroom, there is the so-called “kitchen vinyl” - such wallpaper differs from ordinary wallpaper in an additional rubberized layer that resists the ingress of water and facilitates easy cleaning.

If the operating conditions are observed (no mechanical loads, high humidity), the non-woven fabric will last up to 8 years. High-quality vinyl sheets are characterized by increased durability and retain their original appearance for up to 20 years.

Choosing wallpaper for painting

For these purposes, as a rule, the following products are excellent:

1. Paper
2. Non-woven.
3. Fiberglass.
4. Vinyl.

Which wallpaper to choose for painting? Based on the following aspects:

1. Room parameter. This type of wallpaper does not harmonize with a cramped interior. Due to the volumetric texture, space is reduced. Dark colors also have this effect. Therefore, if the room is modest in size, it is better to use light colors.
2. Lighting specifications. This is extremely important for washable products. When directly exposed to ultraviolet light, they reflect gloss. Such an effect must be excluded in any interior.
3. Functions of the room. Based on the level of its pollution, its inhabitants and the degree of humidity. For example, in a nursery, wallpaper should be environmentally friendly.
4. Price tag. You should not buy expensive canvases if you plan to use them for a short time.
5. Decorative factor. The textured images on these wallpapers should fit into the overall style of the room.
6. If you combine paintable products with regular canvases, study their density. Dramatic differences in these indicators will lead to the appearance of noticeable joints in their border zones.

The surface of such paintings can be smooth or textured. The second option, in addition to being decorative, also has a defensive function.

For your information

Non-woven products are very easy to glue, they have an elastic structure, and they do not stretch from unexpected influences. They are convenient to dock and place on the wall.

Vinyl sheets are universal for use. They produce rich tones that highlight the original design. When working with high-quality paint, this wallpaper can then be periodically cleaned of dirt.

Fiberglass wallpaper is extremely durable and strongly adheres to the work surface; it is also resistant to wear, moisture and temperature changes. These are the most effective types for painting.

Paper types attract with their prices, safety and lightness. True, they have a modest service life. They can be painted only when you do not need long-term results.

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What is non-woven wallpaper

Interlining is a fibrous cellulose material that is often used in the clothing industry as a lining material. Due to the naturalness of the main substance, roll products of this material can allow moisture and steam to pass through, which allows the walls in the apartment to breathe.

Thick non-woven wallpaper requires minimal preparation of the base - it perfectly eliminates minor flaws of plasterers. There are not many colors and types of embossing available for non-woven products, but these wallpapers often act as a base for painting, which, in combination with a relief surface, gives an excellent visual effect.

The positive qualities of this material include:

• do not require dismantling during repairs, new wallpaper can be pasted directly onto the old base;
• All types of non-woven trellises can be painted.

Negative points:

• high price;
• weak resistance to mechanical stress.

The minimum service life is also ten years.

Characteristics of non-woven wallpaper

The characteristics of non-woven wallpaper speak of exceptional durability and strength, but most importantly - of environmental qualities. The composition of the wallpaper is a cellulose base impregnated with a polymer binder to increase strength and elastic properties. In terms of material, non-woven fabric is close to ordinary paper, and therefore its environmental friendliness and safety for the health of apartment owners is beyond doubt; the issue of cleanliness can only be an issue in terms of dyes and the responsibility of the wallpaper manufacturer.

The main properties of non-woven wallpaper:

Record service life, at least ten years, and with good care twice as long, without loss of decorativeness. The cellulose base in the wallpaper is pressed using a special technology, which makes its tensile strength significant. Although non-woven fabric is the same paper, it is not easy to damage. In everyday life, various “injuries” to walls and wallpaper are possible, but non-woven ones “withstand the blow” with dignity.

Compressed non-woven paper is not subject to combustion and does not contribute to fire hazards in the apartment.

Non-woven fabric is inert to water, this wallpaper can be glued in the kitchen and bathroom. The moisture resistance qualities of wallpaper materials are marked with a “wave” icon on wallpaper packaging. This does not mean that non-woven wallpaper on the walls can be rinsed with water or a shower head can be used, but wet cleaning is recommended for this wallpaper. The stronger the relief of the wallpaper pattern, the more problematic it can become to clean the walls in the kitchen, where food is prepared and grease contamination is possible.

Imitating textures and materials using wallpaper is a traditional budget move when renovating. You can radically change the style of the room with wallpaper made in the form of leather and velvet upholstery, creating three-dimensional illusions or imitating Venetian plaster, concrete, clinker brick, antique finishes, wood, stone slabs, metallic and mother-of-pearl, as well as many other textures and textures.

