What it is?
This is a type of vinyl wallpaper with a pattern applied using a special silk-screen printing or hot stamping method. Production is carried out in several stages. Vinylized colored paper is applied to a paper or non-woven base, which is impregnated with polyvinyl chloride, after which the canvas goes through the embossing process. The thickness of the vinyl layer can be different, this allows you to adjust the strength of the material.
The photo shows a bedroom in the new classic style. An accent wall in a beautiful turquoise color harmonizes with other interior details of the same shade.
The pattern is created using silk or synthetic fibers. Visually, the coating is similar to silk, the material is durable and shiny. The design can be monochromatic or colored, or it can also imitate different materials, such as leather or wood.
Wallpaper silkscreen: photo of handmade finishing
There are many companies that have been offering handmade silk-screened wallpaper using traditional Chinese technology for many years. To master an art whose traditions reach back to antiquity, at least three years of preparation are required. The process requires high artistic skills and takes a lot of time. The very creation of silk-based wallpaper can easily be attributed to the world of fashion with individually ordered designs.
The most popular designs and patterns
First of all, the silk screen wallpaper features plant and animal themes, evoking the former splendor of the Imperial Forbidden City. Lots of inspiration taken from the natural world, embellished with wallpaper from the Asia collection. These types of finishes embody the Japanese aesthetic, considered the most sophisticated of the Far Eastern styles. Nowadays, Western interior designers have rediscovered the appeal of silk-screened wallpaper. Vogue, Elle Decor, House - beautiful and traditional magazines are filled with silk wallpapers in a number of designer interiors, and now these designs adorn a large number of 5-star restaurants, boutique hotels and private residences in the UK, France and the USA.
Types of bases
Non-woven
Silk-screen wallpaper on a non-woven base is more durable. The material is elastic, has better contact with moisture and can hide minor wall defects. In addition, non-woven coatings are more reliable and convenient when working with them; you don’t have to worry about the fabric tearing, stretching or warping. This type of wallpaper has a longer service life, but its cost is an order of magnitude higher than paper.
The photo shows a compact, bright living room with a modern design. Due to the light furniture and pattern on the wallpaper, the room does not seem dark.
Paper
Budget option for finishing material. The paper base is not strong and durable, and also does not interact well with moisture. When gluing you need to be careful, as the coating is very delicate and can tear. Paper-based silk-screen wallpapers must be applied to a flat surface; they are not able to hide uneven walls.
Where to hang wallpaper with silk-screen printing?
If you're hanging actual fabric wallpaper, make sure it won't be near any sources of moisture. Silk wallpaper looks great on an accent wall in a bedroom or in a stately dining room, but is not meant for bathrooms and kitchens. If you want a soft, satiny look in other living spaces, a vinyl product can achieve this. You can easily wipe away such scuffs, and the material will withstand moisture much better.
Peculiarities
Silk-screen printing coating has a number of distinctive features that have a positive effect on the characteristics of the material.
- The silk-screened surface of the wallpaper presents a luxurious shiny canvas; this effect can only be achieved using silk-screen printing.
- Large roll width, most often meter wide. This is very convenient when gluing, there are fewer joints.
- The coating does not fade in the sun.
- No harmful chemicals are used in the production of wallpaper.
Advantages and disadvantages
Such consideration of the characteristics and nuances of the material helps determine the choice.
Advantages | Flaws |
Coating strength | High price |
Does not absorb odors | Wallpaper based on paper is not durable |
Suitable for wet cleaning | Some types of silk-screen wallpaper “do not breathe” |
Long service life | Covering with a paper base requires careful preparation of the walls. |
Spectacular appearance | |
Do not fade in the sun | |
Do not emit harmful substances |
The photo shows a sleeping area with a modern design. The interior uses several techniques to increase space.
Advantages and disadvantages
Wall decoration with silk-screen printing has the following advantages:
- High level of aesthetic appeal.
- Environmental safety. They do not contain substances hazardous to health, and the paint used does not contain heavy metals.
- High quality characteristics. Despite the insignificant thickness, the wallpaper, thanks to the threads, has high strength and wear resistance, allowing it to be used for at least 10 years. In sunlight, due to their shiny surface, they create an original round dance of colors in the room.
- Easy cleaning. Tolerates damp and wet care.
- UV resistance. Silk-screen printing does not fade or fade from exposure even to direct sunlight.
- A large assortment.
- Versatility of use. Silk-screen wallpaper for walls can be used to decorate any room: from hallways to halls.
♥See also the photo gallery on the “Digital Wallpaper for Walls”
There are also disadvantages:
- most models are not breathable, with the exception of recently introduced “breathable” options;
- when they ignite, toxic compounds are released;
- the need to scrupulously bring the walls to perfection during their preparation for gluing.
- a decent price, which restrains the impulses of some buyers towards beautiful elegance.
Photos of ideas in the interior of rooms
For kitchen
A practical and beautiful finishing solution. Silk-screen wallpaper is easy to care for; you can wipe it with a dry or damp cloth without fear of leaving marks. For the kitchen, you should choose silk-screen wallpaper on a non-woven basis; they will last longer, and most importantly, they have better contact with water. In addition, this type of wallpaper breathes and will eliminate the appearance of fungus. The wallpaper will look great in a classic kitchen interior.
