Are non-woven and vinyl wallpapers harmful? Acrylic wallpaper: what is it and how to “fight” with them Paper acrylic wallpaper

Acrylic wallpaper for the home - advantages and disadvantages, application.

Acrylic wallpaper is an analogue of foam-type vinyl wallpaper, only in this case the vinyl is replaced with acrylic coating. This decorative material is widely distributed in Russian stores, and, due to its beauty, is dearly loved by our citizens. What exactly are such wallpapers, I will tell in this article.

History of acrylic

The term "acrylic" means the colloquial name of a special polymer used in the production of high-tech finishing and building materials (paints, sealants, etc.). Also, acrylic can be used to create sanitary ware, kitchen countertops and more. Acrylic was invented in Germany in the 30s of the last century. True, in those days it was organic glass without special additives, which had worse characteristics than modern acrylic. Over time, organic glass has been actively used to create various polymers, united in a group called "acrylic".

What is acrylic wallpaper?

Speaking of acrylic type wallpaper, they mean paper wallpaper with acrylic coating. That is, the canvas has a paper base, on which a layer of foamed acrylic is applied on top. The applied layer forms a relief pattern on the surface. I note that the application is carried out not with a continuous film, but with a special point method. This allows the acrylic-coated wallpaper to receive such an important characteristic as breathability. Good ventilation guarantees the normalization of the microclimate of the room, as a result of which you may well buy them for the walls of the living room.

Pros and cons of wallpaper with acrylic coating

In principle, if you know about all the disadvantages and advantages of vinyl wallpaper, then you will understand the pros and cons of acrylic without any problems. But there are still differences.

Flaws

Firstly, acrylic wallpapers have less wear resistance and moisture resistance, which affects both their durability and the difficulty of caring for them. Secondly, with regard to decorative qualities, they are more limited for the wallpapers considered in our article. As a result, when buying them, it is necessary to focus on the harmony of the combination of such wallpapers with the rest of the interior. Fortunately, you can choose the right wallpaper for the photo without leaving your home. Thirdly, the thickness of the foam layer for acrylic wallpapers is 1.5-2 millimeters, while for vinyl wallpapers this layer reaches 3-4 millimeters. And if you take acrylic wallpaper for painting, then the number of possible stains will be sharply limited.

Advantages

Firstly, vinyl wallpapers are more expensive, which means they are less affordable than acrylic wallpapers. Secondly, acrylic-coated wallpapers are durable and practical, which allows them to be used in any room, in any conditions, regardless of the level of humidity. Thirdly, acrylic wallpaper can be washed frequently, without much difficulty and fear for their safety. Fourthly, the wallpapers are protected from mechanical damage, as a result of which they can be used in homes with pets or small children. Finally, fifthly, acrylic-coated wallpaper is absolutely safe for health. The question “are they harmful” is not raised by experts at all, so you don’t have to worry about harmfulness.

How to clean acrylic wallpaper?

Cleaning acrylic wallpaper has its own characteristics, but if everything is done correctly, then you will not experience any difficulties in the process. As practice shows, one cleaning is enough for quite a long time. Remember that the use of abrasive substances for care is prohibited, as they can ruin the canvas without the possibility of its subsequent restoration. It is best to clean with a soft, damp cloth, without detergents. Pure water for wallpaper will be quite enough, but you cannot be responsible for detergents, or rather, for their composition. Careful cleaning leads to the fact that the acrylic wallpaper acquires a perfect appearance.

Aesthetics of wallpaper with acrylic coating

On the surface of the wallpaper, you can find pronounced relief elements. The drawing is more like strokes with a wide brush or raised dots. The canvas, by the way, may not contain any pattern. This is also allowed. As for the aesthetics of the canvas, it is unlikely to affect its value, with the exception of any wallpaper from the collections of famous designers. Therefore, choose the look of your choice. In a classic interior, it is better to take wallpaper to match the color scheme of the room, with the appropriate pattern. And if your room is decorated in a modern style, acrylic wallpaper in a bright contrasting shade that does not contain a pattern, or liquid wallpaper, will do. In other words, acrylic wallpaper will suit not only innovators, but also conservatives.

