The difference between vinyl and non-woven wallpaper: let”s consider in detail

Selecting the ideal wallpaper can significantly alter the appearance and atmosphere of your house. It can be hard to choose the kind that best meets your needs when there are so many choices. Vinyl and non-woven wallpaper are two common options, each with their own benefits and features.

Vinyl wallpaper is a favorite for high-traffic areas and rooms with higher moisture levels because of its reputation for durability and water resistance. Conversely, non-woven wallpaper is praised for being breathable, which helps keep mold and mildew at bay, and for being simple to apply and take off.

You can choose wisely for your next home project if you know how these two types of wallpaper differ from one another. To determine which type of wallpaper is better for your room, let’s examine the main characteristics and advantages of both vinyl and non-woven wallpaper.

Knowing the differences between vinyl and non-woven wallpaper will help you choose what’s best for your house. Vinyl wallpaper is perfect for high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms because it is long-lasting, water-resistant, and simple to clean. Conversely, non-woven wallpaper is more suitable for spaces where air circulation is crucial since it is breathable and simple to apply and take off. To assist you in selecting the option that best fits your needs and style preferences, this article will go into great detail about these differences.

The main differences and confusion in concepts

Vinyl wallpaper looks great on the walls of practically any space; in this picture, the walls of a snow-white dining room are decorated with it.

Since these terms are merely marketing gimmicks and only serve to cause confusion, I would like to begin our piece by providing an answer to the query of how to tell non-woven wallpaper from vinyl. First of all, both varieties of wallpaper are two-layered; that is, they are made up of a lower, load-bearing layer that is adhered directly to the wall and bears the majority of the weight and an upper decorative layer.

Manufacturers are typically not restricted to using a single layer to improve quality characteristics because these coatings tend to be quite weak and unstable to different influences. For instance, non-woven wallpaper with a vinyl foundation is what we actually mean when we use the term non-woven wallpaper.

Here, vinyl serves as the backing that makes contact with the wall. Because of its durability, the coating is far more resilient than it would be if it were just a single layer of wallpaper.

Vinyl wallpaper is no different, as their foundation is typically non-woven. Because of this coating’s ability to breathe, the wallpaper can let go of any condensation that may have built up underneath. Vinyl wallpaper is monolithic and incapable of vapor permeability if it does not have an extra layer.

Of course, there are several ways to improve the pure vinyl’s quality attributes, but that’s a subject for another article. What then is the primary distinction between non-woven and vinyl wallpaper?

In the substance that goes into making them. Vinyl is a plastic with a dense structure, and non-woven fabric is woven fabric. Since every kind of wallpaper has different requirements, it is impossible to say which of these materials is better or worse, but first things first.

Non-woven wallpaper without a backing

Because it has so many benefits, non-woven wallpaper is the perfect finishing touch for the walls of any space.

Non-woven wallpaper is particularly popular despite being somewhat expensive, and this demand has not decreased even with the introduction of more contemporary materials. The primary factor contributing to their popularity is their environmental friendliness, as non-woven fabric is a totally natural material produced without the use of chemicals.

However, we shouldn’t overlook the previous discussion of the vinyl base, which is a byproduct of the chemical industry made from petroleum products.

No, we’re not going to claim vinyl is bad for your health. This is a false belief that producers of natural finishing materials purposefully spread throughout the general public. The main argument is that non-woven wallpaper’s environmental benefits are substantially exaggerated.

Regarding quality attributes, non-woven fabric’s naturalness can be linked to drawbacks rather than benefits because plastic is incredibly difficult to match in terms of strength and durability. However, let’s not get ahead of ourselves and focus on the primary benefits of this finishing material.

Pros

Because you may occasionally want to change the color, non-woven wallpaper is appropriate for repeated painting and its textured pattern is not negatively impacted in the slightest.