For the hall
The chic appearance of the silk-screen coating will look impressive in a living room with a classic design, and also, with the right combination of materials, will become a “highlight” in a modern stylistic direction. Silk-screen wallpaper can frame the entire room, or become an occasional decoration, for example, in the form of an accent wall. Shiny details will shimmer beautifully in the sun, creating the illusion of a voluminous wall.
In the photo the hall is combined with a dining room. Design in light colors with the addition of bright decorative accents.
For the bedroom
Depending on the design, silk-screen wallpaper will support a bohemian atmosphere in the bedroom interior or create an incredibly light and romantic design. The finishing can be done entirely with one type of coating or using the companion wallpaper finishing method, combining different colors and textures. The latter method will make the bedroom more interesting and help correct the design flaws.
For bathroom, toilet
In the bath and toilet, you should use silk-screen wallpaper only on a non-woven basis; paper will not work, as it will not withstand humidity and will quickly lose its presentable appearance. For greater reliability, wallpaper finishing can be combined with other materials and done horizontally, for example, wallpaper on top, tiles or panels below.
For hallway, corridor
Silk-screen wallpaper is convenient for the hallway because it is easy to care for. An unwanted stain left after returning from the street can be easily removed with a damp cloth. For small and closed hallways, it is worth using a light palette for decoration; vertical or horizontal stripes will make it taller or wider.
Color spectrum
Pink
Silk-screen printing on a pink background will be associated with a pearl. Decoration in a similar color will look very gentle. Suitable for decorating a bedroom, classic living room or kitchen. The pink color of the silk-screen wallpaper will go well with light-colored furniture and decorative items.
White
The wallpaper looks luxurious, yet gentle. The pattern will only shimmer against a light background, creating the illusion of volume in the room. The white color of the walls will successfully complement the design with almost any style.
Blue
The blue tone will be especially expressive as a background for gold or silver patterns. A dark shade can be combined with a lighter color scheme, for example with companion wallpaper or a pattern in a contrasting color.
Blue
A gentle blue tone visually makes the space of the room larger and fills it with freshness. Ornate patterns in combination with white furniture will emphasize the gentle airy atmosphere in the interior.
Beige
Silk-screen printing on a beige background will shimmer with gold, the room will be filled with warm light. The beige color is suitable for decorating any room in the house; it will look especially harmonious in classical, Victorian and neoclassical styles.
The photo shows white silk-screen wallpaper in a classic interior with a golden sheen.
Greens
Green silk-screen wallpaper will make the interior aristocratic. Shades of green will fill the room with warmth. It is better to use a dark tone as a partial finish, combining it with a lighter color, such as beige. Full green finishing is best left for spacious and bright rooms.
Black
Unlike a warm, light palette, black silkscreen can look incredibly stylish in modern and neoclassical designs. The black tone of silk-screen wallpaper will look best in open rooms with large windows and abundant daylight.
The photo shows a stylish dining room in black and white design. Due to the contrasting white ceiling and large windows, the room is filled with light.
Gold
Gold will emphasize luxury in the interior of an apartment or house. The design will be filled with aristocratic and distinctly chic notes. Classic and Victorian style will be the best solution for this type of decoration.
Gray
Gray color will decorate both a classic design and a room with a modern style. The palette can be warm or cold; whatever the choice, the gray shade will give the design a discreet and stylish luxury.
Is it possible to use several types of textile wallpaper?
As a rule, wallpaper of the same type is used to cover walls. Often they insert wallpaper with a pattern, and most of the walls are covered with plain wallpaper. In the case of textile wallpapers, you can also use plain and patterned ones in a duet, but they must be of the same type. You should not combine, for example, jacquard and bamboo textile wallpapers into one whole.
Calm tones are chosen as primary colors: cream, beige, blue, lilac; you can also use white and red. And the insertion of textile wallpaper is usually done with patterns or floral themes.
For a children's room, you can look for wallpaper with images of animals, cars, butterflies... It is worth noting that textile wallpaper for painting is ideal for a children's room, because if damaged, the defect can be easily eliminated.
Design ideas
Flowers
Ornate floral patterns, tulip buds or large roses will decorate a classic living room or bedroom. A floral print will add romance and tenderness to the interior. The design will be complemented by wall moldings or paintings with a classic writing style.
Geometry
Classic horizontal or vertical stripes will be a good choice for decorating modern and classic interiors. The direction of the stripes will help to “push” or “stretch” the walls of the room, thereby correcting the imperfections of the room; this technique will work for rooms of any size.
Abstraction
Abstraction on silk-screen wallpaper will make the interior voluminous. This type of finish will fit well into a modern and high-tech style. Finishing one or more walls with silk-screen printing can be combined with other types of wallpaper.
