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Wallpaper or Paint | which is best?
Understand the difference and when to choose wallpaper or paint
Picking the perfect tone for your walls is no easy task. After all, the right texture and finish can turn your walls from drab to fab!
Both wallpaper and paint can bring a pop of color and style to any room. But which is the better option? Paint and wallpaper are both wall treatments, so it all depends on your personal preferences and room design. Here are some differences between wallpaper and paint that can help you make an informed decision.
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Why paint?
Paints have always been the default interior decorating solution. The most popular choices today are emulsion and they come with various properties (VOC-free, anti-fungal, washable, and with finishes such as matte, gloss and sheen), these have become clear winners among paints for interiors.
In terms of textures and finishes, the chances to get creative with paints have increased, a case in point being decorative wall art designs.
Why wallpaper?
The aesthetic charm of wallpapers is unrivaled and it’s no surprise that this type of wallcovering is increasing in popularity in homes, offices and commercial spaces. Wallpapers come in different material choices too – vinyl, paper-backed, non-woven, fabric and digital print.
Wallpaper comes in a dazzling array of designs and colors, with an incredible and comprehensive selection of beautiful effects such as pearlescent finish, glitter, raised inks, suede, gels, beads, metallics, embossed silk textures, and natural grasscloth.
If you are looking for an impressive room or a feature wall, you might want to consider designer wallpaper prints that bring rich colors and textures into a room.
Wallpaper and Paints | Pros and Cons
Preparing your walls before decorating is very important, whether you have chosen to paint or wallpaper. The walls need to be sanded, plastered and finished with a coat of primer. If you have an existing wallpaper, it needs to be stripped down carefully without damaging the wall.
| WALLPAPER | PAINT | |
| APPLICATION | With the right skills and tools, wallpaper can be applied quickly. If preparing the walls beforehand is done well, wallpapering can be a faster option to choose. | Ensures a perfect overall finish and edges. Since a minimum of three coats is required for a wall, the process can last up to three days. Application can be a messy affair with stains on furniture and floor. |
| DURABILITY | What you see, is what you get. There are no surprises in shade and texture accuracy. A wall protection film can be applied on wallpapers to prevent fading when exposed to sunlight, scratches and tears. Damaged portions of wallpapers can be replaced with the leftover roll.
| Modern paint solutions last longer and are also washable. Colours may sometimes vary from the chart to the final coat despite an even finish. |
| VARIETY | Is available in a variety of colours, prints, patterns and textures including hand-made, customization and digital print. | Is available in a variety of colours, imaginable. It is easier to repaint if a new colour is needed. However, paint has a limited number of finishes within matte and glossy.
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Wallpaper Vs Paint | when to choose
Choose Paints…
- If you need a specific shade that may not be easy to find in wallpapers.
- When time and skilled labour are not an issue.
- If you have kids and pets who might accidentally tear wallpaper (paint surfaces can be wiped clean in case of an incident).
Choose Wallpapers…
- If you want to highlight one or two walls or specific areas in a room.
- When you’re looking for options to fix your rented home.
- If you have rooms with minimum humidity or moisture.
- For a quick decorating fix solution to a damaged wall or make-over
- If you’re suffering from extreme allergies to dust and the smell of paint.
