In search of the best wallpaper option, many people choose acrylic wallpaper. As practice shows, trellises have an excellent combination of price and quality. Acrylic wallpaper is an analogue of vinyl wallpaper, only with differences in production technology and some characteristics. To make the right choice, it is important to consider the features of acrylic trellises, their types, advantages and disadvantages.
Features of the material
Acrylic canvases consist of two layers - a base and a decorative acrylic layer. At the same time, the decorative layer has a relief and soft surface, as it is applied to the base using a dot method, unlike vinyl wallpaper, which is formed in a continuous layer. Acrylic foams, making this layer breathable. Due to the simple application technology, wallpaper designs may not be limited to simple patterns.
The thickness of the acrylic layer is 2 mm, which is two times less than that of vinyl analogues. This is the significant difference. Thanks to the thin layer, the weight of acrylic sheets is less, however, this negatively affects wear resistance. Acrylic does not emit toxic substances, so the wallpaper will not cause any harm.
The note! When we talk about acrylic, we mean a group of polymers made from synthetic resins. They foam well and are able to keep their shape.
Differences between acrylic wallpaper and vinyl:
- Acrylic wallpaper is twice as thin.
- The price of acrylic trellises is lower.
- Moisture resistance of acrylic products is worse.
Total information
In 1939, the well-known organic glass was invented. This invention is also associated with the emergence of a new material - acrylic, a polymer obtained by chemical means. Now the performance of acrylic is better than in those distant times.
On the construction market, manufacturers sell a lot of materials for insulation, finishing, and acrylic construction. Acrylic wallpaper is produced as follows: acrylic is applied to the base, in our case paper, by spraying, and not by film, as was previously the case. This point method provides this material with free penetration of air, which is what manufacturers of paper wallpaper are so proud of. The surface of the wallpaper is voluminous and textured, which looks very beautiful. In addition, such material is convenient to glue to walls, which attracts more and more consumers throughout the country.
Acrylic paper sheets are sold in rolls. The basis, as we have already said, is paper. A layer of acrylic emulsion is applied to it. These canvases are manufactured using similar manufacturing technology to vinyl ones. But here there is a several times smaller layer of polymers. The polymer-based emulsion is applied pointwise, thanks to which the material breathes freely, which means that the walls covered with it will also breathe. The acrylic layer is only 1 and a maximum of 2 mm.
Acrylic paper wallpaper on display
Externally, acrylic paper wallpaper looks normal and is sold in rolls of a certain (standard) size - 0.53 m. They are convenient to glue on the wall; joining the pattern does not cause problems either. By the way, it is best to glue them together; it will be difficult for one person. Small droplets or strokes are noticeable on the front side of the material, as if the artist had used a brush with a skillful hand.
Regarding design, experts have developed canvases with different designs, and it is from these sketches that real wallpaper is produced. The production process involves spraying acrylic onto a paper base. Among the variety of foam wallpaper designs, you will find both familiar plant motifs and original abstractions. Those who prefer plain wallpaper will also not be disappointed; they are presented in a good assortment and will perfectly fit into the living room or bedroom, nursery for a baby or teenager.
Advantages and disadvantages
Pros and cons stem from the structure of the material and its properties. If we talk about the advantages, they are as follows:
- Good wear resistance. Although the canvases are not as durable as vinyl, still, when compared with other analogues, this indicator is good.
- The canvases are not afraid of mechanical damage. A good option for children's rooms and rooms with pets.
- Some types of acrylic products can be washed (this is indicated on the label). Thanks to this, they will have a good appearance for a long time. The rag should be slightly damp, but no detergent should be applied.
- Affordable price. Although they are not as cheap as paper wallpaper, they are much better quality. Therefore, the user receives high-quality and durable finishing material at an affordable price.
- The layer of foamed acrylic breathes, so the walls will not be covered with condensation, natural ventilation will not be disturbed and there will be an optimal microclimate in the room.
- Mold and mildew will not appear on the wallpaper. Especially if you use a primer with antiseptic properties.
- Huge range of products. Colors, patterns, designs and other decorative features - all this allows you to choose the best option to suit your taste and create a specific interior.
- Since the surface is embossed and has a height of 2 mm, it becomes possible to hide minor imperfections on the wall.
