Wallpaper types and their properties 

Types of wallpaper - an overview of the most important facts 

Different types of wallpaper have different properties with their advantages and disadvantages. Depending on the project you have planned, some wallpapers are more suitable than others. In addition to the look, the finish and application are also important. The following is an overview of the biggest differences so that you know which wallpaper suits your project the best.

Non-woven wallpaper

Non-woven wallpaper is a type of wallpaper that is easy to apply and therefore very popular. It is named after its non-woven backing, which is made of long-fibre special cellulose, textile fibres and binders, making the wallpaper particularly tear-resistant. Non-woven wallpapers generally have good dimensional stability. The non-woven backing material can be coated with a wide variety of materials such as textiles or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This means that non-woven wallpapers are available in a wide variety of colours, patterns and textures, so that everyone can find the right design for their home. Non-woven wallpapers are breathable and completely dry-strippable, which allows for quicker renovation. In addition, depending on the coating, they can be light- and wash- or scuff-resistant. In principle, non-woven wallpaper can be used on all interior surfaces that are suitable for wallpapering. However, you should make sure that the surface does not have a large colour contrast, otherwise it is possible that stains will show through the wallpaper. It is recommended to paint the walls with white wallpaper primer before wallpapering. The wall-pasting technique used for non-woven wallpapers makes it child's play to wallpaper them. The wall is simply coated with wallpaper paste and the dry strips are applied directly to the wall without any soaking time. Finally, the overhangs are cut off and you're done.

Paper wallpaper

Paper wallpaper is still a real classic when it comes to renovating. Whether as plain wallpaper, with a pattern, structured, embossed or coated, nowadays they are available in a wide variety of designs and also have an excellent price-performance ratio. Depending on the manufacturer, the backing of the paper wallpaper is sometimes made of recycled paper, which then makes these wallpapers more resource-friendly and sustainable. If the backing material is not made of recycled paper, but you still want to buy a paper wallpaper that is sustainable? Then simply make sure that the paper wallpaper you choose has an FSC®-seal. The wood used for the paper production of these wallpapers comes from sustainably managed forests and forestry operations. With paper wallpaper, the paste is first applied to the wallpaper strips. Then, after a short soaking time, they are applied to the walls. The soaking time of a paper wallpaper depends on the thickness and quality of its backing. However, this should be strictly adhered to, as otherwise an optimal wallpapering result cannot be guaranteed. If the soaking time is too short, the wallpaper will continue to expand on the wall, which can result in wrinkles. If the soaking time is too long, the wallpaper will expand too much, which can cause gaps to appear between the individual strips when drying on the wall. Also make sure that all strips have the same soaking time to achieve an optimal result.

Woodchip wallpaper

These wallpapers are made of paper and wood fibres and impress with their versatility and the different ways in which they can be used. There are no limits to creative ideas and the wall design can be adapted to any taste. Wallpapering is also child's play and always successful. Other advantages of woodchip wallpaper are that it is environmentally friendly and healthy to live with, as well as being free of PVC and plasticisers. They are also suitable for people sufferiing from allergies and are breathable as well as moisture-regulating. You can also easily paint over them to make your room more individual.

Vinyl wallpaper

The backing material of a vinyl wallpaper is either paper or non-woven, which means that a vinyl wallpaper is always a non-woven or paper wallpaper as well. The coating of vinyl wallpaper consists of polyvinyl chloride, which gives it a particularly durable and washable surface. Nowadays, vinyl wallpaper is manufactured with the harmless plasticisers DINP and DIDP and under strict regulations, which means it can be bought and wallpapered with a good conscience. If you still want to be sure that your vinyl wallpaper is harmless to health, you should look for the RAL quality mark when buying it. This quality mark certifies that the wallpaper meets strict quality and testing regulations and is not dangerous. Thanks to their synthetic surface, vinyl wallpapers are easy to clean, robust and hard-wearing and can also be painted over. They offer a wide range of patterns, colours and effects. Various embossings and foamed structures are also possible, allowing surface structures with relief and depth effects. The application of a vinyl wallpaper depends on its backing material and can therefore be wallpapered like a paper or non-woven wallpaper.

Satin wallpapers

Satin wallpapers are available with both paper and non-woven backing. During the production of satin wallpapers, a thin plastic layer is poured onto the backing material, which is followed by the so-called gloss embossing, a hot forming process. This leaves a satin finish on  the surface and gives the wallpaper its distinctive sheen. They are characterised by a particularly glossy and silk-like surface, which immediately enhances any living space. Their high quality makes them look particularly elegant and distinguished. Adapted to their elegant appearing surface, many satin wallpapers in our shop captivate with patterns in baroque style and elegant colours such as red, gold or silver. They have good lightfastness, are extremely hard-wearing and resistant to abrasion and washing. They consist of either a multi-layer paper backing or a non-woven backing with a full-surface PVC coating.

Paintable wallpapers

Paintable wallpapers are ideal for all wallpaper buffs who would like to have a colour change without having to resort to paste and new wallpaper straight away. These wallpapers are usually non-woven wallpapers or have non-woven as a backing material. However, woodchip and glass-fibre wallpapers are also paintable wallpapers and offer a number of advantages:

• quick and easy to apply thanks to the wall-pasting technique
• various bulges, reliefs or structures with detailed patterns
• also with 3D effects

Paintable wallpapers can be painted over several times and are therefore a successful alternative to plastered walls.

Photo wallpapers

Photo wallpapers are very popular. Large, wall-filling motifs with fancy designs and photographic images are available as photo wallpapers. They give every room an individual flair. Large-format photo wallpapers are usually made up of several panels. In our shop, we offer you a large selection of different motifs, so that everyone can find the right photo wallpaper for them.

Discover wallpaper types and everything about renovation at FancyHomeTrends.com

If you want to embellish your walls with wallpaper, you'll find top products at great prices in our wallpaper shop. Benefit from the huge selection of stylish wallpapers with different motifs and colours. Also discover smooth self-adhesive wallpapers, textile wallpapers, lining and decorating wallpaper as well as wallpaper borders in our shop. Also use the FAQ section of the customer support for your perfect renovation. Order your new wallpaper now at FancyHomeTrends.com!