  • High decorative qualities. If you determine which vinyl or non -woven wallpaper to choose, and the aesthetic side of the issue is much more important to you, then this is the most suitable option. Non-woven wallpaper looks very attractive, and despite the fact that modern technologies allow you to apply any pattern to any surface, the print on the fabric can be distinguished even with a cursory inspection.
  • High degree of vapor permeability. A very important factor that largely affects the service life of the finish. This is especially true for walls that face the street. Cold bridges most often form on them, and as a result, condensation begins to appear over time.
  • Possibility of painting. Most non-woven wallpaper is produced in white and requires a layer of paint to be applied to its surface (see. Choosing what to paint non-woven wallpaper for painting). In fact, this is very convenient, since the textured pattern of the wallpaper itself remains in any case, but you can choose the color scheme at your discretion. You can also regularly renew the paint and change the colors of the walls, without completely redoing the entire repair.
  • Like any natural material, non -woven does not have a positive electric charge, And in fact, this is a very convenient quality, since such wallpapers will be polluted much less often, because the dust does not stick to them.

Counseling! Watch the video in this article, which provides detailed instructions for handling this material, if you choose to glue non-hands non-hands but lack the necessary experience.

Cons

If you look hard enough, you can find non-woven wallpaper that is more resistant to moisture, which will make decorating your bathroom much easier.

  • Low resistance to moisture. Today you can meet on the market washing non -woven wallpaper, but it is important to understand that the definition itself is washing, more aimed at advertising, since in any case, these wallpapers are afraid of water. Of course, they can be wiped with a damp cloth, but they simply will not tolerate heavy washing, and especially with the use of detergents.
  • Low resistance to mechanical impacts. Of course, if you are gluing wallpaper in the bedroom, then you can forget about this drawback, the walls in this room are rarely exposed to any impacts, but if we are talking about a nursery or hallway, then it is better to consider another, more durable and reliable option.
  • Rapid abrasion. If we are talking about paintable wallpaper, then this factor will depend on the paint, but if your wallpaper is on its own, then from frequent touches, it will quickly lose its decorative qualities. As an additional protection, an additional layer of varnish is often used, but then you can forget about vapor permeability.
  • Absorption of odors. This factor is relevant only for rooms with an aggressive environment, such as a kitchen, where there are constantly sharp and strong odors that will eventually begin to be absorbed into the wallpaper. Eliminating them later will no longer be possible, and you will have to either cover the walls with varnish or completely change the finish.
  • Fading. Any fabric, with constant contact with sunlight, loses its color saturation over time, and non-woven fabric is no exception. Of course, if your wallpaper is painted, you can simply renew the top layer from time to time, but if the wallpaper is clean, then it is likely that it will fade in five to seven years.

You can see that non-woven wallpaper has nearly as many benefits as drawbacks. We haven’t even begun to address the issue of whether vinyl or non-woven wallpaper is better.

Vinyl

Everyone wants vinyl wallpaper for their bedroom, and it can also look good on paper or a non-woven foundation.

Vinyl, as previously mentioned, is a byproduct of the processing of petroleum, but contrary to popular opinion, it poses no health risks to humans. The suggestions of overseeing construction departments, which provide vinyl wallpaper for use in public and children’s facilities, support this.

When vinyl was first produced, formaldehyde was used, giving rise to a false belief about its harmful nature. It was only thought to be dangerous to health when exposed to extreme heat or during combustion.

When old-fashioned vinyl caught fire, it released poisonous fumes that were extremely harmful on their own. With time, safe substitutes for formaldehyde were added to the vinyl production process, completely eliminating it from use.

Additionally, specific fire retardants were added to the mixture to stop combustion and change the plastic into carbon dioxide, which, as we all know from chemistry classes in school, not only doesn’t burn but also stops fires from spreading. To put it plainly, vinyl wallpaper is entirely safe, and this is by no means their only benefit.

Pros

Since vinyl wallpaper doesn’t mind humidity or temperature fluctuations, it can be used in kitchens with ease.

