Which is better – liquid wallpaper or regular: comparison of characteristics and table

The decision between liquid and traditional wallpaper can be very difficult to make when it comes to wall décor. Though each option has special qualities of its own, knowing how they differ can help you choose the best option for your area. Regular wallpaper comes in many different patterns and textures, but liquid wallpaper is known for its durability and smooth, seamless finish.

It is possible to cover imperfections and create a uniform surface with liquid wallpaper, making it a versatile option that offers a modern look. DIY enthusiasts will find it easier to apply because it is applied similarly to paint. Traditional wallpaper, on the other hand, comes in a wide variety of patterns and can give a unique character to any space, but it must be installed precisely to prevent bubbles and seams.

This post will contrast the qualities of regular wallpaper and liquid wallpaper, offering a handy table to assist you in comparing the benefits and drawbacks of each. Choosing the best option for your home will be made easier if you are aware of the differences between ease of application, design variety, and maintenance.

What is the similarity of materials

Although regular and liquid wallpapers share the same name, they are essentially made of different materials:

• Liquids are a dry mixture that must be diluted with water before applying to the walls. Thus, this finishing material is more similar to plaster in its use, although it has the characteristics of a plaster layer, paint and varnish material and simple wallpaper at the same time. Among the main ingredients of such a mixture are cellulose, cotton, acrylic pigments, mineral inclusions, mica chips, an adhesive composition to ensure the bond between the components. Based on the composition, types of liquid wallpaper are distinguished – silk, cellulose, mixed and cotton varieties of liquid wallpaper. Liquid wallpaper has its pros and cons.
• Ordinary wallpaper is a well-known roll with a different base and additional components. They are pasted over walls, as a rule, in a vertical direction, less often in a horizontal direction. Depending on what material was used for their production, paper, vinyl, metal, fabric, non-woven, silk, bamboo, viscose and other subtypes are distinguished.

By being aware of the characteristics of each finishing material’s application and composition, you can evaluate their similarities:

• Both are applied to walls for decorative purposes.
• Both are characterized by popularity.
• A wide selection is presented on the market of construction and finishing materials. Therefore, the consumer is always given the opportunity to decorate the room in any style, achieving this or that effect.

Main differences between materials

But the similarities between conventional and liquid types are not limited to that. These are the areas where they diverge:

• Liquids are easier to apply to structurally complex elements of the room, such as arches, niches and multi-stage openings.
• If ordinary wallpaper is made of synthetic materials, then their level of environmental friendliness leaves much to be desired.
• The liquid variety does not tear, does not bubble and does not form other defects, especially when the building shrinks. It has a higher level of elasticity.
• Roll wallpaper made from certain materials can have a low level of hygroscopicity. Due to this, they can be wiped with a damp cloth or even washed. Which makes it much easier to care for them.
• But as far as cost-effectiveness and the subsequent ability to repair a small section of the wall are concerned, liquid wallpaper has a significant advantage over roll material.

Types of regular wallpaper

Since roll wallpaper’s qualities can vary greatly depending on the composition from which it is made, the comparisons made above are rather broad.

Paper wallpaper

Paper-based finishing material is quite delicate. Depending on the quality of the applied pattern and the thickness of the paper base, they can be inexpensive or costly. The quantity of layers has an impact on the cost as well. There are three types: waterproof, multi-layer, and single-layer, also known as simplex.

Paper ones stand out due to their high degree of environmental friendliness. Because they can transfer moisture and steam, the walls that are covered in them can "breathe," resulting in the creation of a wholesome microclimate within the space.

It is advised to consider the density indicator when making a purchase. They will last longer if this number is higher. Markings for densest and heaviest materials begin at 140 g/m².

Non-woven

Cellulose fibers are the basis for the creation of non-woven fabric. Their high vapor permeability allows them to efficiently conduct air and moisture. They can also conceal minor surface flaws and are very easy to paste over walls because of their elasticity.

In order to create a cozy atmosphere in the room, non-woven wallpaper can slightly reduce thermal conductivity and improve sound insulation.

Vinyl

This type may be non-woven or made of paper as its base. Another layer, which may be composed of vinyl, polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, is applied on top of this one.

High humidity rooms can use these wallpapers because of their outer synthetic surface, which is quite resistant to both high humidity levels and harsh environmental influences. Additionally, they enable the walls to have stronger characteristics, meaning that they won’t be afraid of scratches or other mild mechanical damage.

