Wallpaper or Paint: Which is Better for Your Home’s Interior?

blog-wallpaper-paintAny homeowner wanting to change the appearance of a room has to decide between wallpaper and paint. Both have significant transformative qualities; however, each has its pros and cons.

Paint

These days, paint comes in a vast array of shades, as well as various sheens, finishes, and textures. Essentially, there’s an option out there specifically suited to your vision.

Too, on a practical level, your home needs minimal preparation – nothing more than cleaning the walls, if wallpaper isn’t added – and generally costs less to add.

Yet, costs go up as soon as your home requires a more durable, splash-proof coating – something you’ll definitely need if you have children. On the other hand, you can easily cover marks and blemishes should they occur down the line.

With any type of paint, there always runs the risk that it’ll chip and require frequent touchups. In a more serious instance, paint may start flaking just two years after the job – a sign it wasn’t initially applied correctly.

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Textured Walls: Should You Use Wallpaper, and What Kind?

Rolls-Of-Wallpaper-In-Differen-80718941You’ve thought about giving your home’s interior a do-over. Economically, wallpaper gives the greatest impact. Yet, you’re dealing with some exposed brick and other textured surfaces, and you’re wondering if this is a good choice.

The fact is, many homeowners planning such a renovation project have to factor in old paneling, brick, and textured walls. So, what do you need to consider?

Modifications

Whether you or a professional like M. Brett Painting gets the job done, these surfaces can display wallpaper, as long as the following are completed prior to the installation process:

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The Right and Wrong Ways to Remove Wallpaper

Wallpaper removal is far more difficult than it appears. Often, a professional is needed, as the job becomes messy and time consuming very quickly. Not to mention, using the wrong tools may damage the wall’s surface.

No matter how you go about it, there are good practices – and some that should be avoided.

The Right Ways

Girl-Wallpaper

    • Keep the Floor and Trim Dry: Water and steam are often involved, so protect other surfaces – the floor, trim, furniture, vents, and artwork – by taping down plastic sheets.
    • Turn Off All Electricity to the Room
    • Pull Off the Material: Ideally, start at a corner and peel it off without water. In doing this, you’re taking off the top material while leaving the backing on the wall.
    • Removing the Backing: At this point, water becomes necessary. Some professionals say to add it first, by sponge or a wet cloth, so that the paste absorbs it. From here, use a metal spatula or putty knife with rounded corners to remove as much paste as you can. Be aware: scraping too hard, especially on drywall, may damage the surface.
    • Use a Gel Stripper: Paste may still remain after you scrape most of it off. As a result, some recommend adding a gel stripper to remove the rest. Can’t tell if it’s there? If the wall’s surface still has a shiny sheen to it, the backing isn’t completely gone.
    • Use a Scoring Tool: As another option, score the surface first to allow the water to get through, and then remove the residue with a stripping solution.

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