- Light weight allows the canvas to adhere well to the surface and not peel off.
Despite the many advantages, the products are not without their disadvantages, if you pick too much. The main disadvantage is that a thin layer will wear out faster. However, according to the manufacturer, acrylic canvases can last more than 10 years. It all depends on the conditions. The second point concerns the fact that fabrics cannot be washed using detergents.
Foamed vinyl wallpaper
Foamed vinyl wallpaper on a paper base is a completely different material - strong, reliable, durable. They are produced by pressing out a stencil.
The vinyl layer is treated at high temperature, after which some substances evaporate from it, and bubbles or pores form in their place. These cavities in solid vinyl make it more airy and thicker, now it can safely be called foam.
Foam wallpaper in the living room interior
We have been using the term “vinyl” for a long time, but have not yet discovered its meaning. Vinyl is nothing more than polyvinyl chloride (PVC) - an artificially created material used for the manufacture of finishing materials: wallpaper, panels, baseboards, corners.
This material allows you to give the wallpaper quality characteristics, for example, hardness and density, which counteract the movement of moisture through it. This counteraction helps prevent the appearance of mold or mildew behind or on the wallpaper.
The finished foam vinyl wallpaper has a soft texture and you can easily feel the embossed pattern on it. Some samples of the same quality may be slightly rough if the relief of the pattern is too great.
Foamed vinyl texture
Among the most popular qualities of such materials, we would like to note the following:
- foamed vinyl perfectly masks defects in the walls on which it is glued, so there is no need to complicate the finishing too much,
- has one of the largest color and stylistic assortments among all wallpapers,
- similar in visual effect to decorative plaster, as it has a noticeable volume visible to the naked eye,
- applicable for all rooms, appropriate both in a large room and in a bedroom.
Types of acrylic wallpaper
There are two types of products that relate specifically to the base layer. If the decorative layer is always made of acrylic, then the first one can be made of:
- Papers. It is an environmentally friendly product option. Ideal for decorating children's rooms or bedrooms. There is one caveat - the room used must be dry, since paper is afraid of moisture. The same applies to the gluing process - you cannot soak the canvas for a long time. Moisture in the glue will cause the base layer to become wet.
- Non-woven fabric. Such options are more expensive, since non-woven fabric is of higher quality and more durable. However, non-woven fabric will not allow air to pass through, unlike paper. Therefore, all the advantages of the acrylic breathable layer will come to naught. Nevertheless, acrylic wallpaper on a non-woven basis has several advantages: it is a good reinforcing layer, the products are durable and of high quality. Even if the plasterboard wall cracks, the sheet will not tear. In addition, gluing non-woven products is easier: you do not need to soak them and wait until the glue is absorbed. It is enough to apply glue for acrylic wallpaper and fix the strip in place. The best option for beginners.
That's all for the main varieties. Otherwise, there are different subspecies that differ in structure (a drop is larger or smaller), color on the surface, pattern and other external features.
How to choose?
When choosing wallpaper, developers ask the same question: “which of them are not considered harmful to health?” In order to avoid the mistake of chasing inexpensive but low-quality material, we will tell you how to choose the right decor.
For those who cannot decide whether non-woven vinyl wallpaper is harmful to health, we advise you to use the following tips:
high-quality non-woven material has a dense structure, while vinyl remains soft and pliable. To check this, just press on the decorative layer with your fingernail. The vinyl covering will be deformed, a dent will appear on it, and the non-woven fabric will not react to such an impact at all; Wallpaper of poor quality can be recognized by its smell. Turpentine and acetone notes will indicate that low quality ingredients were used for production; It would not be superfluous to check with the seller about the availability of a conclusion from the SES to make sure that the products offered meet the established requirements. In addition, each label must contain a mark confirming environmental safety; Before purchasing wallpaper material, check whether the canvases provide breathability, or whether this phenomenon is not inherent in them at all. The relevant information must be confirmed by the labeling of the products; in addition, the ability of the wallpaper to allow air to pass through is determined by the presence of micropores; The cost of the product and the country where it was manufactured are of some importance. Wallpaper from Italy and England are leaders in quality and safety, but domestic manufacturers are somewhat inferior in this regard. High-quality material will cost you a decent amount of money; It is recommended to purchase wallpaper products in large supermarkets and stores specializing in the sale of such products
There is always a large selection of high-quality samples; The correct adhesive composition is of no small importance. You should not buy cheap mixtures - look for glue made by the same manufacturer as the rolls you have chosen; Non-woven wallpaper is also harmless, its environmental friendliness is beyond doubt
They are even used to renovate a children's room or bedroom.