However, even with their all-seeming advantages, these wallpapers are still composed of synthetic materials that are airtight. As a result, the space has a kind of "greenhouse" effect.

Therefore, you will need to either install a special ventilation system or occasionally open the window to ventilate the room in order to minimize the deterioration of the microclimate.

Textile

Depending on the fiber used in their creation, textiles come in a wide variety. These include "Japanese grass," synthetic, jute, velour, felt, silk, linen, and a few other subspecies. Although each of them has unique qualities of its own, we can still identify some commonalities, such as:

• High aesthetics – the joints here are almost invisible, in comparison with other subspecies of roll wallpaper.
• They do not accumulate dust on themselves, therefore they are non-allergenic.
• Fabric wallpaper effectively passes steam, due to which excess moisture does not accumulate in the room. And this does not lead to the formation of mold.

The following are some drawbacks of the fabric variety:

• High price.
• It is necessary to choose fabric types only with a special impregnation, which will have an antistatic effect.
• Due to the use of natural fibers, such a finish can fade quite quickly under direct exposure to sunlight. Especially in the case when the shade has a bright or saturated color.

Fiberglass

One of the more recent varieties that emerged roughly twenty years ago. It looks quite strange but noble at the same time, and it goes well with contemporary interior design styles that lean toward minimalism or high tech. Their foundation is glass, which has undergone unique processing and been impacted by contemporary technologies.

• High fire resistance.
• Due to their high strength, they can reinforce the wall, effectively holding the lime layer, preventing cracking over time.
• Buildings do not deform when shrinking.
• Service life exceeds 30 years.
• Able to repel dust, do not fade in the sun.
• They are environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic.
• Mold never grows on the surface of such wallpaper.

Even so, there are a few characteristics of this finishing material that you should be aware of even though they are hardly drawbacks:

• When the time comes to remove the wallpaper from the wall for a new cosmetic repair, it is quite difficult to tear it off the surface.
• They are characterized by low plasticity, so you will need a perfectly flat wall.
• The consumption of glue for gluing or paint, if you decide to give the wallpaper a new shade, will be significantly higher, in comparison with other varieties. This is due to the high porosity of the material.

Wallpaper with a coating of natural materials

Because new products arrive with an almost enviable regularity, the range of varieties is nearly infinite here. Thanks to the current trend toward eco-friendly design, manufacturers are making a greater effort to please customers. Reed, bamboo, cane, natural quartz, papyrus, silk, grass, and other materials are used to make wallpaper. Furthermore, the material can now have a texture that is entirely unrecognizably different thanks to new technologies.

Natural dried leaves that have been processed so they can be affixed to a non-woven base are utilized by certain manufacturers. This gives the room an intriguing atmosphere by adding uniqueness to the design and emulating the energy of nature.

However, it should be remembered that natural-material wallpaper is an extremely costly finishing option.

Metal

Metallic wallpaper can convey an intriguing effect, a particular light shine, and shades of natural metals. Among the primary benefits of this all-purpose finishing material are:

• Unique appearance.
• Resistance to fading.
• Ease of maintenance.
• Reduction in the level of the electromagnetic field in the room.
• Mold does not form on the surface.
• The material does not come into contact with water, therefore it does not change its main characteristics at high humidity.
• Long service life without losing its main qualities.

• High cost.
• A perfectly flat surface is required for metallic wallpaper.
• The structure does not allow the walls to fully "breathe".
• The foil is applied in a thin layer, so if there are small children in the living space, and especially pets, it is advisable to refuse this finishing option.

What is better: selection criteria

It is crucial to consider several factors before purchasing a finishing material. This will enable you to keep the repair’s "freshness" for an extended period of time in addition to helping you create the intended effect in the space.

Cost per sq.m. of the material itself

What matters most is the cost. These options, which are liquid wallpaper and come in rolls, are more affordable. You can also consider vinyl, non-woven, and paper simplex.

The priciest materials in a roll are the natural finishing materials, which comprise naturally occurring elements derived from plants or minerals. Foil or metallized fiber wallpaper will also cost a lot of money.

