Which wallpaper is better: vinyl or non-woven. The difference between vinyl and non-woven wallpaper: let's look at it in detail

Currently to create beautiful interior premises are used the most different types wallpaper, which differ from each other both in the material of manufacture, and color scheme. The most popular wallpapers among consumers are non-woven and vinyl. What are their differences? After all, knowing them, everyone will be able to choose wallpaper to suit their specific needs, deciding individually what type of wallpaper to buy.

Non-woven wallpaper, made from fibrous cellulose with the addition of special components, is a natural, “breathable” material with excellent air permeability. This wallpaper is durable and dense, it perfectly hides all the unevenness of the walls. And, since the interlining holds its shape very well, they do not deform during the period of pasting the walls, and during operation they do not warp. It is this wallpaper that is recommended for use in new buildings where the walls have not yet shrunk.

Another undoubted advantage of this wallpaper is the ease of gluing it. Working with them is a pleasure: you don’t need to apply glue to them. Only the wall is smeared with glue, and they do not stretch or shrink, so it is quite easy to paste over walls with them.

This wallpaper has only one drawback - the high price, since non-woven wallpaper is not produced in Russia. Their high cost is due to the fact that these wallpapers are either imported or made from imported materials.

Look at the photo how beautiful a bedroom covered with non-woven wallpaper looks:

Vinyl wallpapers are made of 2 layers: the lower one is made of paper or non-woven fabric, and the upper one is made of a thin film of polyvinyl chloride, which protects this material from moisture, light and mechanical damage. These wallpapers have a long service life, and the presence of two layers in them allows you to hide various wall defects under them.

Vinyl wallpaper impregnated with antiseptic compounds prevents the appearance of mold. These wallpapers wash well, and some can even be cleaned without fading in the sun for a long time.

The main disadvantage of non-woven vinyl wallpaper is its low breathability, since the non-woven layer is covered with a top layer of PVC. As a result, they are not recommended for use in rooms with difficult air exchange, as this can cause the walls to become damp. To smooth it out a little this disadvantage, today vinyl wallpaper is produced, with a surface covered with small holes that allow the walls to “breathe”. Their use is permissible in absolutely any premises.

So, what is the difference between non-woven wallpaper and vinyl?

The main difference is their breathability. Non-woven wallpaper has this quality, but vinyl wallpaper does not, due to its top layer of PVC.

These types of wallpaper differ in the way they are glued to the walls: vinyl wallpaper is coated with glue on the reverse side, while non-woven wallpaper is not subjected to this procedure; instead, the glue is applied directly to the wall surface.

But vinyl wallpaper is not afraid of wet wipes, which cannot be said about non-woven wallpaper.

It often happens that people start to get a little confused building materials. What is the difference between vinyl wallpaper and non-woven wallpaper, what is the difference between these coatings and which is better? All these questions are very popular among people who, by their profession, are not associated with the construction industry in general and with interior renovation in particular.

By the way, to say that some of these finishing materials are better and some are worse is not entirely correct, since each of them has its own pros and cons. However, there is a difference between them, and this is not what you should pay attention to when choosing. In any case, the first thing you need to talk about is what criteria are best used to compare vinyl wallpapers with non-woven ones. Here they are:

  1. Resistant to moisture. This parameter is especially important when working in the bathroom.
  2. Durability and wear resistance. These factors ensure trouble-free operation for many years.
  3. Easy to install. Often affects whether repairs can be made and.
  4. Ability to pass air. An important property that helps excess moisture“leaving” through the walls of the room.

Attention! It should be noted that we do not compare wallpapers by their cost, since the price is in this case turns out to be approximately the same.

Well, now let's move on to a more detailed consideration of each of these factors.

Moisture resistance

As for such a parameter as moisture resistance, both types of wallpaper are slightly different from each other. Thus, coverings that were made from non-woven fabric, although superior to paper in this regard, are clearly inferior to vinyl wallpaper. As for vinyl, its level of moisture resistance is very high. Vinyl wallpaper can be exposed to moisture for quite a long period of time. This is not only convenient in some cases, but also very practical solution, since such surfaces can be washed using various kinds detergents.

At the same time, a kind of “justification” for non-woven fabric can be the fact that this material, as a rule, serves as the basis for wallpaper. As for the outer decorative layer, which, at the same time, also has protective properties, then it is most often made of vinyl covering, also known as PVC.

Wear resistance and durability

According to this indicator, vinyl wallpapers are slightly ahead of their non-woven counterparts. However, we are talking, as often happens, about “dry numbers”. In life, it is necessary to take into account all the conditions that arise from a particular situation, since the service life of wallpaper coverings may depend on such circumstances as:

  • Distance to heating devices.
  • Arrangement of furniture.
  • Frequency of room use.
  • Accuracy of residents and much more.

