Wallpaper is now making a huge comeback. After paint, it is now the second most popular wall covering product. Find out why so many people choose to cover their walls with wallpaper! 

The price and characteristics of wallpaper

Long considered old-fashioned, wallpaper is becoming trendy again. Designers and bloggers love it and are using it more and more on new projects. It is usually sold in rolls that can cost anywhere between $1 and $100 (for a 10 x 0.5-meter roll).

Prices depend on the style and quality level of the wallpaper (colour, shape, texture, materials,etc.). Though named wallpaper, it can also be made out of other materials such as metal and vinyl. Of course, certain materials are more waterproof than others.

Where to find good-quality wallpaper?

Since wallpaper is once again popular with consumers, most home improvement and home decor companies offer wallpaper designs. To find the widest variety of products, visit major renovation stores, as well as specialty paint shops. 

Some cities also have specialty wallpaper stores. Of course, the online world opens the door to an infinite universe of possibilities. You will find a very interesting selection of products in shops featured on the Etsy platform or on Amazon.

The different types of wallpapers

The installation process will depend on which type of wallpaper you choose. The three main types you will find are self-adhesive wallpaper, water-activated wallpaper and non-pasted wallpaper. In the first case, you simply have to peel back the protective paper and stick the wallpaper directly to the wall. For the water-adhesive kind, you will need to wet the surface beforehand.

Also available is non-pasted wallpaper, which requires you to apply an adhesive product on the wall in order to install it. If you choose this last type of wallpaper, ask the store employees or the manufacturer which type of adhesive you should use.

Photo: Pixnio

Pros and cons of wallpaper

Like paint, wallpaper comes in many textures and patterns. You can choose to have a smooth surface or one with a lot of texture. It all depends on your taste and the look you're going for. Wallpaper can also be custom-made, which is a nice way of finding a unique decorative accent for your home. Unfortunately, wallpaper does come with a few cons.

First, it can be hard to install without creating air bubbles. Also, if you're working with a delicate wallpaper and you're not careful, you could easily tear it. Be extra cautious when manipulating it.

Second, most wallpapers don't offer good resistance to humidity. Therefore, this type of wall covering is not recommended for bathrooms. If you really want to use wallpaper in bathrooms or kitchens, look for products which are made of vinyl.

Lastly, removing wallpaper can be a nightmare: this type of material is hard to remove without damaging the surface underneath. Before you take it down, make sure you follow the instructions which usually come with the product.

Working with specialists to install or remove wallpaper

If you don’t feel confident enough to do the job, ask professional contractors to do it for you. They’ll install it the way you want and can also remove it for you.

How to remove wallpaper: main steps

Sometimes, to install new wallpaper, you must remove the old one that is already in place. Here is an overview of the steps to remove wallpaper that has been installed on a wall. For more detailed instructions, inquire at your local hardware store.

1) Turn off the electricity in the walls where the wallpaper will be installed;

2) Remove the plates from the sockets and switches;

3) Empty the room or at least remove the obstacles;

4) Protect the ground;

5) Install a trash bin near where the wallpaper will be removed;

6) Choose between the two techniques, ie:

- Wet the surface of the wallpaper with a mixture of water and liquid detergent

or

- Use a wallpaper steamer;

7) Once you're done, clean the wall with a mixture of hot water and soap;

8) Sand the wall to eliminate irregularities.