Vinyl wallpaper — a guide to the durable option and how to hang it
Vinyl wallpaper is the one you choose when the wall has to stand up to real life: small hands in the hallway, splashes in the kitchen, humidity in the bathroom. Today's qualities have also left the plastic feel behind — embossed vinyls imitate linen, grasscloth and lime plaster so convincingly that you have to touch the wall to give them away. Here is the guide.
What is vinyl wallpaper?
Vinyl wallpaper is built up of a polymer surface layer on a non-woven or paper backing. The surface can be printed and embossed — which is how everything is created, from glossy graphic patterns to Designers Guild's textile-like qualities. Thicker qualities are sometimes called heavy vinyl and can even withstand public spaces. See all vinyl wallpapers here.
Properties — pros and cons
- Washable: can be wiped with a damp cloth, often even gently scrubbed.
- Hard-wearing: scratches, knocks and sunlight affect vinyl less than paper and textile.
- Moisture-resistant: works in the dry areas of the bathroom, in kitchens and utility rooms.
- Good value for hard-working rooms: a long life where other wallpapers wear out.
- A less breathable wall: the vinyl layer breathes less well — the wall must be dry when hanging.
- Environmental aspect: PVC is a plastic; where possible, choose qualities made responsibly.
How to hang vinyl wallpaper
- Check the backing: non-woven backing = paste the wall; paper backing = paste the lengths and allow soaking time. It says on the roll.
- Preparation: a clean, smooth, dry wall. Vinyl is dense — trapped moisture can cause mould, so never hang it on a damp surface.
- Paste and hang: use an adhesive intended for vinyl/heavy wallpapers. Hang the lengths edge to edge and press them in place with a plastic smoother or roller — the vinyl surface tolerates tools better than textile wallpapers.
- Never overlap: vinyl does not stick to vinyl. When double-cutting in corners, use a steel straightedge and a sharp blade.
- Press out the air: work from the centre outwards; the density of vinyl makes any remaining air bubbles visible.
- Trim and wipe down: paste residue wipes easily off the dense surface with a damp sponge.
Care and choice of room
A damp cloth and a mild detergent are almost always enough. Vinyl wallpaper is the first choice for hallways, kitchens, the dry parts of the bathroom, utility rooms, children's rooms and stairwells — anywhere you want a sense of design that can be wiped clean on a Sunday evening.
Frequently asked questions
What is vinyl wallpaper?
Vinyl wallpaper has a polymer surface (PVC or equivalent) on a non-woven or paper backing. The surface layer makes the wallpaper washable and hard-wearing, and it can be embossed to imitate textile, grasscloth or plaster.
Where does vinyl wallpaper work best?
In rooms where the walls take a beating: hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms, children's rooms and stairwells. Many modern vinyl qualities are also so textile-like that they are chosen for living and reception rooms too.
How do you hang vinyl wallpaper?
Vinyl on a non-woven backing is hung by pasting the wall; vinyl on a paper backing is hung by pasting the lengths. Seams are always butt-jointed — vinyl adheres poorly to vinyl, so overlaps should be avoided.
Can you use vinyl wallpaper in a bathroom?
Yes, in the dry areas of the bathroom washable vinyl wallpaper is an excellent choice. Directly in the shower zone, systems approved for wet rooms are required — ordinary vinyl wallpaper is not sufficient as a waterproof layer.
How do you clean vinyl wallpaper?
Wipe with a damp cloth and a mild cleaning agent. Scrubbable qualities can take a soft brush. Avoid solvents and scouring powder.