Acrylic wallpapering

As for how to glue acrylic wallpaper, the recommendations here are similar to gluing vinyl wallpaper. Prepare the wall, walk on it with a primer, hiding large and small cracks and bumps. And only after that start the process. At the end of gluing, you can use paint for aesthetics or varnish to increase durability.

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Acrylic wallpapers are beginning to enjoy great popularity among buyers. They are similar to vinyl, but the acrylic coating is much thinner, it is easier for air to pass through itself. Acrylic is one of the most environmentally friendly materials.

Acrylic wallpaper is thin and eco-friendly

Recently, acrylic wallpapers are becoming more and more popular.

Types of acrylic wallpaper

Acrylic wallpaper consists of 2 layers - base and foamed acrylic. There are two types of acrylic rolls.

Acrylic wallpaper on non-woven base

Advantages and disadvantages

Acrylic wallpaper has many advantages compared to other types:

ecological purity of the material;
high quality;
low price;
resistance to various types of damage;
a light weight;
a variety of colors and relief patterns;
do not require special care, these wallpapers, with a little care, can be wiped with a soft, damp sponge.

Acrylic wallpaper is easy to clean

The cons of acrylic rolls are much less than the pros:

poor water resistance;
less life than vinyl.

How to choose wallpaper and glue for them

When choosing acrylic wallpaper, the main attention should be paid to the interior of the room in which they will be located. Bright, unusual colors are suitable for modern styles. Monochromatic wallpapers, designed in the same color scheme with objects in the room, will go well with the classics. If sunlight does not enter the room, then warm-colored wallpapers will be very useful here. For interiors filled with sun, it is better to choose a coating of cold shades. Do not choose bright colors, large patterns for small spaces. This will visually reduce the room even more. As for whether to choose a domestic company or a foreign supplier, it depends on your desire. Since domestic and imported canvases are of the same quality.

The choice of glue should be taken seriously

The choice of glue is a responsible matter. Its quality affects the strength with which the wallpaper will be attached to the walls.

You need to pay attention to properties such as:

viscosity;
acidity (if the manufacturer indicated a pH value of 6-7, then such an adhesive composition will not turn yellow after drying);
hygiene - the presence of bactericidal additives in the adhesive composition;
shelf life, operation;
moisture resistance;
service life - the period of time during which bubbles will appear between the wallpaper and the base.

For acrylic wallpaper you need to select a special glue

Acrylic paper-based wallpaper requires a special adhesive. The composition of such glue includes starch and various additives that prevent the appearance of mold and fungal microorganisms on the paper roll. It is necessary to follow the instructions exactly so that the adhesive composition retains all the declared properties.

Glue should be applied according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Preparing walls for gluing

Before proceeding with gluing acrylic, you should properly prepare the base. The durability and reliability of finishing works depend on this.

First of all, cleaning work should be carried out - the old finishing materials (old newspapers, fallen off plaster, peeling paints) are carefully removed from the walls.

First you need to clean the wall of old wallpaper

Sometimes it can be very difficult to remove the old wallpaper. If it is a paper material consisting of one layer, it can be softened with water or with a special wallpaper removal solution. If there is a moisture-resistant two-layer canvas on the walls, you must first make cuts on it with a knife, then apply the solution.

There are several ways to remove old paint. Oil, enamel are removed with metal scrapers. The water emulsion is cleaned with metal spatulas, which are moistened in soapy water. Places where the paint holds firmly can be easily cleaned with a grinder.

Paint can be removed from the walls with a special machine.

To assess the strength of the plaster, the walls must be tapped with a hard thing. Exfoliated, bubbling plaster should be carefully removed. Then plaster these places together with the cracks formed in the walls.