How to distinguish high-quality non-woven wallpaper from a possible fake? Firstly, good wallpaper cannot be very cheap, secondly, the appearance of the roll will tell you whether the wallpaper has strong cuts; if there are tears or damage, then the material tears easily. Non-woven decors often seem moist and alive, but tactile sensations confirm that there is no oiliness or moisture on the canvas. If the paint remains on your fingers, fake wallpaper can hardly be worse. Experts say that fake non-woven fabric smells of chemicals - a gasoline-acetone smell, and if you make a cut with a knife, the cut will be like a sheet of paper - smooth, but non-woven cellulose is always slightly fibrous, and this is visible to the naked eye.

The vapor permeability of wallpaper on any walls, even concrete ones, is an extremely important quality. Tests have shown that two-thirds of water vapor leaves rooms through openings, and one-third through walls. It is also known that rooms without forced ventilation can provide a healthy climate with normal humidity only if the rules of vapor permeability are observed - the wall covering must allow moisture to pass through. There are no problems with non-woven coverings - non-woven fibrous cellulose has excellent vapor permeability.

Non-woven wallpaper has few disadvantages; one can call it an anti-budget disadvantage, because good wallpaper is more expensive than paper and vinyl analogues. But the price is paid off by its environmental cleanliness, comfortable microclimate and beautiful interior. Essentially, interlining is treated paper, strengthened to serve as wall decor for many years. The very name of the wallpaper - non-woven - refers not to the composition, but to a special proprietary technology for their production.

Compromise option

You can also choose a compromise option - non-woven wallpaper with vinyl coating. This is something average in properties. They are easy to glue, can be washed, can be painted, they are great for asthmatics and allergy sufferers, and also mask uneven surfaces of the wall. However, the key drawback of vinyl wallpaper remains – insufficient breathability.

Cute flowers on the wallpaper in the living room

What to choose

The choice in this case depends on which of the above characteristics are more significant for you. But the general advice is this: non-woven wallpaper is better suited for a living room, bedroom or nursery, and vinyl wallpaper is better for the bathroom, hallway and, especially, kitchen.

Which wallpaper is heavier?

It is unlikely that this factor will be decisive when choosing a material, but it cannot be ignored.
Because heavy weight can be a disadvantage when ordering repair products online and arranging for long-distance transportation. Although non-woven ones differ in composition from paper ones, they still weigh a little: the average weight of a wide 10-meter roll is ~2 kg. This equates to a narrow 10 meter roll of hot stamped vinyl. Its weight is ~1.7 kg.

This fact determines the use of a special adhesive composition for vinyl wallpaper - it must be viscous in order to hold heavy canvases.

What wallpaper to choose for uneven walls to hide unevenness

Often the walls in apartments have various defects and uneven areas. Surface preparation can take a lot of time and effort. However, with the help of wall paintings you can successfully cover such shortcomings.

In this regard, a logical question arises - what wallpaper to choose for uneven walls?

Here it is better to give preference to dense products that have two layers, at least, for example, Duplex. In addition, they have an attractive image and embossing.

These are paper wallpapers that easily stick to a complex surface for one reason - they do not adhere entirely to it. This fabric does not lose its shape, thereby masking potholes and bulging areas.

When you intend to hide uneven walls and are focusing on the average price category, I recommend paying attention to three types of vinyl:

1. Foamed. This is the simplest and cheapest version. The fabric is thick enough to perfectly disguise defects. But its strength is quite modest.
2. Washable. Characterized by a dense and soft layer. Perfectly hides minor defects in kitchen walls. Its surface is easy to clean. But it does not cover convex areas well.
3. Hot stamping. It is distinguished by its powerful density, massiveness and deep texture. Therefore, it completely hides walls with unevenness and other defects.

From the category of expensive options, I recommend:

1. Non-woven, intended for painting. They hold their shape perfectly. After painting, wall defects are hidden even better.
2. Liquid mixtures. This is the best solution if a significant area of ​​the wall is covered by many small defects. This option fills all the voids and evens out minor bulges. But it is not capable of dealing with serious and large defects.

Wallpapering

Vinyl wallpaper with a pronounced texture on the ceiling

To the question of how vinyl wallpaper differs from non-woven wallpaper, there is another answer - according to the method of gluing it to the wall. Despite the fact that both of these types have the same base, they are glued completely differently.

Important! Each type of wallpaper has its own brand of glue, which you need to use, since this is not just an empty name. They have the same adhesive base, but the speed and strength of adhesion to the surface are different.

