How to choose liquid wallpaper? Liquid wallpaper: real reviews, disadvantages, advantages and application features.
Appearance on the market liquid wallpaper aroused interest a large number consumers to this type of product, because performance characteristics liquid wallpaper is in many ways superior to some types of classic wallpaper. However, the final result of finishing with liquid wallpaper and their service life depends on a number of criteria that should be given special attention when choosing a material.
Due to a number of features that distinguish it from similar finishing materials, liquid wallpaper is used for finishing ceilings, walls, columns and other architectural structures in residential and office premises.
Advantages:
- a wide selection of textures and colors;
- environmental friendliness - for the manufacture of wallpaper are used exclusively natural materials, which indicates health safety due to their use in interior decoration;
- vapor permeability, due to the fibrous structure of the finishing material, contributes to the regulation of the microclimate inside the room;
- antistatic inherent in wallpaper due to the use in the manufacture of natural components with a neutral electric charge, prevents the accumulation of dust on the wallpaper;
- elasticity - prevents damage to the decorative layer during the shrinkage of a new building;
- excellent heat and sound insulation are characterized by the porosity of the structure;
- frost resistance - allows you to decorate walls and ceilings inside periodically heated rooms, since freezing of the walls does not affect the appearance of the finish;
- high resistance to sharp temperature fluctuations, drafts;
- excellent masking of minor cracks, defects;
- ease of application, since there is no need to combine the pattern, careful measurement and adjustment of the dimensions of individual parts;
- lack of joints on any surface;
- ease of finishing complex architectural elements, as well as hard-to-reach places near sockets, switches;
- the possibility of replacing only the damaged part of the decor;
- cost-effectiveness, since the material can be used repeatedly;
- duration of operation, reaching 10-12 years.
Disadvantages :
- the impossibility of wet cleaning, because with prolonged interaction with water, the wallpaper softens, as a result of which the integrity of the finish is violated;
- the period of complete drying of the wallpaper at minimum thickness application of 1-2 mm reaches 3 days, and with a layer thickness of 10 mm it increases to 5-6 days;
- high cost compared to roll wallpaper.
Despite the presence of shortcomings, liquid wallpaper is in rather high demand. In addition, indoor ceilings and walls decorated with liquid wallpaper do not require laborious maintenance, since to maintain cleanliness it is enough to periodically vacuum them, and remove small dirt with a conventional eraser. However, all these advantages and disadvantages are typical only for high-quality liquid wallpaper.
Criteria for choosing liquid wallpaper
The choice of a particular product is always associated with some nuances, the knowledge of which allows you to avoid significant errors. When purchasing liquid wallpaper, you should consider the following information.
wallpaper type
Liquid wallpaper is supplied to the market in the form of a mixture, including:
- cotton or silk threads of artificial or natural production;
- cellulose, previously dissolved into individual fibers;
- natural dyes;
- fungicides of natural origin;
- adhesive material.
In addition, to give the wallpaper a more spectacular look, various models are added to the composition of some models. decorative elements in the form of sparkles, gold or silver threads, mica, crumbs tree bark, dry seaweed and other similar materials.
Based on the components prevailing in the composition, the wallpaper is divided into the following types:
- silk wallpaper - are highly resistant to ultraviolet rays, the duration of operation without any changes original form and high decorative qualities;
- cellulose wallpaper - characterized by a predominance of dyed cellulose fibers, due to which they fade faster under the influence of ultraviolet radiation and are less durable. decorative properties this type of wallpaper is also small, as evidenced by enough low cost material;
- combined or cellulose-silk wallpaper is a cross between the previous types in terms of price and quality.
To date, liquid wallpaper can be bought as in finished version, and as a dry mix, which, before applying to the surface, must be diluted with water to a mushy consistency, according to the instructions on the package. After complete drying, the walls, as well as other elements of the interior, decorated with liquid wallpaper, acquire a rough surface that is pleasant to the touch.
Thus, silk wallpapers have better performance characteristics compared to cellulose or cellulose-silk finishing material, but the cost of such wallpapers remains at a rather high level.
Color
When choosing a shade of liquid wallpaper, it is necessary to focus on the purpose, area, and layout of the room. So, for office space, it is better to give the greatest preference to plain cold or warm tones of the color palette.