After cleaning work, the surface of the base is primed with a special agent. You can choose the appropriate type according to the characteristics indicated on the package. A primer is needed in order to strengthen the walls, improve the adhesion of the adhesive and the base.

At the end, it is recommended to prime the walls

How to glue acrylic wallpaper

When the preparatory work is completed, proceed to gluing. To ensure that the material lays flat, markings are made from floor to ceiling. A roll of wallpaper is cut on a flat surface. About 5 cm of stock should be added to the desired length. A pre-prepared adhesive solution is applied to the paper for a couple of minutes. During this time, the wall is treated with glue. After that, the strips are applied to the wall, leveled along a vertical line, glued. To avoid air bubbles, acrylic wallpaper is leveled with a soft brush from the center to the edges. If bubbles still form, you need to pierce them with a needle, then smooth them out. Excess matter from below is cut off with a knife.

To avoid air bubbles, acrylic wallpaper is leveled with a soft brush from the center to the edges.

Excess glue protruding from under the wallpaper is removed with a clean, dry cloth. It is better to start sticking from the corner of the room. It is advisable to have a partner for this work, then sticking acrylic wallpaper will be done quickly and efficiently.

Acrylic wallpaper on a paper basis requires special gluing conditions. The glue is applied in a very thin layer to avoid excessive moisture. When gluing such wallpaper, it is important to avoid drafts. Otherwise, deformation of the web or its peeling will occur. The room is ventilated 2 days after gluing.

Glue on the wallpaper is applied in a thin layer

Acrylic wallpaper care

Acrylic wallpaper is very easy to keep clean. The most important thing is to clean with a soft sponge dipped in plain water without any additives. Acrylic coating is very delicate, with a hard brush and inappropriate means it can be ruined. In stores there are special detergents designed for wallpaper. The minimum amount of washing liquid is applied to the sponge and the acrylic contamination is gently wiped. After that, wipe with a damp cloth. Instead of chemical liquids, ordinary laundry soap is used, which has a cleansing effect. If you properly care for acrylic wallpaper, they will last a very long time.

Video: Which wallpaper to choose for an apartment

Acrylic paper-based wallpaper appeared on the domestic construction market relatively recently. But during this time they have already managed to gain considerable popularity among consumers. In this article we will try to analyze in more detail how to glue acrylic wallpaper with a paper base.

Features of acrylic wallpaper

Acrylic is a universal polymer widely used in the production of modern building and finishing materials. It is an ingredient for the production of adhesives, paints and fillers, various sealants and organic glass. Acrylic was first synthesized in Germany in the 1930s. Over time, on its basis, a whole family of polymers with different physical properties was created, which received the general name "acrylic".

According to its characteristics, acrylic is in many ways analogous to vinyl. According to their type, paper-based acrylic wallpapers are two-layer. Foamed acrylic is applied to a paper base and represents the front side. Among the main advantages of acrylic wallpaper are the following:

Lighter weight than vinyl counterparts. The layer of foamed polymer applied to the paper base is twice as thin in this case: two millimeters versus four. This greatly simplifies the sticker process.
Significant service life. Greater resistance to abrasion, UV exposure, mechanical damage than single-layer paper options.
Affordable price, less than that of vinyl analogues produced on a paper basis.
Environmental friendliness. This polymer coating does not emit harmful substances during operation. Also, a special technology of applying a polymer on a paper base allows the walls to "breathe". The point method of applying the polymer does not create a continuous, air-tight layer of acrylic on the paper base.
Suitable for wet cleaning with soft sponges.

Attention ! Due to the special technology of applying a polymer on a paper base, which does not form a continuous waterproof layer, it is not recommended to use acrylic wallpaper in rooms with high humidity.

For the same reason, wet cleaning should be done as gently as possible, without the use of aggressive cleaners.

