Wallpaper
Wallpapers cover a vast range of colours, patterns and textures
in paper. Most of them come in standard rolls of 21 in/533 mm
x 11 yd/10 mm. Allow 5% in length either way. Hand printed wallpapers
need trimming. Each type of wallpaper demands a specific adhesive.
Some wallpapers are available with an adhesive on its back. You
should simply wet the paper and the adhesive will be activated.
Hand printed
These are done with the help of blocks or screens, and are sharper
than machine made wallpaper. Hand printed wallpapers are fairly
expensive.
Washable
This has a transparent plastic coating. Suitable for bathrooms
etc. This could be washed. Use soapy water not detergents or abrasives.
Embossed
With these look for simple geometric or plain textures. These
should be hung on a previously lined wall with a thick paste to
prevent stretching.
Marble paper
This is a type of wallpaper, on which marble patterns are printed.
Marble paper is an expensive option. The marbling is not a regular
repeat as in the printed version.
Lining paper
This helps to give you a first class finish. Lining paper is a
thin under paper. The heavier will the paper be the better will
it hides cracks or damages on the wall. It should be hung horizontally
and butt-jointed. Pitch coated lining paper can be used on damp
walls.
Ceiling paper
A paper may be the only way to cover a ghastly ceiling. Where
lining paper is too thin to hide the defects plain embossed paper
is often used.
Vinyl wall coverings
Tough and waterproof. Made from PVC with a paper of fabric backing.
As they are water proof ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, playrooms
etc. These demands a special fungicidal adhesive.
Felt
Felt pick up dust. However they could be vacuum cleaned. It could
not be washed.
Cork
This is cork glued to backing paper to be hanged like wallpaper.
There could even be tiles or panels to be glued on the wall; or
it could be in the form of self-adhesive tiles. Cork looks best
in natural colour. More suitable for heavy wear.
Polystyrene
Polystyrene absorbs noise. But it could trap heat in buildings.
Tiles usually measure 12 in/305 mm square and also available in
9 in/228 mm and 2 ft./610 mm squares could be painted. These are
less suitable for walls. Some of them are flame proof.