  • High resistance to mechanical impacts. Of course, vinyl wallpaper can be scratched or torn, but this will require a lot of effort. The material is so dense that accidental contact with sharp objects will not leave a trace on it.
  • Moisture resistance. Any vinyl coverings, including wallpaper, can be washed without fear and even household chemicals can be used. The pattern will not lose its color, and the structure of the canvas will not be damaged, so such wallpaper is most often used in rooms with high humidity and dirt, such as kitchens or hallways.
  • Ultraviolet resistance. Even with constant exposure to the sun, vinyl wallpaper does not fade or burn out. The fact is that the pattern or monotonous color is not applied to the surface of the canvas, in this case the paints are one with the wallpaper at the molecular level, and therefore, the action of direct sunlight is not scary for vinyl.
  • Wide selection of decorative designs. Looking at the photos in this article, you can understand how wide and rich the range of vinyl wallpapers is, and these are far from complete collections. Any pattern can be applied to the vinyl canvas, and even give it a relief structure. By the way, some manufacturers today produce special designer wallpapers, the pattern on which will be completely exclusive.
  • Resistance to deformations. As you know, the walls of a newly built house can naturally shrink over several years, and many finishing materials become unusable from this, but not vinyl, the distinctive feature of which is high plasticity. Such wallpaper completely repeats the contours of the walls, and when shrinking, they are deformed along with them.
  • Wear resistance. Vinyl wallpaper can be glued even in the hallway, where the walls are traditionally exposed to increased impact. This is where the coatings experience the most frequent touches, and many of them lose their decorative qualities over time. Vinyl wallpaper is not afraid of abrasion, and you can touch it with your hands without fear that fingerprints will remain on the surface.

We can infer from all of the above that the strength and wear resistance of vinyl wallpaper and non-woven wallpaper are the primary differences. But regrettably, vinyl also has a number of drawbacks that you will need to consider.

Disadvantages

Because vinyl wallpaper can mimic a variety of materials, you can select the ideal texture for any interior design.

  • Low vapor permeability. Vinyl itself is a dense material that is not able to release steam to the outside. On the other hand, it does not let it under its surface, but the condensate that has accumulated over time in this case simply has nowhere to go and it begins to develop into mold or fungus.
  • Heavy weight. Vinyl wallpaper itself is very heavy and this factor must be taken into account when gluing it to light partitions, such as those made of plasterboard or fiberboard. Of course, vinyl won"t be able to damage even the lightest structure with its weight, but it will create a significant load and will contribute to the natural deformation of the wall.
  • A certain complexity of gluing. We are all accustomed to the fact that in order to glue wallpaper, you need to apply coco to their back side and attach the canvas to the wall. With vinyl, things are a little more complicated. Due to its relatively large weight, glue is applied not only to the canvas, but also to the wall, and this is an extra waste of time and effort.
  • Quick dirtiness. As mentioned above, natural materials do not attract dust to their surface, unlike artificial materials, which is vinyl. You will have to wash and clean such a coating more often than non-woven, but given the high resistance to moisture, this nuance should not cause any particular difficulties.

Aspect Vinyl Wallpaper Non-Woven Wallpaper
Material Made from a PVC layer on paper or fabric Made from a blend of natural and synthetic fibers
Durability Highly durable and resistant to wear Less durable but breathable and easy to remove
Installation Requires adhesive on both wall and wallpaper Only requires adhesive on the wall
Breathability Less breathable, can trap moisture More breathable, reducing mold risk
Appearance Can have a glossy or textured finish Usually has a matte finish

Vinyl or non-woven wallpaper should be chosen based on the room you’re decorating as well as your unique requirements. Vinyl wallpaper is a fantastic choice for high-traffic areas and damp rooms because it is long-lasting and simple to clean. It might not be suitable for all spaces, though, as it can be less breathable.

Non-woven wallpaper is less likely to grow mold because it is simpler to apply and take off and lets walls breathe. In addition to being more eco-friendly, it might not be as resilient as vinyl in high-humidity or high-use environments.

In the end, the ideal option will rely on the wallpaper’s intended use and your personal priorities. You can choose a choice that fits your house and lifestyle by being aware of the main differences.

Video on the topic

Non-woven wallpaper what is it / How to glue non-woven wallpaper correctly

Which wallpaper to choose? Types of wallpaper and which are better – vinyl or non-woven, paper or liquid wallpaper

What is non-woven wallpaper? | The difference between non-woven and vinyl wallpaper | Oksana Rodnova

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Veronica Gerasimova

Interior designer, author of books on the design of residential premises. I will help you make your home not only functional, but also beautiful.

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