Regarding the wear resistance of both materials, it should be noted that each of them has some features. Non-woven wallpaper is less resistant to abrasion. On the other hand, they can be painted, which, in turn, will help neutralize the effects of external damage.

Vinyl wallpaper can be either foamed or dense. And if the first option is not distinguished by any record wear resistance, then the second one clearly looks like a favorite in this regard.

It should be noted! In any case, both of these coverages, provided careful operation, can last for a very long period of time. In addition, as noted just above, . In turn, it is the paint that is, in fact, protective coating, which significantly extends the life of such wallpaper, leaving the walls attractive for a long time. However, even in case of slight damage or wear, such wallpaper can simply be repainted, thereby giving the new kind interior of the room and at the same time, painting over the abrasion that appeared.

Installation

So, it is best to consider this issue from the point of view of the possibility of gluing the surface of the walls with your own hands. By the way, before gluing, you need to think about the right choice of glue, since in both cases you will have to buy adhesive composition for heavy wallpaper.

As for gluing itself, it will be somewhat easier to glue non-woven fabrics, since in their case it is enough to apply the glue exclusively to the surface of the wall itself. It is not necessary to apply the wallpaper itself, which helps reduce time and effort.

Air permeability

Regarding this parameter, there are some concerns regarding vinyl wallpaper. . Some of them, indeed, practically do not allow air to pass through. Nevertheless, this problem is not critical, since there is a significant amount of wallpaper on the market today High Quality, which are not subject to this problem.

Among other things, it is necessary to say about some external differences. So, as for thick vinyl wallpapers, they are clearly different from their non-woven “brothers”. As for thicker, foamed PVC, then this coating outwardly practically no different from non-woven fabrics. Only an experienced person can understand the difference, not only visually, but also by touch, since the coating made of polyvinyl chloride is somewhat softer.

Conclusion

So, as we see, there are some differences between these two types of wallpaper. At the same time, it is quite difficult to say unequivocally which wallpaper is better - vinyl or non-woven. Typically, in order to do right choice, it is necessary to take into account many secondary factors, which are very individual, depending on a particular situation. Good luck with the renovation!

Currently to create beautiful design premises are used different kinds wallpapers that differ from each other not only in color, but in the material of manufacture. The most popular are non-woven and vinyl wallpapers, the description of which will be presented in this text.

Non-woven wallpaper are made from fibrous cellulose to which special components are added. Since this material is natural, it allows air to pass through perfectly, allowing the walls to “breathe”, as a result of which the air in the room does not stagnate. When gluing non-woven wallpaper, a special glue is used, which is applied in a special way. If ordinary wallpaper is coated with glue and then applied to the wall, then non-woven wallpaper is not treated with this composition, because the glue must be applied directly to the surface of the wall, and then the wallpaper is applied to it. This scheme allows you to stick wallpaper more evenly and efficiently, which will not “bubble”, stretch or move to the side.

Vinyl wallpapers have two layers - the first of them (the main one) is made of non-woven fabric or paper, and the second is made of polyvinyl chloride, which gave the name to this type of wallpaper. Due to this production technology, these wallpapers are less exposed to the humid microclimate of rooms, and they can even be washed warm water. In addition, since vinyl wallpaper consists of two layers, it can be used to hide some wall defects that become less noticeable. The disadvantage of vinyl wallpaper is the fact that the bottom breathable non-woven layer is covered by the top layer, so the breathability of this wallpaper is quite low.

So, we can highlight several differences between vinyl and non-woven wallpaper, the main one of which is breathability. Non-woven wallpaper has it, being a natural material, while vinyl wallpaper does not allow air to pass through for the simple reason that its top layer is made of vinyl, that is, an artificial material. In addition, these types of wallpaper differ in the way they are glued to the wall surface, because in the case of vinyl wallpaper, the glue is applied to their reverse side, while non-woven wallpaper does not undergo this procedure, but instead the wall itself is treated with glue directly. And on top of everything else, vinyl wallpapers are not afraid of wet wiping, which cannot be done with non-woven wallpapers.

Conclusions website

  1. Non-woven wallpaper is made from natural materials, and vinyl wallpaper is made from both natural (base) and artificial (top layer) compounds;
  2. Non-woven wallpaper, due to its natural structure, has excellent breathability, while vinyl wallpaper does not deteriorate when wet cleaned;
  3. When gluing vinyl wallpaper, the glue is applied directly to the finishing material itself, and in the case of non-woven wallpaper, directly to the surface of the wall.

/ What is the difference between non-woven and vinyl wallpaper?

What is the difference between non-woven and vinyl wallpaper?

