| Wallpaper can transform the look of a
room unlike any other decorative element. By understanding
the impact of pattern, color, and design, one can make a room
appear larger, more intimate, or just more stylish. You may
want to consult with an interior designer for guidance in
creating your desired effect.
Vinyl and Vinyl-Coated Wallpapers are the
most common since they provide the most durable and water-resistant
surfaces.And even though vinyl is thought of as a shiny material,
vinyl and vinyl-coated papers now come in a variety of textures.
Washable and Scrubbable Wallpapers
Wallcoverings vary in how much cleaning they can withstand.
Some can be scrubbed every day, but others can't stand even
a light sponging. If a wallpaper is described as washable
on the label, that means it can be sponged occasionally with
soap and warm water.
Scrubbable wallpapers, on the other hand,
are strong enough for washing with a soft brush if need be,
especially in the kitchen.
Plain and Patterned Wallpaper
Things to consider when choosing wallpaper:
A plain wallpaper with little or no pattern to match at the
seams and the ceiling will always result in the least amount
of wasted wallpaper.
Among the patterned wallpapers, a small repeating pattern
will result in less waste than a large repeating pattern,
which also poses difficulties in a room with lots of windows
or doors interrupting the layout.
A pattern with a horizontal match (matching on every column
of paper) will waste less paper than one with a drop or alternate
match (matching on every other column).
Other Wallcoverings
Foils and Mylars are wallcoverings with a
highly reflective, thin metal coating, which show any surface
flaws.
Paintable wallcoverings are neutral colors
and are manufactured to be painted after application.
Grasscloths are highly textured wallcoverings
woven from natural fibers.
Flocked wallcoverings have raised fiber patterns
that look like velvet.
Embossed wallcoverings are papers stamped
to create a 3-D effect.
Finish Paints
Finish paints are categorized by the amount of surface shine
they produce when dry. Terms like "gloss" and "flat"
often dictate where such paints are used in the home.
High-Gloss Paints often referred to as "enamels,"
are the shiniest and most reflective paints. They produce
the hardest, most water-resistant and most washable surface
coating, so they're most often used on wood trim, in the kitchen,
bath and on playroom walls. Surface flaws show most when covered
with high-gloss paint.
Semi-Gloss Paints also known as "eggshell,"
"velvet," or "satin" paints, produce a
shinier surface than a flat paint but less reflective than
a high-gloss surface. They resist moisture better than a flat
paint, so they're more washable and serve well on walls in
hallways, kitchens, baths, and children's rooms.
Flat Paints leave a "dull" or "matte"
finish, with no gloss, shine or reflectivity. They work best
on irregular wall surfaces where you want to hide the imperfections
as much as possible. Flat is usually used on ceilings, in
living rooms, and dining rooms over sheetrock surfaces.
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