Types of Wall Coverings

Fabric wall covering is one of the oldest types of wallpaper, a popular alternative to painting. They add texture, depth and dimension to a room and come in many different fabrics from reeds and grasscloth to lace and velvet. They are easy to hang and can be easily removed or repositioned without damaging the walls underneath. Fabric wall coverings are available in a variety of patterns and colors to complement any style or décor.

A textile wall covering is usually hung in a similar way as other wallpaper. It is pasted on the wall using an adhesive, usually methyl cellulose or vinyl acetate. The adhesive is usually rolled or brushed on and the pattern or color is then applied to the surface of the wallcovering.

The adhesive is then sealed with a protective coating, often an acrylic. The wallcovering is then dried and hung. The protective coating helps to repel dirt and moisture, making cleaning up spills and stains a much easier task. It also helps to prevent fading from sunlight and the growth of mold and mildew on the wallcovering.

A fabric wall covering can be maintained by vacuuming, using a brush or damp cloth to remove dust and lint, and a light scrubbing. Occasionally, a gentle solvent may be used to remove stubborn stains or marks. If a specific method of maintenance is recommended by the manufacturer, it should be followed carefully to ensure the life of the product.

Printed wall coverings can be made in a variety of styles and techniques including rotogravure (Gravure printing): This process uses a hollow copper cylinder to transfer the image to paper. This method is more accurate than surface or flexo printing. Colors and other features may vary slightly from run to run, so it is important to order enough material for the entire job.

Woven or Non-woven wallcoverings: These include reeds, jute, sisal and a variety of synthetic fibers. The woven fibers help to create a more natural, textured look. Non-woven materials are lightweight and durable, so they work well for high traffic areas.

Reedcloth: Hand crafted wallcovering in which each individual reed is inserted into cotton warp threads on a loom. Reedcloth can be patterned or solid in ground color and can be used as a trim along chair rails, ceiling lines or around windows and doors.

Papers: The raw stock used in today's wallcoverings before lamination. The stock can be coated or uncoated and can have a pattern, solid or stripe.