Wall Coverings

Submitted by: Vidya Anant

Wall covering is the exterior wall skin consisting of panels or sheet. A covering on a

wall could be vinyl or paper wallpaper, melamine laminate and stretched coverings etc.

Wall covering may be a flexible sheet of sized paper, fabric, plastic etc. usually laminated and printed with a repeat pattern for pasting on the

wall as a decoration and presentation. The texture of wall coverings vary from cold,

shinny, smooth surface of glass.

Types of wallsThe selection of wall covering has a great deal to do with the type of wall being covered:Brick Make sure that there is no dampness on the

wall. If brick walls have been left unpainted, they can be covered with a clear sealant to prevent them from crumbling or becoming dust traps.

Old plaster Plaster is suitable for most wall coverings and paints. If the plaster is uneven or cracked, use wallpaper or other covering materials or line the wall with lining or ingrain paper before painting or finishing.

New plaster It must be absolutely dry before decorating can begin. If it is to be painted before it is absolutely dry emulsion paint is better as it is least likely to blister and allows the wall to breathe.

Types of Wall Coverings

Wall coverings may be in the form of:-

PaintsWall Papers Fabric CoveringsWood CoveringsTiles

The Lalit

PaintsWater based paints Mineral spirit based

paints

Lime wash color washes based on lime inorganic alkalis, fast pigments, and few

other additives

Distemper superior to a lime wash and is available in a wide range of colors. It may be defined as a water-based paint consisting of whiting some coloring pigment and glue mixed in water

Emulsion paint used as a decorative finish. There are three major types of emulsion paints polyvinyl acetate, styrene, and acrylic

resin.

Silicate paint consists of a thin suspension of alkali-resistant inorganic pigments and extenders. It is not damaged by the alkali in cement.

Cement paint consists of white cement, alkali-fast pigments, accelerators, and other additives. It is available as a dry powder and can be found in several shades.

AluminumAlkyd

Asbestos

Enamel

Anti-Corrosive

Bituminous

Textured

WallpapersThis type of wall covering evolved as an inexpensive substitute for the tapestries of the wealthy. The choice of wallpaper depends upon the dimensions and uses of the room. Wallpapers have a warmer look than paint.

Lining paper A preliminary covering of plain paper gives the wall an even porosity, which helps when painting or hinging

the final wall covering. Surface printed

papers The cheaper papers are called pulp. Higher quality

papers, known as grounded papers are given a coating

of color before the design is printed on these.Washable paper A transparent waterproof film stops moisture, including steam, from damaging the design. These papers are especially suitable for bathrooms and kitchens.

Embossed papers The design is

pressed into the paper to make it stand out in relief.

This process produces wood-like grain, imitation leather,

and textile effects. AnaglyptaTwo layers of paper and cotton fiber are bonded together and embossed to produce anaglypta. These are available typically in white, but can be decorated with matt or silk-

finish emulsion paint.

Fabric Coverings

Fabrics fall into two main categories: fabrics that actually surface a wall in the manner of wallpaper and those that are draped loosely across a wall.

The fabric is stretched on a wooden frame, which can then be attached to the wall at just a few points

Fabric can also be hung in soft folds, as a continuation of window drapery or for its own sake as a supple alternative to patterned wallpaper

Grass cloth, made of loosely woven grasses and reeds affixed to a paper backing, can be handled like wallpaper as well.

Wood

• The rough texture of wood on walls generates warmth.

• The woods used for wall paneling are usually hard, well seasoned, and of a decorative appearance

• Wood paneling comes in many variations of color, tone, and texture and may be either solid or wood-veneered

• Wood veneers may be stuck to paper too, giving an effect similar to solid wood at a much lower cost. Veneered plywood paneling is also popular.

• Wood paneling may be found in such places as entrance halls and staircases, convention rooms, and restaurants.

Tiles

• Long relegated to outdoor areas or limited to kitchen and bathroom walls, tiles have their own cigain, with ceramic and mosaic patterns that brighten and create a cool, airy feeling in rooms being most popular.

• Generally easy to clean, the main drawback of tiles is that the grouting may become discolored or chipped till tiles loosen.

Other types of wall coverings• Acrylic (Corian) :A solid acrylic surfacing material, Corian is

a well-known brand finding application as kitchen and bathroom wall coverings in hotels and restaurants.

• Inorganic wall coatings :These are continuous wall coatings sprayed on with a high-pressure gun that resemble a ceramic glaze. They typically come with a clear glaze that prevents scratching of the surface

• Early-warning wall coverings :These wall coverings have the potential to give early warning of a fire in the room in the form of a built-in smoke alarm.

• Leather ;Animal hides are very decorative but extremely expensive. They may be found in luxury establishments in parts of restaurants or bars, but are too expensive to be found in most places. They are also prone to attack by mildew.

• Cork :This offers a dramatic and luxurious effect and is easily installed. Its chief virtue is sound control; its main disadvantage is its perish ability.

• Glass wall coverings: Glass can be used in the form of decorative tiles, and sometimes in the form of mosaics. Colored, opaque glass sheets or tiles may be used as a wall covering in hotel bedrooms.

• Fiberglass/spun glass: These wall coverings can be almost indistinguishable from old woodwork or weathered plaster if properly painted.

• Metallic wall coverings: Metals may be used on walls for their decorative and hygienic qualities.

MaintenancePeriodic cleaning should be scheduled so that

obstinate dust and grime do not settle in. Before cleaning the walls, remove any pictures,

mirrors, or accessories hung up on them. Push the furniture to the middle of the room and cover them with dustsheets.

First wipe down the walls with a cloth-covered brush or a vacuum-cleaner attachment for the purpose. Then remove cobwebs and dust bunnies by dusting from the bottom up.

When washing down painted walls or washable coverings, work from the bottom up.

Finally, wipe the washed floor-to-ceiling section dry with a sponge wrung out in clean water, working from the top down. Then move to the area adjoining the area just cleaned.