Types of Wallpaper

The most popular types of wallpaper you will find at your local wallpaper retailer or home improvement store are:

• Vinyl Coated Paper - this wallpaper has a paper substrate on which the decorative surface has been sprayed or coated with an acrylic type vinyl or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). These wallpapers are classified as scrubbable and strippable, and are suitable in most any area. These papers are better resistant to grease and moisture than plain paper, and are good for bathrooms and kitchens.
• Coated Fabric - this wallpaper has a fabric substrate coated with liquid vinyl or acrylic. The decorative layer is printed on this coating. This is generally considered more "breathable" wallpaper which makes it best for use in low moisture rooms, like living areas.
• Paper Backed Vinyl/Solid Sheet Vinyl - this wallpaper has a paper (pulp) substrate laminated to a solid decorative surface. This type of wallpaper is very durable since the decorative surface is a solid sheet of vinyl. It is classified as scrubbable and peelable. Solid sheet vinyl can be used in most areas of the home since it resists moisture and is stain and grease resistant. However, this type of wallpaper will not withstand hard physical abuse (like mudrooms or storage areas).
• Fabric Backed Vinyl - this wallpaper has a substrate laminated to a solid vinyl decorative surface. General categories of this type of wallpaper include:
  • Solid Vinyl - this wallpaper consists of a vinyl film laminated to a fabric or paper substrate. It is generally considered more durable than fabric-backed or paper-backed vinyls (as listed above) because the vinyl is "solid" or not applied in a liquid form. This type of wallpaper is ideal for consumers looking for a great degree of washability, scrubbability and durability.
  • Paper - this type of wallpaper refers to wallpaper with a paper substrate/ground combination upon which the decorative layer is printed. True papers are not coated, but some may have a coating applied to seal in the inks. Because this type of wallpaper varies widely, check the label for attributes of the pattern/brand you want to purchase.