Due to the wide range of color options on the modern market and the unique relief pattern, acrylic coated wallpaper can successfully fit into any interior.

Acrylic wallpaper gluing

The technique of gluing wallpaper made of acrylic basically does not differ from gluing other wallpapers. The paper base makes them unpretentious in the choice of glue, and they will also adhere perfectly to any wall. Before you start gluing, you need to prepare the wall for work. From this will largely depend on how well the wallpaper will be pasted.

Preparing the wall for gluing

Preparing the wall for wallpapering is one of the key moments of the whole job. If this process is not approached responsibly enough, then soon it will be possible to observe the sad consequences of poor-quality repairs.

First of all, it is necessary to clean the walls from the remnants of old finishing materials - wallpaper, paint, loose plaster and putty.

Removing old wallpaper can be a significant difficulty. Sometimes they stick so tightly that they cannot be separated even with a spatula or knife. To facilitate the separation process, they should be softened with water. Single-layer wallpaper on a paper basis should be thoroughly moistened with a special solution for wallpaper removal. Similar tools in the range can be found in building supermarkets. In addition, such a tool can be prepared at home: you need to add a little wallpaper paste to the soap solution. Glue will be needed so that the solution penetrates better to the paper base and lingers on it longer without draining or drying out.

To remove moisture-resistant options - with vinyl or the same acrylic coating - you need to use a special technology. Before applying the solution to the surface, it will be necessary to make cuts or scratches with a clerical knife or a needle roller. Places where the paper base holds especially firmly, you can try to steam with an iron through wet gauze.

If the walls are painted with paint, then it also needs to be carefully removed. Oil paint or enamel should be cleaned with a metal scraper. If the paint adheres to the wall very firmly, you can process it with a grinder. Water-based paint is easily separated from the base (plaster, concrete) with a metal spatula, which must be periodically moistened with soapy water.

After that, you should evaluate the basis of the wall - the plaster or putty should hold firmly enough, without peeling off, and without forming "bubbles". In order to ensure the strength of the base, the walls are tapped with a solid object: a ringing sound upon impact means that the plaster has peeled off in this place and needs to be removed.

Attention ! All places of plaster peeled off from a brick or concrete base must be carefully removed, and then re-plastered.

If there are any cracks on the walls, they must also be carefully puttied to prevent their further increase.

After the walls are fully prepared, it is advisable to prime the surface of the wall base with a special compound. Today, there are many types of different primers on the market - alkyd, acrylic, mineral, etc. You can choose the variety that is most suitable for your case by reading its technical characteristics or by consulting a specialist in the store. The primer will greatly simplify the entire gluing process - it not only strengthens the base of the wall, preventing it from shedding, but also improves the adhesion ("adhesion") of the wallpaper adhesive to the wall. After carrying out all the necessary preparatory work, we proceed directly to gluing the wallpaper.

The choice of wallpaper paste

Today, the attention of consumers is provided with a huge number of various adhesive compositions. The choice of glue must be approached with all responsibility, since the adhesion strength of the paper web to the base depends on its quality. It should immediately be said that the paper base is quite unpretentious to the technical characteristics of the glue. Paper has the ability to interact well with any adhesive composition, absorbing it well.

Not so long ago, a home-made composition prepared from starch and flour was used for gluing. However, it has much worse adhesion than factory-produced compounds. And, as a result, it has a low resistance to moisture, it is prone to delamination from the wall over time. In addition, a home-made paste is a beneficial environment for the reproduction of fungi and microorganisms that pass onto the paper layer of the canvas.

Another, not so long ago, popular glue is building PVA, or bustilat. On the one hand, it has excellent adhesion, which causes a strong adhesion of the paper base to the wall, but it creates an airtight layer on the wall surface. Another disadvantage of bustilat is a very strong adhesion to the base of the wall. Therefore, during subsequent repairs, it will be possible to separate the bustilate layer and the paper base only together with the top layer of plaster.

