white geometric wallpaper installed by professional wallpaper hangers.
11
Aug

Wallpaper VS Paint . Wallpaper Experts Point of View

Making a decision about how to dress the walls in your home or office could be a daunting task. Afterall, this is going to be your future scene for years to come. Making the right choice of choosing between wallpaper and paint depends on several factors. Even though we, as wallpaper experts might seem biased, in this article we will give you a honest comparison between both.

Elitis Wallpaper in a Hallway
Olive Green Painted wall

1. Cost. What is more cost efficient, wallpaper or paint?

High quality wallpapers and wallcoverings could seem expensive, but they could easily last for 15 years without showing signs of wear or fading.

Painted walls can last somewhere between 3-5 years depending on the room, and could be less in a high traffic area.

You may need less investment at the beginning of your project when using paint, but overall, that does not make it cheaper than wallpaper. This is because once installed properly, wallpaper tends to have longer lifespan and require less maintenance Paint on the other hand may require multiply coats, regular touch ups, and cost add up over time.

2. Preparations. Wallpaper experts tips.

Both wallpaper installation and painting require walls preparation. If you want good results with both, it takes pretty much similar time for preparation. You will not regret preparing your surfaces, as this will always give you great finish.

Painting preparation: Newly plastered walls will require to apply primer. If your walls have been already painted previously, you will need to fill in any cracks and holes using filler and then sand the walls. To achieve the best result, you need near to perfect surface.

Wallpaper preparation: If you’re removing old wallpaper, make sure your walls are clean and dry after that. Use filler for any cracks and holes and then sand the walls. You will need to apply  primer sealer. You may need to apply lining paper depending on your wallpaper. Wallpaper can be more forgiving with very small holes.

Tip from wallpaper experts:  Always make sure that you are using the right adhesive for your wallpaper, because this is crucial for the final result.

3. Application time.

The common opinion is that wallpapering takes longer than painting, but in reality, both can take similar amount of time. And keep in mind that you always need a second coat of paint for great results.

4. Durability.

There are many advantages when it comes to wallpaper durability. There are many varieties especially designed for high traffic areas such as vinyl wallpaper, that are easy to clean and can be installed in kitchen or hallway and can withstand a household with children and pets. Wide vinyl is perfect when it comes to commercials spaces on larger scales, still adding a touch of personality.

Tektura in a Hallway

Some paints can also be cleaned using wet sponge, but even washable paints have their limits in very high traffic areas.

5. Design options.

Paint has endless colour options to choose from including matte, gloss, eggshell, semi-gloss, silk, satin and sheen finish.

 

Wallpaper Designs

Wallpapers can easily add a wow factor, whether it’s a feature wall or a fully wallpapered room in earthly grass cloth, metallic silk, patterned or textured papers. They can make a room appear bigger or wider, add a focal point, enhance the mood, and showcase personality, providing an effect that cannot be replicated with paint.

Wallpapers Designs Choice

There are so many wallpaper designs to choose from, from leafy green wall murals to geometric patterns, bold or neutral colours to suit every décor.

6. Combination of both. Wallpaper installation and painting.

You can have the best of both. Wallpapers and panted walls together can create striking combinations. Walls painted in complimentary colour to match the wallpaper or contrasted wallpaper and paint. Wallpaper panels are another great way to combine both/Photo/. You can have part of the wall horizontally painted and part wallpapered /Photo/.

 

In conclusion, when it comes to the choice between wallpaper and paint, both options have their advantages. Wallpaper, when installed properly offers a wide range of designs, textures and patterns, allowing creative expressions and design options. On the other hand paint offers versatility and simplicity. Both can be combined together to create unique designs.

Bluespec Decorating Limited