If you purchase wallpaper with a vinyl covering layer, their harmful effects on the body can be minimized:
- Wallpaper should be wiped frequently with a wet cloth;
- The room is regularly ventilated.
Choosing glue for work
To properly glue wallpaper, it is important not only to understand the technology itself, but also to choose an adhesive for the job that would ensure reliable adhesion. When choosing, consider the following points:
- paste viscosity;
- acidity, for example, if the manufacturer indicates an acidity pH of 6–7, then this option will not produce yellowness after drying;
- hygiene, ideally, the adhesive composition should have bactericidal substances;
- storage time;
- protection from moisture;
- service life after preparation.
Ideally, use special compounds designed for acrylic wallpaper. It contains starch, as well as additives, thanks to which mold and mildew will not appear. And then, according to the instructions, the glue is diluted and used for its intended purpose.
Advice! Alternatively, you can use universal adhesives.
Photos in the interior
Acrylic wallpaper will look harmonious in the interior of any room; its texture and unpretentious relief will be a successful design for classic and modern design.
The photo shows a bedroom decorated with acrylic wallpaper painted in powder color.
The ability to paint the surface allows you to choose the perfect tone. Acrylic wallpaper will look good in the interior of any room.
The environmental friendliness of the material allows it to be used in any room, and therefore in a children's room.
The photo shows a bedroom in a modern style. The geometry of the wall decoration makes the room visually wider.
The process of gluing acrylic wallpaper
The work begins long before gluing. It is important to purchase all materials, prepare tools and perform manipulations with the surface of the walls. Typically, the following tools and materials are needed for gluing:
- soft roller with bath and rubber roller;
- plastic spatula to expel air;
- wallpaper knife, tape measure, marker, level;
- container for preparing glue;
- a metal spatula to remove the old coating;
- primer and paintbrush.
Pasting acrylic wallpaper is carried out using the following technology:
- The foundation is being prepared. The wall is cleaned of the previous finishing material, degreased, leveled and all other defects are eliminated.
- To improve adhesion, a primer is applied to the wall in two layers with breaks for drying. In addition, such a layer will reduce glue consumption.
- While the primer dries, you can begin to prepare the canvas. The height of the room is measured. This will be the desired size; you need to cut the roll into such strips. But in order to avoid problems and make the joints at the ceiling beautiful, you can add 5–10 cm of margin. The roll is unwound and cut according to size.
- To ensure that acrylic wallpaper is pasted correctly and evenly, you can mark the starting line level and plumb. It will serve as a guide. The line is marked from the corner, to the width of the wallpaper strip.
- Next, glue is applied. If it is a paper base, then the substance needs to be absorbed a little. If you work with non-woven material, then the glue is not applied to the wall.
- The final stage is fixing the strips in place. They are aligned to prevent wrinkles from appearing. Excess air is expelled with a roller or plastic spatula.
Ideally, all work should be done with a partner who will help hold the acrylic sheets and stick them evenly. If bubbles form, they can be removed with a syringe. The air is expelled and the space is filled with glue.
Advice! After alignment, glue will protrude from under the canvases. It must be removed immediately with a sponge or damp cloth.
Preparing walls for gluing
Before you start gluing acrylic, you should properly prepare the base. The durability and reliability of finishing work depends on this.
First of all, cleaning work should be carried out - the previous finishing materials (old newspapers, fallen plaster, peeling paints) are carefully removed from the walls.
First you need to clean the wall of old wallpaper.
Sometimes it can be very difficult to remove the old wallpaper. If it is a paper material consisting of one layer, it can be softened with water or using a special solution for removing wallpaper. If there is a moisture-resistant two-layer fabric on the walls, you must first make cuts on it with a knife, and then apply the solution.
There are several ways to remove old paint. Oil and enamel are removed using metal scrapers. The water-based emulsion is cleaned using metal spatulas, which are moistened in soapy water. Places where the paint holds tightly can be easily cleaned with a sander.
