Wallpaper and dinosaurs…contrary to popular belief, only one of these two are truly extinct. Although both of them were in existence for many centuries, wallcoverings have stood the test of time and are once again thriving. Through the years, wallpaper has gotten a bad rap. We have all seen the television shows or comic strips where, after much effort and hassle, the paper is finally on the wall and the next day it has fallen off and is covering the floor. This has been known to happen in reality, but it is normally poor preparation – or the lack thereof – that causes the problems.
Perhaps you have been the victim of trying to remove old wallpaper. This project can humble the best of us and leave many swearing that we’ll never hang it again! Once again, it is not usually the wallpaper’s fault that it is so difficult to remove. Proper preparation is the key. There is an old joke that says if a couple can survive a wallpapering project together, their relationship can endure anything! Actually, it is quite easy to learn how to hang with the advice of an experienced salesperson, but professional installers are available if necessary.
Wallpaper has evolved over the past centuries, but has come full circle to what we are seeing in today’s market. The first wallcoverings were papyrus or rice papers that were hung with organic pastes; even a mixture of flour and water can do the trick. In the 1960s, pre-pasted papers and solid-sheet vinyl papers became popular. They were readily available and affordable. The pre-pasted product has a dry cellulose based paste on the backing that is activated when placed in water. Even though the pre-paste materials are reliable, many people never really “trust” them and choose to use traditional paste, too.
Now, with all of the environmental challenges facing the industry, we are once again seeing organic non-pasted substrates, many of them with acrylic coatings for durability. These require the centuries-old technique of pasting the material, or the wall, in order to hang. The good news is that we have returned to wallpapers that are truly “strippable.” Regardless of the negative connotations that wallpaper can bring, there are many more positive aspects. There is no easier or better way to completely change or enhance an area than with wallpaper. The possibilities are endless. It can be used as a backdrop for a subtle effect in a room or behind artwork. It can be the focal point of a room and make a statement. For years, designers have used wallpaper to create a mood, a look or a theme. It has the ability to add character and personality to a space with a variety of color, design, patterns and texture.
Often times, less is more. Not every wall of every room in a house needs to have wallpaper to be effective. In fact, with today’s prices, many people are choosing to use it sparingly, but it can make a dramatic change to a room. Other than aesthetic benefits, wallpaper can be more durable than painted surfaces. In some cases, it can add insulation or soundproofing to a room. Wallpaper was and is often used to hide imperfections in wall surfaces and has even been known to “bridge the gaps” in older homes. The modern shipping material known as “bubble wrap” was a wallpaper-project-gone-bad in the late 1950s. Two layers of plastic shower curtains were combined to create pockets of air for a certain look. It did not succeed as a decorative product, but it changed the way we pack and ship things today.
Sadly, many of today’s generation think of “wallpaper” as the patterns they select to use as a backdrop on the screen of their high tech devices such as cell phones and computer screens. It really is not too different than what traditional wallpapers are designed to do: select something, a pattern, a color, a style that makes you feel good when you look at it. Choose something that shows your individuality and reflects your true personality. Display something that others, when they see it, will know is yours and yours alone. The only difference is that for about the same amount of money as an average monthly cell phone bill, you could have a look that surrounds you and brings you years and years of happiness.
Think wallpaper, it can be your colorful wall-ternative! FBN
Written by Adrienne Annecchini
Adrienne Annecchini has been employed at Heath’s Paint Center since 1986. She is proud to work alongside her brother to run the family business that their dad started
in 1969. In addition to wallpa- per, Heath’s Paint Center sells paint, blinds,
window coverings, shutters and home décor fabrics. They are located at 2905 N. 4th Street in Flagstaff.
