Common Wallpaper Characteristics

Awareness of common wallpaper characteristics, such as material (vinyl, paper, fabric), pattern repeat size, and lightfastness, helps in selecting appropriate wallpaper for different rooms and purposes. Understanding these characteristics allows for informed decisions about durability, maintenance, and aesthetic suitability, preventing costly mistakes and ensuring a successful outcome. Knowledge of things like washability and how the wallpaper might react to sunlight or moisture is crucial for long-term satisfaction.

When washing wallpaper, be aware of its material: vinyl wallpapers are generally the most durable and washable, often tolerating scrubbing with mild soap and water. Non-woven and paper wallpapers are much more delicate and should only be gently wiped with a damp (not wet) cloth; scrubbing or using harsh cleaners can damage or remove the surface. Always test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area first to check for colorfastness and damage. Avoid excessive water, which can cause bubbling, peeling, or discoloration.

Below is a listing of the most important or common characteristics and definitions for wallpaper:

• Scrubbable means that the wallpaper can withstand scrubbing with a brush and a prescribed detergent solution. (An attribute that would be useful for wallpaper used in a kitchen, bath or laundry room, for example.) Washable means that the wallpaper can withstand occasional sponging with a prescribed detergent solution. (Great for living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms.)
• Stain Resistance is the ability to show no appreciable change after the removal of different types of stains such as grease, butter, coffee, etc. (Ideal for kitchens and baths.)
• Abrasion Resistance is the ability to withstand rubbing, scraping or scrubbing. (A good attribute for wallpaper in a foyer or hallway.)
• Colorfastness is the ability to resist change or loss of color caused by exposure to light. (Most of today's wallpapers easily provide this attribute.)
• Peelable means that the decorative surface and ground may be drypeeled from the wall, leaving a continuous layer of the substrate on the wall. This remaining substrate can be used as a liner for hanging new wallpaper. Peelable paper is great if you love the look of wallpaper and plan on redecorating with it again and again.
• Strippable means that the wallpaper can be drystripped from the wall leaving a minimum of paste or adhesive residue and without damage to the wall's surface. This is the type to use of your are renting or leasing, as the paper can be easily removed when you leave. Prepasted means that the substrate of the wallpaper has already been treated with an adhesive that is activated by water.

Whether a particular wallpaper is strippable, peelable, washable and so on is shown in the sample book or on the label of the wallpaper bolt.