Anti-vandal wallpaper: a guide for those looking for a durable finish

If you think about what exactly poses the greatest danger to wallpaper coverings, the answer that immediately comes to mind is pets, sharp objects, small children (who love to draw on wallpaper). Naturally, the appearance of the paintings can change significantly, and not for the better. Agree, it’s unlikely that anyone will like the tattered wallpaper that the kitten “worked” on for so long. Sometimes the only way out of such a situation is to change the coating, and this is a waste of money, effort, patience and nerves.

However, we hasten to please you. On the building materials market you can find special wallpapers that have a slightly strange name - anti-vandal. What kind of animal is this and what it is eaten with is further in the article.

What is anti-vandal wallpaper

In fact, the answer lies in the name itself. The coating is designed in such a way that it becomes as resistant as possible to absolutely any damage, be it scissors, animal claws or other non-standard situations.

On top there is high-density decor, and therefore it will be extremely difficult to make a visible scratch on such wallpaper. They perfectly “resist” the attempts of a cat or dog to sharpen their “manicure” or even tear off a piece of linen. Of course, such wallpaper is not immune to damage, but the problem will not be as noticeable as it would be with a conventional finish.

In addition, protection is provided by another additional layer, which resists shock from household chemicals, acids, grease and alkali. Moreover, they can be cleaned much more often than, for example, paper sheets.

Anti-vandal wallpaper is an excellent choice for those who have pets or small children who explore the world and love to decorate the walls. The only caveat is that it is important to correctly determine the type of material.

Types of anti-vandal wallpaper

There is absolutely no need to think that all anti-vandal wallpaper is the same. They are made for completely different purposes, and therefore you should choose an option only taking into account your preferences. For example, there are canvases that perfectly protect the coating from mechanical damage, while others can be easily cleaned from patterns or dirt.

Nonwoven

Typically, such models require subsequent painting. Manufacturing technology includes hot stamping and laser heat treatment. In fact, it is these processes that affect the further strength and durability of the canvas. Such wallpaper is resistant to abrasion, temperature changes, and shock. The material is also absolutely not dangerous to humans, does not cause allergies and does not emit harmful substances. Non-woven anti-vandal wallpaper is very easy to clean, but does not lose its original appearance at all.

When choosing this option, you need to take into account that the sizes of the canvases are usually standard. But in any case, they are very easy to stick and also tear off. In addition, non-woven fabric allows the walls to “breathe”, and therefore there is no fear that mold or mildew will appear on them.

However, non-woven wallpaper is quite unstable to animal claws, but is great for a child's room.

Commercial options

They are also called “contract wallpaper”. They are vinyl with or without textile backing. For commercial purposes, pressed vinyl is used. What are the advantages of such anti-vandal wallpaper?

• high material density;
• abrasion resistant;
• durable;
• durable;
• fireproof (only smolders, but does not catch fire);
• a lot of design options - a variety of prints and textures;
• easy care;
• washes well;
• resistant to damage.

Another undeniable plus is that the vinyl is painted over the entire depth of the fibers, and therefore small scratches will not even be noticeable. Commercial anti-vandal wallpaper can also be washed with household chemicals.

However, it is worth considering that when gluing walls you will have to face difficulties, since commercial canvases are quite wide. If you perform work without the involvement of specialists, then you definitely cannot do without an assistant.

Contract wallpaper, as a rule, is not intended for residential premises, but for warehouses, offices, shops, and children's play centers. But since they are not dangerous to humans, they are also used at home.

Glass wallpaper

They can be smooth or printed. The manufacturing material is fiber, which is drawn from the melt of broken glass - a natural raw material. These wallpapers are super durable and can withstand any damage. Ideal for a home where there are animals - they are not at all afraid of their claws. Glass wallpaper also adheres well, will never wear off, will not ignite, is resistant to moisture and can withstand washing even with aggressive household chemicals. But they have a very big drawback - they are terribly difficult to dismantle.

Fiberglass wallpaper can be repainted, and therefore if you get bored with the design of the walls, you can easily change it at any moment.But it is worth remembering that they can only withstand 15–20 stains and then lose their properties.

Laminated

These are canvases coated with an additional protective layer. But the base can be different - either non-woven fabric or paper. Their advantages:

• easy to clean from traces of markers, felt-tip pens, paints and even a ballpoint pen;
• resistant to fat deposits;
• affordable cost;
• tolerate washing with household chemicals.

By the way, this is an ideal option for those whose walls at home are decorated with photo wallpapers or panels. But in some cases, ordinary paper options are also laminated. This is a good solution for a child's room.