Having decided to do home renovations with your own hands and understanding the question of how to distinguish non-woven wallpaper from vinyl, you can come to the conclusion that their weight is very different. Accordingly, the method of gluing them on the wall is also different, so vinyl wallpapers need to be spread on the floor and thoroughly coated with glue, then wait five minutes and you can glue them. Each segment is glued end-to-end, and in no case overlapping, as in this case the seams will be visible.

With non-woven wallpaper the situation is somewhat simpler, since in their case the glue is applied to the surface of the wall and a segment of wallpaper is glued to it. We will not dwell in detail on the gluing technology, so more detailed instructions are shown in the video in this article.

Vinyl and non-woven wallpaper: the difference is in the details

Despite the fact that many people confuse these materials, they are similar, perhaps, only in cost. Otherwise there are significant differences. to distinguish them .

Wear resistance and durability

The service life of the panels is approximately the same, but the operating conditions are completely different. Unpretentious vinyl can be applied to almost any room. It is easy to clean, does not absorb dirt, and is not afraid of water. Non-woven fabric is more capricious. Even a small impact on its surface can leave a scratch or dent. Taking care of him is also not easy.

Vapor permeability

This is the ability of a material to pass steam. Some are sure that “breathable” wallpaper regulates the microclimate in the room, but in reality, of course, this is not the case. No amount of vapor permeability of wall decor will help create an ideal environment in a poorly ventilated room. This is much easier to achieve with basic ventilation. However, if for some reason the walls become very wet, you need to choose only non-woven fabric. PVC film does not allow steam to pass through; in such conditions, mold will inevitably appear under it.

Which ones are more environmentally friendly?

To figure out which finishing material is less dangerous, you should analyze the composition of each.

Non-woven wallpaper

They are considered a practical analogue of paper wallpaper. Made from a mixture of natural (cellulose) and synthetic (polyester) fibers. At the same time, synthetics are environmentally friendly, do not emit harmful substances and are even suitable for use in children's rooms.

In fact, all the advantages of paper-based material are preserved: wallpaper allows steam to pass through, breathes, and does not emit harmful substances. But at the same time they are resistant to moisture and have high strength.

Vinyl wallpapers

Depending on the type, the base is made of cellulose (paper) or a mixture of cellulose and polyester (non-woven). The main difference from non-woven fabric is the composition of the top layer: in vinyl it is polyvinyl chloride. Moreover, vinyl can be foamed or hot-stamped (includes silk-screen printing - sealing silk threads under the film using high temperature).

The danger comes from PVC: if an unscrupulous manufacturer saves money, the canvas can emit caustic volatile substances - including the dangerous compound vinyl chloride.

Another disadvantage is that vinyl wall coverings do not allow air to pass through, which can cause mold and mildew to form. To avoid this, be sure to prime the walls and use glue for vinyl wallpaper - it also contains antiseptic additives.

The above does not apply to evaporated vinyl - thanks to a special process, harmful substances are removed from it during production and the coating becomes absolutely safe. True, such a roll costs 1.5-2 times more than a regular one.

Non-woven fabric is more environmentally friendly and safer for health. Even high-quality PVC wallpaper should not be used in children's rooms and bedrooms.

Non-woven wallpaper sticker

The only difficulty in gluing non-woven wallpaper is the need to buy special glue. The packaging must indicate that the composition is also suitable for non-woven bases. But given that modern adhesives are almost all universal, the problem is unlikely to arise. A number of advantages of non-woven wall lining lie in the simplicity of the sticker:

• Shrinkage, deformation during drying, uneven tension and waves - the installer of non-woven fabrics is insured against all this negative: according to reviews, it is the soft and plastic non-woven material that is easiest to glue to walls. Durable fabric cannot be accidentally torn; for pasting corners, niches and complex wall configurations, you can try on and cut the wallpaper in place as much as needed.
• Non-woven wallpaper does not require a perfectly smooth base. Even small defects can be successfully masked with dense, soft material with a spectacular relief and pattern. Plain paper is not capable of this.
• Wallpaper is often replaced not because of loss of quality, but because it is boring. In this case, the difficulty may be associated with dismantling - not all paintings are easy to remove from the walls. Non-woven ones are equally easy to stick on and remove from the walls.

When you're tired of wallpaper or it's time to update your interior, non-woven wallpaper can be painted. The number of possible colors is at least five to ten; exact information is on the packaging of wallpaper for painting.

What's stronger?

We can say that vinyl wallpaper is wallpaper that lasts forever. They really have good practical characteristics, and serve in unchanged condition for about 10-12 years. It is also impossible not to mention that they are not afraid of physical damage: scratches from metal objects, for example, and sunlight, while non-woven ones are easy prey for the claws of pets and not very careful household members; they are susceptible to ruptures and mechanical damage.