The best option for gluing paper-based acrylic wallpaper is adhesives specially designed for this purpose. Such compositions, for the most part, are made from modified starch with the addition of various ingredients that prevent the development of fungi and mold on the paper web. In order for the adhesive to meet the declared technical characteristics, when preparing it, it is necessary to carefully follow the instructions indicated on the package.

Wall marking

Before starting work, vertical markings should be applied to the wall, which will make it possible to stick the paper sheet as evenly as possible. Start marking, as well as gluing, should be from one of the corners of the room. Using a level or plumb line, we draw a vertical line from the ceiling to the floor. From there we start wallpapering. Next, we measure the height of the ceilings and cut the wallpaper into strips of the required length, leaving an overlap of 5-10 cm. We spread the canvas on the floor and proceed to lubricate it with glue.

Glue application

When gluing paper-based acrylic wallpaper with glue, the following technologies must be observed. Glue is initially applied to the wall, and then to the paper base of the wallpaper. It is necessary to apply glue in a thin layer, since the paper web does not tolerate excessive moisture - deformation of the paper is possible, which, after gluing and drying, will lead to warping of the web and displacement of the pattern. Then the paper web should be folded in half, with the glued side inward and left in this position for 5 to 10 minutes. This will allow the paper surface to be evenly saturated with glue. Thanks to this, the paper web will adhere evenly and firmly to the wall.

Sticking wallpaper on the wall

It is best to work on sticking wallpaper together - this way the work will be done much faster and better. We apply the canvas smeared with glue to the wall, aligning its edge with the vertical marking line. We should not forget about the overlaps from the bottom and top of the canvas - they are removed after finishing work with a clerical knife, when leveling the wallpaper.

Important ! When gluing wallpaper with a paper base, it is necessary to ensure that there are no drafts.

When dried, they do not tolerate temperature changes caused by drafts. It is also possible uneven drying of the adhesive, which will lead to delamination of the base from the wall. Therefore, when gluing paper-based wallpaper, all doors and windows must be tightly closed.

The base of the next canvas is also smeared with glue, the strip is folded in half and left for several minutes. The second canvas is glued end-to-end with the previous strip. The rest of the strips are glued in the same way. Upon reaching the opposite corner, the wallpaper strip should be cut from the milestone down so that its edge extends 3-4 cm onto the adjacent wall.

For leveling irregularities when gluing, it is best to use a special plastic spatula. Excess glue squeezed out from under the canvas is removed with a dry cloth. Air bubbles formed under the base are pierced with a needle and then smoothed out.

Acrylic has established itself as an excellent component in the composition of a huge number of building and finishing materials, including adhesives, plasters, paints, putties, and various sealants. In addition, it is used in the manufacture of sanitary ware. Acrylic wallpaper has become an interesting option for its use, but not everyone knows what kind of wall coverings it is.

Structurally, this is an analogue of vinyl wall coverings, except that it is acrylic spraying that is used for the decorative layer. Therefore, on the shelves of stores they can be found as acrylic vinyl wallpaper.

Types and characteristics of acrylic wallpaper

The process of making canvases with acrylic is almost identical to the production of vinyl. It consists in the point application of an acrylic polymer to the base. The blanks go through a stage of high-temperature exposure, as a result of which acrylic, like polyvinyl chloride, foams and forms a beautiful relief.

Externally, the canvas is a surface dotted with many dotted swellings. Structurally, acrylic-coated wallpapers consist of two layers - a base and a decorative layer. Depending on the type of base, two groups are distinguished:

Acrylic paper wallpaper

This happens as a result of prolonged contact of the wallpaper with a moist adhesive environment. Moreover, water has a detrimental effect not only on the paper base, but also on the spraying elements. Therefore, freshly glued paper acrylic wallpaper should be immediately glued to the wall.

The advantages of such material are many. This is both a longer service life and less exposure to impacts. At the same time, non-woven fabric is an excellent reinforcing base.

