Trends seem to resurface every 30 years when people who were consumers of a particular culture when they were young, become the creators of culture as adults. This phenomenon is called “nostalgia pendulum”. Fashion and furniture from the 90s are trendy again, as is wallpaper.
Introduction
Chinese are credited with the invention of wallpaper in 200 BC. They initially pasted rice paper on walls but eventually replaced it with smoother, linen wallpaper. By the 12th Century AD, papermaking had spread to the West via the Silk Route. Some historic wallpaper making companies are A.L. Diament and Company, Mason & Wolf, Lincrusta, Brunschwig & Fils, William Morris & Company and Thibaut
Traditional Wallpaper
To install traditional wallpaper, surface preparation is crucial. Drywall, plaster, and mud are highly porous and absorbent, so applying wallpaper paste directly to them may cause peeling. To prevent this, a product like Wall Size or Sizing Solution is used to seal the surface. Once prepared, wallpaper paste is applied to the back of the wallpaper, and after “booking” the paper for ten minutes, it can be pasted onto the prepped surface. The installation requires precision and may involve air bubble removal.
Advantages of Traditional Wallpaper
Traditional wallpaper, often “non-woven” like the product by ArtHouse, is dimensionally stable when wet and can be easily positioned. It minimizes damage to the drywall during removal and is designed to strip off in full sheets. Unlike older versions, modern non-woven wallpaper is easier to remove even after several years. In addition to solid paper wallpaper, you can find a vinyl coating on paper backing, vinyl coating on fabric backing, solid vinyl, grasscloth, molded linoleum, and more.
Peel and Stick Wallpaper
As the name implies, peel and stick wallpaper is a simple DIY option. However, it is recommended to avoid applying it directly onto unprimed drywall or matte paint to prevent damage during removal. This type of wallpaper is more like contact paper, commonly used for lining shelves and drawers, and is easily removable but may not adhere as well.
Comparison
- Installation: Traditional wallpaper may require professional installation, whereas peel and stick wallpaper is user-friendly and suitable for DIY projects.
- Lifespan: Traditional wallpaper has a longer lifespan and is ideal for long-term residences, while peel and stick wallpaper is more suitable for apartments and temporary solutions.
- Durability: Traditional wallpaper handles moisture and humidity better, making it suitable for kitchens and bathrooms. Peel and stick wallpaper is more vulnerable to moisture and requires proper ventilation in bathrooms to avoid peeling.
- Design Options: Traditional wallpaper offers a wide range of patterns, including solid colors, floral patterns, abstract designs, stripes, embossings, and murals. Peel and stick wallpaper, previously limited in options, now boasts various designs and murals from companies like Limitless Walls.
- Cost: Both types of wallpaper have affordable options. Traditional wallpaper from Amazon costs around 35 cents per square foot, while peel and stick wallpaper also falls in the same price range.
Conclusion
Regardless of the wallpaper type chosen, caution should be exercised with airtight products like vinyl wallpaper, as they may trap dampness and lead to mold growth. To prevent this, prepare the walls by mixing fungicide in the wallpaper paste when using vinyl wallpaper.
Understanding the differences between traditional and peel and stick wallpaper will help you make an informed decision for your home decor. Whether you opt for the timeless elegance of traditional wallpaper or the convenience of peel and stick, both offer unique benefits that cater to your preferences and needs. So, get ready to elevate your living spaces with the perfect wallpaper choice!
Amazon link to floral wallpaper: https://amzn.to/35L00Qt
Amazon link to peel and stick wallpaper: https://amzn.to/37pwNuV
Link to my Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/Belinda_Carr
