This article discusses why vinyl wallpaper is bad. Like any other type of wallpaper, vinyl wallpaper has its pros and cons. You need to weigh the pros from the cons so that you can find out if it is the best choice for decorating your walls. Vinyl wallpaper is popular and comes in a wide array of choices but many are still hesitant to use it. To help you get started, we have shared the different reasons why vinyl wallpaper is bad as well as the advantages that you can get from it.
Why is vinyl wallpaper bad? Vinyl wallpaper is bad because it is non-breathable which means that it traps moisture and can encourage the growth of mold. Moreover, some vinyl wallpaper contains toxic VOCs or Volatile Organic Compounds and phthalates. Furthermore, some manufacturers include brominated flame retardants in wallpaper production which can be toxic when exposed to long-term.
Is vinyl wallpaper better? What are the reasons why vinyl wallpaper is bad? Is vinyl wallpaper toxic? What are the advantages of vinyl wallpaper? These are some of the questions that we will discuss. Read the rest of the article below for more tips and information.
What is Vinyl Wallpaper?
Vinyl wallpaper has a protective and decorative coating that is made from polyvinyl chloride or PVC. The top layer of the wallpaper determines its durability and how it can last. Moreover, vinyl wallpaper can be cleaned with the use of chemical compounds or organic solvents. This type of wallpaper is strong, durable, and tear-resistant.
What are the Reasons Why Vinyl Wallpaper is Bad?
Vinyl wallpaper is bad because it is prone to moisture, produces a bad smell, is non-breathable, and can also be toxic. When choosing vinyl wallpaper, make sure that you compare one product to another so that you can get the best choice. Moreover, check the label to determine the chemicals that are used in the production of the wallpaper.
Prone to Moisture
One of the reasons why vinyl wallpaper is bad is because it is prone to moisture. It cannot tolerate a humid or moist environment. Because of this, mold and fungus can grow which poses health risks. To prevent this, make sure that that room is properly ventilated.
Non-Breathable
Another disadvantage of vinyl wallpaper is that it is non-breathable. This means that moisture can get stuck between the wallpaper and the wall which encourages the growth of mold.
Have a Bad Smell
Some cheap vinyl wallpapers emit a bad smell that resembles plastic. This can be an irritating odor especially to those who have allergies and a sensitive sense of smell.
Can be Toxic
Vinyl wallpaper can also be toxic. Some cheaper options have bad chemicals like formaldehyde. These chemicals can be toxic and dangerous when exposed for a long time. See to it that you choose vinyl wallpaper that has an environmental safety label to be sure that no toxic chemicals are included in its production.
What are the Pros of Using Vinyl Wallpaper?
Vinyl wallpaper can be used in most areas of the house, it is also easy to clean, ideal for hiding wall imperfections, and it comes in a wide array of textures and styles. You can also customize your design. Let us learn more about the pros of using vinyl wallpaper below.
Can Be Used in Most Rooms
One of the pros of using vinyl wallpaper is that it can be used in most rooms. This is because this type of wallpaper has a vinyl coating which makes it water-resistant. Hence, it can be used in bathrooms and kitchens. Vinyl wallpaper is also durable and can be used for both residential and commercial decoration. We have also shared this article titled, is vinyl safe for walls? You can read the article for more information about the topic.
Easily Cleaned
Another pro that you can get from using vinyl wallpaper is that it is easy to clean. You can use a damp rag or sponge to wipe the surface of the wallpaper. Moreover, it is stain-resistant which is perfect for the kitchen. Vinyl is low maintenance and durable wallpaper that is worth the money that you spend.
Wide Array of Texture and Color
Vinyl wallpaper comes in a wide array of textures and colors that you can choose from. They can be embossed or slightly raised finish. With the right color and texture, you can change the look of your room making it more vibrant and elegant.
Can Hide Flaws in the Walls
If your walls have imperfections that cannot be covered by paint, you can use vinyl wallpaper to hide them. Vinyl wallpaper is thick which easily hides the cracks and uneven texture of the wall.