Can be used to decorate walls in the house different materials. Wallpaper occupies a leading position in the quality of finishing. Different types wallpapers can differ not only in their colors and patterns, but also in the composition of the materials used in their production. Vinyl or non-woven coverings are the most popular. However, not everyone knows the difference between vinyl wallpaper and non-woven wallpaper.

The basis

Vinyl types of finishing can have a base made of either paper or the already mentioned non-woven material. This greatly affects performance characteristics products and even how they will need to be glued. The structure of this material has several layers, each of which plays its own role. The only thing that is the same is the front side covering – vinyl.

Paper bases are used to produce cheaper options. However, in appearance they are very similar to their more expensive counterparts. To find out what it is made of, you need to carefully look at the markings of the roll - the type of base is indicated there. If you have questions about the type, it is better to contact the manager, as this point may be decisive in your choice.

The paper is less durable and some difficulties may arise when gluing. Especially if you have no experience in such repairs. If not handled correctly, the canvas can change greatly in size during gluing and shrink after drying. This will cause gaps to appear at the joints of the strips.

Types of non-woven finishing do not have such serious disadvantages. And their price will be a little less. The same composition that was used for the base is applied to the front surface, only in a foamed state, and the structure will be single-layer. When the applied layer dries, it forms a very beautiful surface with a pronounced relief of the pattern. Some types of these coatings are purchased for further painting. Another significant factor will be the special properties characteristic of this type of finish.

Properties

An important difference between vinyl wallpaper and non-woven wallpaper is that the latter can “breathe”, while vinyl does not allow air to pass through. This gives rise to a lot of controversy about the dangers of such design. However, if you pay enough attention to ventilating the premises, they will not cause any harm. However, such solutions should be used with caution when decorating a bedroom or nursery.

When deciding which wallpaper is better - vinyl or non-woven, you can see that the difference will be quite significant, especially if you are decorating rooms where children will be for a long time or which are intended for sleeping. The surface covered with the second type of finish, unlike vinyl, is “breathable” and is perfect for decorating any room, including a nursery or bedroom. There will be no restrictions here.

In addition, you can purchase a wallpaper option designed for painting. This will make it possible to give the walls any color and shade, at the request of the home owners. If necessary, they can simply be repainted, updating the interior for a very small amount.

Vinyl is easy to clean and can withstand water. Therefore, almost all surfaces finished with it can be cleaned of dirt even with by special means for washing. With options for painting, not everything is so simple - the paint itself must be resistant to water, then the walls can be washed.

Pasting

The process of gluing on the walls will also be different. Vinyl-coated strips are glued according to the type of base - if it is paper, then the glue will be applied to the panel itself, and if the base is different, then the glue is applied only to the wall, and the strip is applied to it dry.

Non-woven types are always glued in the same way: the adhesive solution is spread on the wall and after that, a strip of material is applied to it. It will be much easier with them in this regard, however, when applying them to the wall, you need to be careful - they are not as durable as vinyl and can tear.

Choice

Choosing which wallpaper is better - vinyl or non-woven wallpaper is not so easy. Both there and there are many positive qualities. However, there are several basic criteria, using which you can make your choice much easier.

  • Vinyl has a longer service life. The difference is two to three years.
  • Non-woven fabric is less durable.
  • Vinyl coatings are moisture resistant, unlike the second option. Non-woven fabric is a hygroscopic material and can only be used in dry rooms without additional processing.
  • Abrasion resistance is higher for vinyl surfaces. The second type of wallpaper loses very significantly. In cramped spaces, like a corridor, the walls will quickly look ugly.
  • Non-woven fabric has a porous structure that allows the walls to breathe. The opponent has almost zero breathability.
  • Gluing non-woven wallpaper is easier because the surface of the strip does not need to be coated with glue and because the strip will be significantly lighter. In addition, there is no need to worry about shrinkage.

When choosing a covering, you don’t need to wonder which wallpaper is better - non-woven or vinyl. They are too different. You need to make a choice based on their characteristics and the intended location of gluing. In addition, we must not forget that vinyl coverings will be much more expensive. For a limited budget, this can be crucial, and you can choose a beautiful pattern and texture for both options.

Paradox: the larger the assortment, the more difficult it is to make a choice. Just 20-30 years ago, only paper wallpaper was presented on the finishing materials market. Now progress has provided a much larger selection of materials from which wallpaper is made.

People often don’t really know how wallpapers differ from each other, except for color and design. Let's figure it out.

Vinyl wallpapers

Double-layer vinyl wallpaper. The first layer is fabric or paper. The second is made of synthetic material - polyvinyl chloride. In other words, it is called PVC, vinyl, winnol, corvik, lukovil, etc. Simply put, polyvinyl chloride is plastic. Linoleum is made from this material, furniture edge and even clothes. By the way, gramophone records are also made of polyvinyl chloride.