Paint from walls can be removed with a special machine.
To assess the strength of the plaster, the walls must be tapped with a hard object. Peeling, bubbling plaster should be carefully removed. Then plaster these places along with the cracks that have formed in the walls.
After cleaning work, the base surface is primed with a special agent. You can choose the appropriate type according to the characteristics indicated on the packaging. The primer is needed to strengthen the walls and improve the quality of adhesion between the glue and the base.
At the end it is recommended to prime the walls
Caring for acrylic canvases
The service life largely depends on whether the wallpaper is taken care of. After all, over time, the surface becomes dirty, covered with dust, etc. There are several simple rules of care that acrylic requires. They are as follows:
- Do not use abrasive cleaners or rough brushes.
- Cleansing should be done with soft and gentle movements.
- For prevention, it is enough to clean the surface from dust with a dry cloth or soft brush.
- Products are not washable. But slightly damp cleaning with a soft cloth is allowed.
- To remove the stain, use a sponge soaked in water.
- If the stains are difficult, then there is a special liquid on sale for removing stains from acrylic wallpaper.
All these points need to be taken into account when choosing wallpaper. As practice shows, acrylic products are durable, high quality and worth the money. They have many advantages, and thanks to the diverse range, everyone can find their own option. If you choose the right glue and follow the recommendations for gluing and care, then acrylic wallpaper will last a long time.
Review of popular models
Let's look at several interesting models of such an interesting finishing material with technical descriptions and visual photos:
- Bamboo:
| Parameter | Meaning |
| Manufacturer country | Ukraine |
| Color | Beige |
| Design | Floristics |
| The basis | Paper |
| Blade width | 53 cm |
| Blade length | 1000 cm |
| Price | 200 rubles |
Acrylic wallpaper with bamboo patterns will add exoticism to the room
- Gloria:
| Parameter | Meaning |
| Manufacturer country | Russian Federation |
| Color | Blue |
| Design | Abstraction |
| The basis | Paper |
| Blade width | 53 cm |
| Blade length | 1000 cm |
| Price | 220 rubles |
Paper wallpaper with acrylic coating Gloria is equally suitable for both the bedroom and the living room
- Nicole:
| Parameter | Meaning |
| Manufacturer country | Russian Federation |
| Color | Beige |
| Design | Floristics |
| The basis | Paper |
| Blade width | 53 cm |
| Blade length | 1000 cm |
| Price | 235 rubles |
Nicole's acrylic wallpaper will be appreciated by violet lovers
- Jazz:
| Parameter | Meaning |
| Manufacturer country | Ukraine |
| Color | Brown |
| Design | Floristics |
| The basis | Paper |
| Blade width | 53 cm |
| Blade length | 1000 cm |
| Price | 245 rubles |
The sinuous lines of the Jazz model will look neutral in combination with furniture of most stylistic trends
- Wanda:
| Parameter | Meaning |
| Manufacturer country | Russian Federation |
| Color | Green |
| Design | Floristics and geometric patterns |
| The basis | Paper |
| Blade width | 53 cm |
| Blade length | 1000 cm |
| Price | 235 rubles |
The Wanda model successfully combines elements of floristry and geometric patterns
Expert advice
To choose the optimal type of coating from the wide variety presented in stores, you need to use the following recommendations:
- Light shades can visually increase the size of a small room. To do this, you can use pastel and delicate colors with small patterns. And bright colors and large patterns can reduce the size of a large room.
- If there is insufficient daylight, warm shades should be used for decoration: peach, yellow, coral, apricot. If there is too much sunlight, wallpaper in cool colors is better: light green, light blue, light blue.
- If possible, you should use at least 2 types for finishing. By combining them you can create an original design. Most often, a pair is used for this, consisting of monochromatic models and with a pattern of the same tone, but a combination of different tones and different patterns on the same background is possible. It looks good to alternate different wallpapers, highlight one wall or divide it horizontally, etc.
- For some time now, matching the color of wallpaper and furniture has become irrelevant. Today's designers use a variety of combinations and options. However, the furnishings and wall decoration should look harmonious. For example, they can be united by one theme, repeated on walls, curtains, sofa cushions, but made in different colors and sizes.
