Wall Paper: An Old Classic For Modern Homes

part one of a series

by: Liz Roberts

Modern homeowners frown on using anything too classic in their 21st Century homes.

Yet one holdover from ancient times, wallpaper, cannot only brighten a décor but also add a touch of style and elegance. It can go with anything from an ultra modern dining rooms to a prim but pretty guest rooms. This oldest form of home renovation can finish any room in any house anywhere.

Wallpaper has been in existence for the last 2200 years. The Chinese invented it around 200 BCE gluing rice paper to their walls. In 105 AD a Chinese court official invented paper from rag fibers thus producing a stronger material. Paper making spread throughout the Arab and European worlds. This is when papyrus was substituted for linen. The Europeans began wallpaper manufacturing around 1481 in France with Jean Bourdichon producing fifty rolls for Louis XI. The first mass produced paper also came from France around 1675, invented by Jean Michel Papillon. The English quickly jumped on the craze and later sent the idea to the Colonies. Here early Americans decorated their walls in a papers that reflected neoclassical styles as well as roses and patriotic themes.

The invention of lithography in the late 1700’s by German Alois Sengfelder helped wall paper production tremendously . Another Frenchman, Nicholas Louis Robert invented a way to produce endless wall paper rolls that could be cut to the homeowner’s exact specifications.

The 19th Century brought more innovations with wallpaper manufacturing. The greatest , by far was the ready to use wallpaper paste first made by Ferdinand Sachel in 1888. It was easy to use , a rarity in those times. In the 20th Century wallpaper became notably revolutionized with the introduction of CMC – wall paper paste that was soluble in cold water. After World War II plastic resins were introduced to wallpaper , offering stain resistance , washability and durability along with strength.

Today homeowners can choose from several different kinds of wallpapers. They can opt for the low maintenance vinyl coated paper. This is wallpaper that has a paper substrate (base) in which the decorative surface has been coated or sprayed with an acrylic type vinyl or PVC. (polyvinyl chloride). These types are usually classified as easy to clean and easily removed from walls. They can be used in any area but are especially good in the kitchen or bath. Vinyl coated papers are also grease and scum resistant and won’t have that tired look after a few years. A second choice is coated fabric wallpaper. This is a covering that has a fabric substrate coated with a liquid vinyl or acetate layer. The decorative layer is printed on this coating . Any coated fabric wallpaper is considered more breathable which makes it great for low moisture rooms such as living areas or dens.

Most homeowners usually put up the paper backed vinyl/solid sheet vinyl. This kind has a paper (pulp) substrate laminated to a solid decorative surface. It is considered one of the most durable because this surface is a solid sheet of vinyl. It is not only super easy to clean but easy to peel for quick and efficient removal. Solid sheet vinyl can be used in any area and is perfect in kids’ rooms and nurseries. It is stain and grease resistant. Its’ only drawback is that it can’t stand any hard physical abuse so avoid hanging it in any mudroom or storage areas.

Another choice is fabric backed vinyl paper. This is a wallpaper that has a substrate laminated to a solid vinyl decorative surface and can either be made of solid vinyl or paper. The solid vinyl consists of a vinyl film that is laminated to a fabric or paper substrate. It is generally considered more durable than the fabric or paper backed vinyls because the vinyl is was put on as a solid and not a liquid. The other kind, paper, refers to wallpaper with a paper substrate combination upon which the decorative layer is printed. Remember that true papers are not coated but may have a coating applied. This is to seal the inks and prevent any running. Always check the manufacturers label for the papers attributes because this type of wallpaper widely varies in it’s making.

Before heading off to any home improvement center or paint store (where most wallpapers are sold) remember to chart a decorating course for the intended room. Carry swatches of curtains and/or furniture or pictures of the area’s rug and furniture. Doing this helps to select a print or color scheme that won’t clash or jar. Also measure the room and include doors and windows along with nay other permanent features. Remember to plot the wall height minus the baseboards and moldings, then measure the length of each wall segment. Round off measurements to the nearest foot. To find square footage, simply multiply the room’s height by its’ circumference, then subtract all the openings that won’t be papered.

As a rule of thumb most homeowners choose bold patterns for their living and dining rooms. Bedrooms, family rooms abs dens can go with smaller, more muted designs and fabric. Pay attention to repeat patterns (the vertical match between adjoining sheets of paper), Remember that large repeats require cutting larger pieces to match patterns when hanging. If walls are fragmented then go for smaller repeats. Place the order and buy all your rolls at one time. This way there’s no worry of discontinuation. Keep a few extra rolls in the closet, These will come in handy if there’s any need to repair the walls later on. Most wallpapers come with adhesive surfaces so they are easy to handle. There are a few types such as the imported or designer brands that have to have paste applied to them.There are several different types of paste one can use from cellulose to ones that contain clay and even vinyl. The best bet though is the wheat paste, This is a white powder that is easily mixed with water and a stick to produce a smooth lump free paste. There are many grades available however most home renovation centers stick to one grade. This type of wall paper application is more suited to pros than to amateurs. Try to stick with the self adhesive backed papers for easier and headache free hanging

Wallpaper may be one of the earliest forms of home renovations but it can certainly modernize any current day room. Pick out the type and the pattern that best works with the room’s décor. It will give it a boost not to mention a stylish gloss. The room will shine thanks to this most ancient form of remodeling.