This material is both a plus and a minus of vinyl wallpaper.

Dignity. Polyvinyl chloride “does not burn in fire and does not sink in water.” Therefore, vinyl wallpapers are waterproof and can even be wiped with a brush and cleaning agents. They don't burn. They are not afraid of exposure to light and direct sunlight, water and scratches (other mechanical damage).

Vinyl wallpaper is impregnated with a special compound that prevents the formation of fungi and mold. This wallpaper is good for bathrooms and kitchens where there is high humidity.

Flaw. It's synthetic artificial material, so it does not allow air to pass through. Polyvinyl chloride releases harmful substances, such as formaldehyde. Vinyl wallpaper is good for the kitchen and even the bathroom, but it is not advisable to glue it in the living room, bedroom, and especially in the nursery.

There are vinyl wallpapers with micropores for better breathability, but they also do not allow us to talk about the environmental friendliness of the material.

Interesting. The first vinyl wallpaper appeared in 1947 (manufactured by the United Wallpaper company).

Vinyl wallpaper has a wide variety design solutions. They can imitate tiles, wood, leather, fabric. They even produce special ones.

Vinyl wallpapers are:

  1. Foamed. Embossed, dense wallpaper. Due to their heterogeneous structure, they mask wall defects well. But not very moisture resistant. It is better to glue in non-residential premises.
  2. . Suitable for treating walls in the bathroom and kitchen.
  3. Silkscreen printing. The second wallpaper layer contains silk threads. Pearlescent, silky to the touch, do not fade for a long time. Much more expensive than other vinyl wallpapers.

The service life of vinyl wallpaper is up to 10 years.

How to glue vinyl wallpaper?

The glue is applied to the wallpaper, left for three to five minutes, and then the wallpaper is applied to the wall. No need to overexpose, otherwise paper base will spoil. For vinyl wallpaper, a special adhesive for heavy wallpaper is suitable.

At least two people are needed to hang vinyl wallpaper. If you have no experience with this finishing material, it is better to hire professionals.

Non-woven wallpaper

Unlike two-layer vinyl, non-woven wallpaper is uniform, made from natural material – fibrous cellulose. Therefore, they allow the walls to “breathe” - the air in the room will not be “stagnant”.

By the way, some items of clothing are trimmed with non-woven fabric. The edges of blouses, suits, some outerwear. This is done to ensure that the product keeps its shape. The same property is valued in non-woven wallpaper.

Non-woven wallpaper perfectly disguises wall unevenness, microcracks, there will be no need to plaster and level the surface before installation.

The design variety is not as great as vinyl ones. Most often they are smooth and plain, although there are also reliefs, patterns, and embossing.

Significant advantages of wallpaper made from this material: during the next repair, you don’t have to tear off the wallpaper, but apply the next wallpaper layer to the old non-woven wallpaper.

Any non-woven wallpaper can be painted. Even if they don’t have a special mark about it. Paint will only strengthen the structure of the wallpaper.

But the disadvantages can be determined by their cost. Non-woven wallpapers are an order of magnitude more expensive than vinyl ones.

Another disadvantage is instability to mechanical damage. Non-woven wallpaper will be easy prey for pets and children.

The service life of non-woven wallpaper is the same as that of vinyl - up to 10 years.

How to glue non-woven wallpaper?

Non-woven wallpaper is easy to use. The glue is applied directly to the wall. The wallpaper is glued end to end. Choose a special glue for heavy wallpaper.

Non-woven wallpaper is denser and more uniform, so it does not tear or stretch like vinyl.

Wallpaper does not shrink after pasting. This is an important fact for the happy owners of an apartment in a new building. Because the walls of new buildings can shrink over time.

Even a beginner can handle gluing non-woven wallpaper. So if you do not have experience in such work, choose non-woven wallpaper.

Vinyl wallpaper on non-woven backing

Not so long ago, manufacturers combined the advantages of two types of wallpaper - and released vinyl coating.

What is the advantage of mixed type?

  • Can be wetted or washed using cleaning products.
  • Convenient to glue. The technology is the same as with non-woven wallpaper.
  • You can paint up to five layers of paint. Wallpaper will mask the roughness and defects of the wall, so there is no need to first level, plaster or putty the wall. Choose acrylic or water-dispersion paint.
  • The vinyl layer does not absorb dust, unlike, for example, paper wallpaper. This is relevant for asthmatics, allergy sufferers and all people who care about their health.

Unfortunately, the breathability of such wallpaper is low due to the vinyl layer.