Cost per sq.m. of work

It is important to keep in mind that not all materials are easily applied to walls. The most expensive and challenging to work with wallpaper types are liquid, metal, natural, and fabric, as well as three-layer paper. They need to be handled carefully, the wall to be properly prepared, and the wallpaper itself to be applied correctly. As a result, in this instance, the cost of pasting square meters of wall will be much greater.

The ability to apply the material yourself

Only those finishing materials are yours to undertake on your own:

• Do not require a perfectly flat wall.
• They may slightly stretch in all directions after contact with glue, since it is easier to join them along the seam between two sheets.

It is preferable to seek the assistance of experts in all other situations. This holds true for both liquid and some roll wallpaper varieties. After all, you should know precisely how to apply them to the surface and maintain the proper consistency of the mixture before applying them to the wall.

Environmental friendliness

Natural component varieties must be preferred in order to protect the environment and ensure the safety of the premises’ occupants. This comprises:

• Liquid types of wallpaper.
• Paper rolls.
• Fabric.
• Made from any natural materials.

Possibility of dismantling and lightness

When it comes to installation, taking it down from the walls is the simplest:

• Paper.
• Non-woven.
• Vinyl.
• Made from natural materials.
• Fabric.

All other varieties require more labor-intensive disassembly, and once that is done, it will probably be necessary to restore the wall’s plaster layer integrity.

Wear resistance

It is advisable to choose wall décor that is resistant to mechanical impact if there are small children or pets living in the home. Regarding this, vinyl, three-layer, or washable paper made of reed or bamboo is advised to be taken into consideration. Additionally, liquid wallpaper is very durable and will not deteriorate in appearance even after years of heavy and sometimes negligent use.

Opportunities to make an interesting decorative solution

The greatest ones, in terms of coming up with novel and unconventional decorative solutions, are:

• Single-color fiberglass or vinyl. They can be periodically painted in a different shade, changing the overall impression of the interior.
• With a coating of natural materials. They themselves, due to their unusual textures, attract attention.
• If the materials have an unusual combination of patterns, then they can be used to decorate one of the walls. But it is worth considering that the remaining surfaces should be as neutral as possible. Since from a design point of view, there should not be two accent points in the room.

Sometimes you can experiment with combining wallpapers that still have remnants of various colors and patterns. This combination is made using the patchwork principle, which involves combining wallpaper that has been cut into random, fairly large-scale figures to create a kind of geometric pattern on the wall. The harmony of colors between the various wallpaper types, the small area on which this pattern is created, and the compositional homogeneity of the wallpaper are what matter most in this case.

Characteristic	Liquid Wallpaper	Regular Wallpaper
Application	Applied as a liquid or paste, easy to customize and apply.	Pre-cut sheets or rolls, requires precise alignment and trimming.
Durability	Highly durable and can hide minor wall imperfections.	Durability varies by material; may peel or tear over time.
Maintenance	Can be cleaned with a damp cloth; touch-ups are straightforward.	Cleaning depends on the material; may require replacement if damaged.
Design Flexibility	Offers a unique, textured look and can be easily customized.	Wide range of designs and patterns, but less flexible once installed.
Cost	Generally higher initial cost but can be cost-effective in the long run.	Typically lower cost but may require replacement or repair more frequently.

The decision you make regarding liquid versus traditional wallpaper primarily comes down to your own requirements and tastes. A distinctive, seamless finish provided by liquid wallpaper makes it perfect for hiding flaws and infusing your interior design with some originality. Compared to traditional wallpaper, it is also simpler to apply and remove, which makes it an excellent choice for do-it-yourselfers.

Regular wallpaper, on the other hand, is available in a huge variety of patterns and textures, so you can match your decor style with ease. It can be a better option for high-traffic areas and is typically more durable. If you’re looking for a sophisticated or classic design, the installation process may be more involved, but the end product may be very satisfying.

Each option has benefits, and the best option will rely on your preferences, the state of your walls, and your design objectives. You can make an informed choice that meets your practical needs and improves the appearance and feel of your space by weighing the pros and cons of each.

Your needs and tastes will determine which type of wallpaper is best for you—liquid or standard. Perfect for hiding flaws, liquid wallpaper is easy to apply and has a seamless, customizable appearance. Conversely, regular wallpaper is typically more durable and comes in a wide range of patterns and textures. We’ll contrast their features in this post, including cost, upkeep, and application methods, to assist you in selecting the one that best fits your project.

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