Acrylic wallpaper is a paper sheet with foamed acrylic applied to it. They are an alternative to the generally recognized leader - vinyl. This is something between paper and vinyl wallpaper. This material has appeared relatively recently, but has already managed to win its niche in the market of finishing materials. Let's look at the pros and cons of acrylic wallpaper, the features of care and gluing.

Acrylic wallpaper - pros and cons

First of all, the price speaks for such wallpapers - it is significantly lower than that of vinyl ones. However, in fairness it should be noted that the service life of acrylic wallpaper is also significantly lower compared to its direct competitors.

Many credit acrylic wallpaper with the fact that they are able to pass air well, which means they are breathable. This is not entirely true. Indeed, they let air through, but exactly until the moment you apply glue to them. After drying, the glue forms such a dense crust on the back of the wallpaper that there can be no talk of any "breathing". Just a marketing ploy, nothing more.

Another weak point is the acrylic itself. The fact is that the acrylic pattern is not applied to the entire surface, like vinyl, but only in places of patterns. This makes the wallpaper more vulnerable to moisture and mechanical stress. Therefore, they cannot be used in rooms with high humidity. Cleaning should also be careful, but more on that below.

The advantages, in addition to the low price, include their higher strength, compared with paper ones. In addition, they have a fairly rich selection of designs and colors, although they are inferior to vinyl in this. It should also be noted that due to the smaller depth of the pattern, they are lighter than vinyl, which will allow you to purchase cheaper glue. Due to its strength, such wallpapers can mask small irregularities on the walls, and the texture of the pattern will make them completely invisible.

Acrylic wallpapers are made of polymer compounds, which excludes the appearance and reproduction of various kinds of bacteria and microbes. Such material is absolutely non-toxic and does not produce any emissions into the atmosphere. This is a very weighty argument for choosing a nursery, and indeed, for people who care about their health. An interesting feature is that you can buy acrylic wallpapers with a rather chic design for the price of ordinary vinyl ones. But their competitors with a similar design will not be affordable for everyone.

In general, acrylic wallpapers occupy a worthy place among decorative materials, but there is also a downside to the coin. Not all buyers can distinguish acrylic wallpaper from vinyl. Therefore, often, especially in the markets, you can buy inexpensive vinyl, which actually turns out to be acrylic. As a rule, this is detected during the first wash, when the pattern begins to deteriorate from moisture. In order not to become a victim of scammers, ask sellers for product quality certificates. Otherwise, acrylic wallpapers are worthy competitors to vinyl and are head and shoulders above paper ones, slightly inferior to the latter in price. These are the main pros and cons of acrylic wallpaper, now let's talk about caring for them.

Acrylic wallpaper cleaning

Cleaning vinyl wallpaper is quite simple, although it has its own characteristics. Do not use abrasives as they will permanently damage the fabric. Do not use detergents either. Cleaning is best done with a damp cloth or sponge. Take some container with clean water, soak a rag or sponge in it and wring it out well (copiously moistened with water can damage the wallpaper). Next, gently wipe the surface. After such a simple cleaning, the wallpaper will again acquire its original appearance.

Acrylic wallpaper gluing

The next step is to prepare the canvases. We cut them in accordance with the height of the walls, plus a few centimeters in reserve. We lay the cut canvases on a pre-prepared solid base and apply glue. Glue can be used for both paper and vinyl wallpapers. The applied glue should be held for a while so that it is absorbed.

Now you can glue. Most often, the “butt” method is used for stickers, less often with an overlap. Next, you need to carefully smooth the glued canvases from the center to the edges. Before laying the next sheet for spreading with glue, do not forget to wipe the surface of the glue left from the previous one. During the execution of work and further drying of the glue, it is not necessary to ventilate the room, since this type of wallpaper does not tolerate temperature changes.

We have reviewed the main ones with you, you can read about other types here -.