Is it possible to wash liquid wallpaper

A novel wall covering that combines the flexibility of plaster with the texture of wallpaper is called liquid wallpaper. Homeowners choose it because of its well-known appealing finish and simplicity of application. But questions come up a lot when it comes to cleaning.

The composition of liquid wallpaper differs from that of traditional wallpaper, raising questions about how it responds to moisture and cleaning. Some might be curious as to whether washing it will harm its surface or take away from its allure.

This post will discuss the best ways to clean liquid wallpaper, whether it can be done safely, and what steps you should take to keep it looking good for a long time.

Is it possible to wash liquid wallpaper

We know from common experience that wet paper swells and stays warped after drying. What is the behavior of the liquid-piercing coating when it gets wet and during cleaning? In order to comprehend this problem, we need to review the material’s composition, advantages and disadvantages, and cleaning behavior.

French technologists created silk plaster a few decades ago as a material that combined the benefits of paper wallpaper, papier-mash, and decorative plaster compositions. The solution of decorative plaster with its constituent parts is not the same as the dough applied with plastering tools.

Water-soluble adhesives serve as the binder because they retain their solubility in water even after repeated drying. Bustilate, PVA, or CMC is this. Their capacity to become wet, swing, and softened was what allowed them to release liquid "silk" with two characteristics: easy application during manufacturing and minimal removal of the previous coating. moist liquid pier. Adhesives dry quickly, so it only takes two to three days for them to get stronger.

The primary ingredient, or filler, is fibers, which are used to categorize wallpaper mixtures into different types:

  • silk (can contain only artificial fibers, such as viscose, or mixed raw materials – natural and artificial silk);
  • paper (sometimes they are colloquially called sawdust) contain cellulose fibers;
  • cotton (raw materials – cotton threads and cotton fibers);
  • combined (viscose or silk + cellulose or cotton).

The fiber type and brand have an impact on the cost. Silk mixes are champions in terms of cost. They are more water resistant, incidentally. Moisture cannot be absorbed by their fibers. Coatings made of cellulose have a low wet resistance.

The dough’s fibers act as reinforcing components to give the coating its unique structure. They keep silk plaster from warping when wet and stop small amounts of precipitation from causing the building to crack. In other words, the coating has the ability to retain moisture in the air around it, return water to the surface after drying, and prevent cracks from forming and wall sliding. This feature lets you finish a bathroom with liquid wallpaper.

The coating can stay on the wall without harming the structure as long as the water does not run down the wall in a stream and there is no more water in the coating than there is in silk dough during the glue process. The structure is easily damaged by applying even a mild abrasive force to the wet dough. Consequently, it is not advised to glue the mass to locations where there is a high likelihood of an external force being applied or where there is direct contact with liquid. The kitchen is one example of such a place.

One easy (though not perfect) way to "rid" silk plaster of "weakness" was to coat the "armor" in varnish. They partially mechanically strengthen the top layer of the finish and prevent liquid wallpaper from getting wet by applying multiple layers of acrylic varnish. As a result, when discussing liquid wallpaper, we will focus on two distinct materials:

There is no way to wash the first material. There are certain limitations on how the second can be cleaned.

How to care for wallpaper

The ability of silk plaster to repel dust and build up static charges is one of its benefits. As a result, the finish can become less soiled. However, no finish can be completely uncontaminated. Since dust is everywhere, it needs to be cleaned up often. Liquid "silks" can have dust removed with a vacuum cleaner or by sweeping with a soft-bristled brush. Additionally, a soft vacuum cleaner brush is required.

Stains left on "delicate" liquid silk are removed in a few ways because it cannot be washed:

  • wipe using an eraser (like a drawing from paper), the method can be used to remove not particularly ingrained grease stains;
  • wet, remove the dirty mass locally, stick a "patch" from the "excess" left over from the repair (the method is perfect if you want to add new decorative elements from dough of a different color);
  • in case of rusty stains, remove a section of wallpaper, eliminate the cause, and cover it with repair mass (as indicated above).

It is also feasible to conceal the stain by hanging artwork above it, painting a picture over it, or creating a new pattern out of large pieces of wallpaper in a complementary color that blends in with the rest of the room’s decor. All of this is essentially reconstruction, allowing you to prolong the coating’s service life.

According to the application technology, you can learn how to restore liquid wallpaper by creating a separate "test site" (covering a sheet of fiberboard with dough). You will find it easy to tackle the challenges of interior silk plaster cleaning once you have mastered the craft of a "restorer" on the "test site."

Wet the strip of the old coating next to the glued "patch" to avoid the appearance of a gray, dirty rim. There will be a seamless change in color.

Is wet cleaning acceptable?

Furthermore, it’s not always true what manufacturers explicitly state—that they "cannot be washed!"

You can test whether and how it can be washed by applying liquid wallpaper to the fiberboard. It is not advised to wet clean an exposed surface, but you can use a damp, clean cloth to partially remove dirt if you do not rub it or wet it excessively. Dust can be collected by a clean, slightly damp cloth, but it can also be wet and "imprinted" into the wallpaper layer. Using a vacuum cleaner makes more sense.

Wallpaper coated with varnish

The varnish film-protected surface can be cleaned and even wiped. The outcome will be a film that can tolerate being wet and cleaned with gentle, non-aggressive agents if the liquid wallpaper finish is qualitatively covered with two to three layers of acrylic varnish (the ideal choice). The varnish film is shielded from harm during cleaning.

Not even hard brushes or abrasives! Chemicals cannot be used for cleaning. This "advantage"—being able to wash the coating clean—can be lost if you damage the varnish layer. Furthermore, the varnish might get stained or dull. Borscht stains can be removed from varnished silk plaster by using a fresh, moist cloth or napkin.

Question Answer
Is it possible to wash liquid wallpaper? Liquid wallpaper cannot be washed with water as it may damage the material. Instead, you can gently brush off dust or use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment.

Although liquid wallpaper can give your walls a distinctive, textured look, there are a few key cleaning considerations that you should make. Even though liquid wallpaper isn’t meant to be cleaned in the conventional sense, minor stains and dirt can occasionally be eliminated with caution.

A mild, dry technique, such as light sanding or the use of an eraser, is frequently effective for small stains. However, since water can harm the material, it’s best to avoid using it for larger dirt or moisture problems. Spot repairs using leftover wallpaper may be required in certain situations.

All things considered, liquid wallpaper maintenance is a little more involved than with other wall coverings. Recognizing its limitations will enable you to maintain the stylish and new look of your walls for many years to come.

You can clean liquid wallpaper, but you have to be careful. Generally, light stains or dust can be removed from liquid wallpaper by gently wiping it with a damp cloth. Liquid wallpaper is applied as a plaster-like material. However, as these can harm the texture and appearance, it’s crucial to avoid using excessive amounts of water or strong chemicals. For specific cleaning instructions, it’s important to refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines as some types may be more resistant than others.

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Is it possible to wash liquid wallpaper?

Liquid wallpaper is beautiful, BUT! #repair #liquid wallpaper #repair with your own hands #lekadom #apartment renovation

do not buy silk plaster liquid wallpaper.

What type of plaster do you prefer to use in your projects?
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Elena Sokolova

Architect and interior designer with a deep interest in traditional and modern methods of wall finishing. On the site I share tips on choosing materials and techniques that help create a cozy and stylish space.

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