With all this, these wallpapers also last for about ten years, but their wear resistance gradually deteriorates - they are not resistant to abrasion.

Some useful tips

So:

• To understand how to distinguish vinyl wallpaper from non-woven wallpaper, just look at their edges; vinyl wallpaper will have a pronounced multi-layer structure, while non-woven wallpaper will have a homogeneous structure.
• If there are a lot of children and pets in the house, then it is better to give preference to vinyl wallpaper, as they are more durable.
• Before gluing vinyl wallpaper, the surface must be treated with several layers of impregnation to prevent the formation of fungus and mold; in the case of non-woven wallpaper, one layer of primer will be sufficient.
• As mentioned above, non-woven fabric absorbs odors well, but if you take wallpaper for painting, then this problem will not arise even when used in the kitchen.

Care methods

Any walls, like all surfaces in the house, are susceptible to dust and dirt accumulation - they are harmful to health. Over time, the question of cleaning methods inevitably arises.

Coatings consisting of non-woven fabric are very hygroscopic. Their pores absorb moisture, and the wallpaper becomes deformed, peels off, and becomes stained. Such walls cannot be washed; they must be vacuumed carefully (they are prone to mechanical damage). It is only allowed to brush off dust from the wallpaper with a soft brush or cloth. Such cleaning is unlikely to suit people prone to allergies or asthma. Applying paint to the wallpaper significantly improves the situation - painted walls can be wiped with a damp sponge.

Vinyl is much better at cleaning – plastic is not afraid of water. Wallpaper can not only be washed with water, but also cleaned with household products (the “washable” label in this case is optional). This feature of covering kitchen walls, for example, is very important.

Beautiful examples in the interior

An excellent option for a living room in soothing colors is finishing with large flowers.

A bright turquoise background with a metallic pattern will add special chic to your interior.

The eclectic theme is complemented by voluminous white wall patterns.

The bright, rich shade of the finish with a large pattern will not leave lovers of palace splendor indifferent.

A romantic bath with a floral theme can be decorated with washable covers.

It is convenient to dilute the laconic design with practical non-woven wallpaper for painting.

The charm and splendor of crocodile skin in imitation wallpaper.

To learn how to choose between vinyl and non-woven wallpaper, see the following video.

What and for which room is better to choose

Having found out the characteristics of each material, you can easily figure out which wallpaper to choose - vinyl or non-woven, based on the purpose of the room. It is recommended to glue wallpaper as follows:

• The corridor is optimally vinyl.
• The kitchen is only made of vinyl.
• Bathroom - only vinyl, but it is better to choose a more durable coating (tiles).
• Bedroom - only non-woven fabrics.
• The children's room is made only of non-woven fabric.
• Living room - any material will do.

Considering these recommendations, you can accurately decide which wallpaper is better - vinyl or non-woven for a particular room.

Technology of applying patterns to wallpaper

It can be used in different ways. An image may have a different number of components and shades. The durability of the ink and the time spent on printing also matter.

There are such methods of drawing a picture:

1. Embossing. This is a technology for two-layer products. The relief image is on the top layer. The main disadvantage of this option is weak strength. Plus - excellent camouflage of areas with minor unevenness.
2. Hot stamping. Used for vinyl-coated paper wallpaper. During the manufacturing process they are subjected to heat treatment. After that, the required image is applied to the soft vinyl layer: two rollers are rolled and a pattern is created between them. With this method, all harmful substances are eliminated from vinyl. The resulting products have strong resistance to light and moisture. And it can be used for the bathroom and other rooms.
3. Silkscreen printing. The products have sophisticated patterns, a pleasant sheen and silk effect, and a wide range of colors. When the question arises of what wallpaper to choose for the hall in order to get a classic design, then pay attention to silk-screened products.
4. Primed image. The paper surface is pre-painted. A picture is applied to it. The result is a bright, colorful product with high resistance to moisture. This is an excellent solution for the bathroom, especially if it is often visited by children.

What is better and in what case to choose

To give a definite answer as to which is better would be the height of arrogance and incompetence - each specific situation has its own solution. Let’s just try to give some recommendations for various rooms, which we will put in a table.

Table of wallpaper correspondence to rooms in an apartment (house).

How they differ: comparison table of characteristics

The summary table will demonstrate the difference between vinyl wallpaper and non-woven wallpaper:

No material is perfect: vinyl sheets last a long time, but are not suitable for bedrooms and children's rooms. Non-woven ones are not very dense, but they are absolutely safe. Which one to choose depends on the place of use, budget for repairs and many other factors.