Deciding whether to use wallpaper or paint is probably the biggest decision out of all when designing or renovating your home. Both ways can do wonders to your place, yet differently in terms of benefits, styles, price, and durability. Knowing each of them will certainly help you determine which one is more compatible with your home, lifestyle and budget.
Wallpaper is enjoying a revival of popularity due to its practically limitless possibilities in patterns, textures, and luxurious finishing. You have a wide variety of options from floral to geometrical prints, shimmering surfaces, 3D effects or even bespoke wallpapers that display your photos or art. Nothing can be quicker than wallpaper to inject character and make a room uniquely yours, so it is perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, and feature walls.
As for longevity, wallpaper is mostly more durable than paint. Good quality wallpapers are even capable of lasting for 10 to 15 years with a proper upkeep. Also, because of their solidity and texture, wallpapers are the great helpers when it comes to concealing the flaws of the walls. Nevertheless, the wallpapersetting is a hard job and thus, a higher price is charged most of the times. For moisture areas such as bathrooms and kitchens, it is not advisable to put regular wallpaper unless you have chosen vinyl or washable options.
Paint, however, be the most versatile and least expensive wall finishing alternative. It gives you the freedom of picking up any colour be it light pastel or bright ones, and also you can repaint in no time with no other permission whenever you want to refresh your place. Paint is a great option for those who are interior style changing addicts.
Installing wallpaper is a process that demands accuracy, a lot of patience, and skillful hands if you are to get a nice and flawless result. The first thing to do is to check the condition of the wall because even tiny cracks or uneven patches can spoil the whole look. To prepare the wall, the experts make sure it is perfectly clean, then apply putty in the necessary areas and finally sand the surface to make it smooth.
On a clean wall, a primer or an adhesive base is then spread to facilitate wallpaper sticking. It is cut after measurement of the length of the wall that the pieces of wallpaper are, and then the patterns are checked for continuity. The fitting of the wallpaper strip comes next, and the installation can go on using the instrument for smoothing to get rid of the air bubbles or the wrinkles.
Additional gluing areas are rubbed very quickly to avoid spots appearing. By matching edges, the trimmer is used to fit the corners, sockets, and window frames. After all steps, the installer also verifies every panel for perfect joint and closure. Wallpaper carries an expensive appeal when it has been installed properly, and this is not only for the time that comes but also for the visual aspect that is flawless.
Painting a room is not a one-step job; it takes various procedures to be done in order to get a neat finish and by professionals.
Painters at first, check the walls for any kind of dampness, cracks, or flakes as these defects need to be repaired going by a quick painting job. The surface for painting is also prepared by washing, scrubbing, and sanding in order to get rid of dust, dirt, and rough texture.
Purpose of primer is to ensure the uniform paint soak and to lengthen the life of coating and this is the first coat to be applied. Paint is thus rolled or sprayed onto the wall after primer drying. After the first layer has dried, the painters search for places that are patchy or have marks and thus, they apply a second and in some cases a third coat for the rich and uniform look.
Edges and corners are done with small brushes and great accuracy so that the lines are not shabby. Usage of drop cloths, masking tapes, as well as protective sheets is done to keep places safe from paint splashes. After complete drying of paint, the room is aired so as to get rid of paint fumes. At the end of the inspection, the walls are tested for being smooth, done, and brilliant.
Paint = Modern paints are low-VOC, meaning they’re safer for indoor air quality. They dry quickly and don’t trap dust.
Wallpaper = Fabric, vinyl, and PVC wallpapers may release chemicals over time. Eco-friendly options do exist but are costlier.
Winner : Paint is generally more eco-safe.
Feature Paint Wallpaper
Cost Affordable Expensive
Durability Medium High
Room Suitability All rooms Dry rooms only
Best For Budget homes Premium interiors
Whether to go for wallpaper or paint is a matter of your style preferences, budget, and the lifespan of your walls. With wallpaper, you get unlimited design possibilities, patterns, and a luxurious vibe, which is great for accent walls or a room with a particular theme. Whereas paint is a cheaper alternative, can be used for any purpose, and if you want a new look, you can simply change it. Either of them is a great way to uplift your interiors. The main thing is to pick the one that suits the look, cleaning, and lifestyle of your home.