So, are you considering a complete room remodeling and caught between painting and wallpapering the house? If yes, then you are probably wondering how you can decide between painting and applying vinyl peel and stick wallpaper to your home. The answer to this question is not an easy one. It all depends on your situation and the aesthetic you are trying to achieve. If you have found a great deal on wallpaper, or even if you’re simply just not sure what color would look best in your room, we’ve got you covered with these tips for deciding whether it’s better to paint or buy a new piece of wall art!
Wallpaper vs. Paint: Overview
Before we get into this, you’ll want to understand the differences between wallpaper and paint. Wallpaper is a roll of paper that has been coated and sometimes dyed with a sticky glue, sometimes called an adhesive agent to make the paper stick to your walls.
Paint is dry powdery substance that comes in different colors and can be used for decorating houses. It’s applied from a paint brush or roller and is usually used for ceilings and walls, although some types of paint can be applied to woodwork or other surfaces as well.
Wallpaper vs. Paint: Varieties
There are several types of wallpaper on the market today. Peel & Stick is the most popular type, and it’s a strip of wallpaper that can be peeled and has pre-applied glue to make it easy for applications.
You can also find wallpapers that are made out of vinyl, plastic or sometimes even fabric! These options are usually more expensive than other options but may be just what you need for your home. If you’re looking for a classic style look to complement your antique furniture or oil paintings, then a fabric style wallpaper would probably be best for you.
Paint exists in a variety of colors, texture finishes, and sheens. The texture finish can range from flat to eggshell to semi-gloss to high gloss depending on the type of paint you choose. Sheen refers to the surface quality of the paint. Paint with a high sheen has a more shiny or glossy surface where a flat paint will be less reflective in nature.
Sheen affects both the color and the way light reflects off of its surface, so it’s important to decide early on which kind of sheen you want before shopping for paints.
However, it is important to say that wallpapers come in more varieties from sizes, texture, pattern, materials, costs and several other perspectives. Depending on what you want to achieve and the time you want to spend on this project, you can choose one of the two. The recommendations is the peel off wallpaper.
Wallpaper vs. Paint: Customization
When it comes to paint or wallpaper customization, wallpapers are more customized meaning that you can easily customize the looks in your home without spending a fortune. When applying a wallpaper in your home, you’ll want to think about your style and the colors that you’re going for. You’ll also want to take into consideration the amount of time you have and how much time, money, and effort you’re willing to spend on this project.
Once again, peel & stick wallpaper will save the day because it’s so easy to customize! Prices are fair as well when considering that it’s cheaper than painting the walls.
Wallpaper vs. Paint: Time Factors
Paint can be painted over in timely manner, but a traditional wall needs at least three coats of paint potentially depending on its color and texture. If you decide to use a solid color, then you’ll probably only need two coats of paint. Other types of paint may need three or even four coats depending on the condition of the wall.
After applying a coat of paint, it needs to dry and then you can apply another coat. Allow for about three hours for a room that’s about 250 square feet and as many as five hours if the room is larger. Wallpaper is also easy to install and you don’t need to apply several layers of wallpaper.
Wallpaper vs. Paint: Aesthetic Factors
When it comes to choosing between wallpapers, you need to take into consideration whether or not you want your home décor in picture form or if it’s more important that they match up with what’s already on your walls. Wallpapers that are designed for smaller rooms and emphasize the curves of your walls, as opposed to straight lines will help to blend in with the frame of your existing furniture. On the other side, when it comes to a large room that needs a bit more accenting, then you might want to stick with a wallpapered paper instead.
Wallpaper for bathroom walls also gives you a variety of options when it comes to style. Subtle patterns or designs can be used for accent décor without giving away that you’re decorating at all.
Wallpaper vs. Paint: Ease of application
If you’re painting over your entire home and want to do it yourself at the same time, then by all means go for paint because it’s a lot easier. You can hire a painter or use your own knowledge of how to properly paint walls.
However, if you don’t have the time to take on this project or are nervous about having a stranger in your home while you try to paint, then pick up some peel & stick wallpaper instead. It’s easy and quick! Just roll it up like wrapping paper and remove in seconds!
Wallpaper vs. Paint: Durability
Paint is a more durable option because it needs fewer coats than wallpaper. Even after one paint layer, the paint will have a greater amount of hardness and resistance to air moisture.
Peel & stick wallpaper doesn’t have this resistance issue, but it might not go for a longer time than paint. On the other hand, when installing wallpaper, yourself, you can use cheap wallpaper that won’t cost much and is easy to handle but they might not survive for as long.
Conclusion
It’s clear that peelable wallpaper is a cheaper choice when it comes to decorating your walls. However, it’s important to keep in mind that while paint is more durable, wallpaper is easier given its precise sizing and installation.
Thus, you can choose which option best suits your needs and style as well as the time, budget and skill level you have.
Mark is an avid home blogger, with the goal of helping his readers find inspiration and ideas for their next project. He writes about everything from small design projects to large renovations. His goal is to help people transform their homes into something that reflects who they are.
