Painting vs Wallpaper

Deciding Between Painting & Wallpaper

Undecided whether to wallpaper or paint your newly purchased home? The following guide will assist you in determining the advantages and disadvantages of each selection. It is always important to keep an open mind that there is no written rules to just pick one; you may mix and match both. Most importantly is that you decide on the theme, colour, budget and design that suits your liking for either option.

With the help of wallpaper you have the advantage to change your room atmosphere; a dramatic room can instantly be made soft and airy with the application of light pale paint color. A room that feels too big can instantly feel cozy with darker wallpaper with a striking pattern. Factors to consider when selecting either wallpaper or paint are ease of application, cost, and versatility to your space.

Preparation: Take into consideration of wall preparation either to paint or wallpaper. Skip this step if you are starting from a bare wall.

Wallpaper:

Disadvantage: If you are removing existing wallpaper, patience and right tools are needed to get the work done. Use of stripping tools or chemical on existing wallpaper but care must be taken to avoid any damage to the wall. Alternatively you may hire home improvement expert to do the job.

Paint:

Advantage: Apply spackle on uneven or damaged wall to prepare imperfection, followed by applying primer, let dry and finally apply your finishing paint. Painting requires considerably less preparation time than wallpaper.

Selection & Application:

Both paint and wallpaper comes in unlimited varieties and colors.  Paints come in various finishes, while wallpaper comes in paper and vinyl surfaces for durability and finish variation.

Wallpaper:

Advantage: High resistance to wear and tear, scratches and durable. Comes in variety of choices and design that almost impossible to replicate by painting.

Disadvantage: High humidity area such as kitchen and bathroom may cause wallpaper to peel away from the wall since it is applied with adhesive.

Paint:

Advantage:

Depending on application, some paints offer high resistance to weather and moisture which are not offered by wallpaper. Can be used on wide applications and suitable on many types of surface; wall, wood, metal and others. Good option for areas that need to have an inexpensive and easy application.

Disadvantage: Newly applied paint may emit unpleasant odour temporary. Chipped and damaged paint requires repairing and repainting. May leave permanent marks from scratches or wear and tear.

Cost:

Wall paper: More expensive due to minimum quantity purchase in rolls regardless of your wall area size. Requires professionals for installation; wallpaper offers less tolerance for mistake.

Paint: Paint cost is cheaper and you may purchase the required quantity. DIY is possible and engaging painting services is cheaper compared to wallpaper installation as amateur can apply it. Cost can be high if you are looking for textured paint and require professional service to apply for best result.

Combination of both:

Many people applied both wallpaper and paint at their home for versatility of adding texture to their wall. One of a simpler example; you may choose to apply wallpaper on one wall of a room and remaining walls to be painted. The wonderful world of wall finishes is vast and customizable. For the appeal of both, furnish your wall with paint and wallpaper!