Silkscreen wallpaper for walls: past and present
Silkscreen printing dates back hundreds of years, but back in those early days, people didn't know it existed unless they were at the top of society. From China to France, nobility decorated their interiors with silk wall coverings that symbolized their dominance and prestige. It was a sign of luxury that became the standard for elegant living. Wallpapers that depicted flowers, birds and butterflies subsequently began to attract the wealthy European commercial class of the 18th and 19th centuries, emphasizing a luxurious style. Fortunately, today you don't need to own estates or be of noble birth to decorate your home with silk-screen wallpaper, as you can simply order it online or purchase it from a specialty store! It's easy to get an outstanding wall look from silk, especially since you don't currently have to pay as much as the royal families did hundreds of years ago.
Options in different styles
High tech
The style is not overloaded, unnecessary details and smooth lines. The interior is dominated by straight lines in decoration and furniture, the contents are modern, high-tech, and the color scheme is restrained, although the design can also be decorated with bright details.
Classical
Silk-screen wallpapers are best suited for classic designs. A soft shine will emphasize luxury without looking defiant. The classic room is filled with natural wood furniture and elegant decorative details. Walls can be decorated with moldings or combined with wood panels.
The photo shows the interior of a bedroom in a Victorian style. The walls are decorated with peach-colored silk-screen wallpaper.
Modern
The design style can be filled with bright colors and a mixture of materials. Silk-screen wallpaper in a rich shade will be a great idea for decorating any area or accent wall. The pattern can be in the form of damask, abstraction or geometric patterns.
Oriental
The style is distinguished by special luxury and wealth. Ornate patterns and golden shimmers will only emphasize the features of the style. In oriental design, the emphasis can be placed on finishing or filling the room. For example, decorating walls in a bright shade or unusually shaped furniture and colorful textiles.
Some aesthetic effects
- Wet silk looks very attractive, and in combination with rich colors it provides the opportunity to create bright and unique solutions in the design of apartments and residential buildings. Can also be used in the interiors of commercial establishments. (See also the article How to prime walls: features.)
- Shimmering shine is appropriate if elegance is required when decorating the interior space. After the work, you should get a silky surface with shimmering inclusions. Silver or golden shine looks especially good, however, the price of such coatings is somewhat higher.
- Velvety silk looks quite interesting, since the basis is to create a sandy effect. As for the color palette, thick and rich tones look best. The surfaces being trimmed can even be designed in the form of golden dunes.
Surface finish with wet silk effect.
How to glue correctly?
What glue should I use?
For silk-screen printing, you need to choose an adhesive for heavy types of coatings, since that is exactly what they are. Today, construction stores offer a fairly wide range of wallpaper glues of this kind. There is an adhesive specifically for silk-screen coatings; its composition takes into account all the features of the material, including the need for antifungal treatment.
Step-by-step gluing instructions
The process of hanging silk-screen wallpaper is not fundamentally different from any other. For an ideal result, you should follow the entire procedure step by step.
- First you need to prepare the surface for gluing. To do this, you need to level and sand the walls, as well as apply a primer.
- Prepare glue. To do this, knead it according to the instructions.
- Prepare the wallpaper. To do this, the roll is cut into strips of the required length. It is necessary to take into account the compatibility of the pattern and take a margin of 5 centimeters.
- Apply vertical markings. To do this you will need a level or plumb line. The strip will help you apply the strips evenly and without displacement.
- Pasting begins from the corner of the room, applying the strip from top to bottom.
- Excess air and unevenness are “expelled” by smoothing to the sides.
- After gluing, the excess is carefully cut off.
Video
Tips for choosing textile wallpaper
Before making a choice in the direction of textile wallpaper, you need to take into account some expert advice:
- Felt and velor wallpapers absorb aromas and dust very quickly and strongly, so you should not use them to cover walls in the kitchen or dining room.
- You should take a special glue for textile wallpaper, preferably the one recommended by the manufacturer of the selected wallpaper.
- Wallpaper with a large-scale pattern will visually increase the space of the room.
- Textile wallpaper in rolls based on non-woven material is the best option for quickly gluing walls; they are much easier to glue than those based on paper or foam rubber.
- If necessary, cut a piece of textile wallpaper using only scissors.
- When pasting wallpaper, you should glue it from top to bottom and be sure to carefully smooth it with a rubber spatula.
- Do not allow glue to get on the front side of the wallpaper, as it may leave a stain.
- When gluing bamboo wallpaper, it is best to use “liquid nails” glue.
- If you are choosing textile wallpaper for painting, then be sure to ensure that there is only one batch, otherwise the texture of the wallpaper may differ.
- Plain textile wallpaper can be diluted with wallpaper with a pattern.
Care Tips
Caring for silk-screen coating is not difficult. Regular and careful cleaning will help extend the life of the canvas. The coating has an advantage over other types of wallpaper; it allows for wet cleaning.
- The coating can interact with water, the degree of interaction is necessary. It is indicated in the form of markings on the roll packaging or the reverse side of the web.
- For dry cleaning, you can use a soft brush, rag or vacuum cleaner.
- For wet cleaning, you can use a rag or sponge, as well as non-abrasive cleaning products or soap solution.
The photo shows a bright bedroom in the new classic style. The decoration is made of two types of wallpaper.