Can Be Customized
You can have the option of customizing your vinyl wallpapers. You can choose a design that you want to decorate for your room. Some manufacturers offer customization for an additional price.
What are the Different Types of Vinyl Wallpaper?
The different types of vinyl wallpaper include vinyl coated, solid vinyl, paper-backed vinyl, and fabric-backed vinyl. You can choose the type of vinyl wallpaper that is best for the room that you are decorating. Let us learn more about the different types of vinyl wallpaper below.
Vinyl Coated
This type of vinyl wallpaper is made of paper but is coated with vinyl. It is easy to clean and remove. This wallpaper is sprayed with a mist of liquid vinyl on the surface. The amount of vinyl that is sprayed on the surface of the wallpaper varies depending on its production.
Paper-Backed Vinyl
For this type of vinyl wallpaper, paper is attached to the back of a solid vinyl product which makes it thicker and also resistant to both stains and moisture. They are usually designed with patterns and a pump substrate. Paper-backed vinyl can be used for both residential and commercial properties.
Fabric-Backed Vinyl
This is considered the most durable type of vinyl wallpaper. Fabric-backed vinyl has a dense backing just like cheesecloth. However, it is difficult to print intricate details on the surface of this wallpaper so it is usually available in a solid color with simple patterns.
Solid Vinyl
This type of vinyl wallpaper has a vinyl film that is laminated to a paper substrate or fabric. The good thing about this type of vinyl wallpaper is that it is washable and durable. You can choose from a wide array of patterns, designs, colors, and styles that are available on the market. You can also check out this article that discusses the different types of wallpaper. We have shared a list of options that you can choose from.
Is Vinyl Wallpaper Better?
Vinyl wallpaper is a better choice as compared to other types of wallpaper because they are durable without having that plastic feel. Most vinyl wallpaper has patterns that are similar to non-woven wallpaper. It is washable and can be used in bathrooms and kitchens.
✅ Video – How to Paint and Hang Textured Vinyl Wallpaper
Spencer Colgan Wallpaper & Painting shared the video below on YouTube. It shows how to paint and hang textured wallpaper. The good thing about choosing this type of wallpaper is that you can paint it with the color that you want. Learn the painting and hanging process by watching the video below.
How Long Does Vinyl Wallpaper Last?
High-quality vinyl wallpaper can last about 15 years or more. However, the wallpaper can fade over time. Moreover, you also need to check the wallpaper for mold or fungus. Take note that vinyl wallpaper is non-breathable which makes it easy for mold to grow between the wallpaper and the wall. This can be a health risk. Make sure that the room is properly ventilated to reduce moisture and humidity. We have also shared this article that discusses what wallpaper does not damage the wall. Check out the article to find out the best wallpaper that you can use for decorating your rooms.
Is Vinyl Wallpaper Shiny?
Depending on the style, texture, and design of the vinyl wallpaper, it can have a shiny appearance. It is pleasing to the eye and also comes in a wide array of designs that you can choose from. Furthermore, you can customize your design so that it perfectly fits with the theme of the room that you are decorating.
Is Vinyl Wallpaper Better than Paper Wallpaper?
Vinyl wallpaper is better than paper wallpaper because they are durable and washable. Paper wallpaper cannot be washed. However, vinyl wallpaper is water-resistant and can be used in bathrooms and kitchens. Moreover, vinyl wallpaper is made from thick materials which make it more prone to stain, tears, and holes.
Is Vinyl Wallpaper Easy to Remove?
Vinyl wallpaper is easy to remove as long as they are properly installed. They are tear-resistant so you can pull them off in sheets. However, the backing and paste from the wallpaper usually stay on the wall. You can remove them with hot water and a sponge. Furthermore, vinyl wallpaper that is installed by professionals is harder to remove. You can also check out this article that we have shared that discusses if you can wallpaper over a damp wall. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed the different reasons why vinyl wallpaper is bad. We have also shared the pros of using vinyl wallpaper. You need to weigh out the pros and cons of using this type of wallpaper so that you can decide if it is your best choice or not. We hope that the information that we have shared in this article has helped you learn more about vinyl wallpaper. Thank you for reading!