For residential premises crucial plays the future interior design. If it is planned to install a large amount of furniture in the room that needs to be emphasized, then it is better to choose wallpaper in discreet shades. If the room is spacious enough with a minimum set of furniture, then bright wallpaper will come in very handy.
Certainly, decisive factor when choosing a shade of liquid wallpaper from a huge variety of proposed options is your own idea of a particular color in the future interior. However, a well-chosen color scheme will give the room the necessary comfort, combined with luxury and originality.
Price
The run-up of the price factor for various names and types of wallpaper is quite wide. In most cases, the cost of a well-known manufacturer's brand indicates the quality of the material, since it is formed under the influence of the type and quality of the components used to make a particular type of wallpaper.
If the price of liquid wallpaper seems very low, then you should refuse to purchase such material. It is quite possible that the formulation of the composition was violated during the manufacture, which in the near future will affect the performance of the finish.
French-made wallpapers are considered the most expensive and high-quality today. Slightly inferior to both price category, and in terms of operational characteristics, wallpapers of Turkish and Russian production.
Manufacturer
The manufacturer plays an important role in the quality of the selected material, as well as the finished look of the decor. Currently, not only foreign, but also domestic manufacturers are engaged in the production of liquid wallpaper. Well proven:
- wallpaper Senideco French production. Liquid silk wallpapers are presented in more than 150 shades and are sold as a ready-made dry mix;
- Cotex cotton wallpapers produced in France are not sold ready mix, but individual components. This allows the buyer to independently choose the desired shade, as well as the adhesive base;
- Silkcoat liquid wallpaper, produced in Turkey, has a lower cost, while not inferior to French wallpaper in any quality characteristics;
- Turkish wallpapers based on silk fibers under the brand name Bayramix koza differ from the previous versions by the presence of acrylic in the composition, which acts as a connecting element. This fact prevents the application of wallpaper on the oily surface in order to avoid the appearance of yellow spots on the decorative finish over time. In this regard, a new type of liquid wallpaper was developed (photo below) with a waterproofing effect, based on water-based components;
- Plaster is a Russian-made liquid wallpaper with excellent performance properties, as close as possible to the wallpaper of French manufacturers. At the same time, the material is several times cheaper than Turkish or French manufacturers. Currently, silk liquid silk plaster wallpaper is popular in the CIS countries, Europe, the Middle East. Silk plaster products are constantly being improved, new shades of the color palette are being added, thereby expanding the boundaries design solutions. In addition, when decorating a room, you can combine liquid wallpapers, the colors of which are represented by various collection series, while creating bright and eye-catching patterns.
Thus, the best foreign manufacturer of liquid wallpaper is Senideco, one of the first to introduce this unique finishing material to the world. Among domestic manufacturers, an indisputable place belongs to wallpaper brand silk plaster. A large selection of liquid wallpaper - Leroy, which presents a variety of collections from various manufacturers. However, Russian-made wallpapers will cost much less than foreign counterparts.
Liquid wallpaper in the interior
Due to the ease of application to various surfaces, durability and other characteristics, liquid wallpaper is used in residential, office premises, children's institutions, etc.
Excellent indicators of plasticity allow you to freely apply liquid wallpaper to the ceiling or decorate niches, ledges with them.
With the help of liquid wallpaper, the design of any room, even small size, can be revived:
- wall panels;
- single pattern;
- an image of a simple drawing or a complex composition;
- combination various shades contrasting tones or one color.
Liquid wallpaper is perfect as a finishing material for:
- bedrooms;
- children's;
- living room;
- corridor;
- kitchens.
Liquid wallpaper is combined with all materials, be it wood, tile, metal, concrete, which leaves ample opportunities for turning design fantasies into reality.
Thus, when choosing liquid wallpaper, you should be guided not only by personal preferences regarding colors, but also pay attention to the cost, manufacturer and other characteristics. A competent approach to the choice of liquid wallpaper is the key to a magnificent decorative finish that will delight hosts and guests with its unchanged look for decades.
Liquid wallpaper is a textile coating for ceilings, walls and other surfaces that will become perfect choice for commercial and residential premises. Their application is not particularly difficult, so the work can be done independently, without seeking help from specialists.
Liquid wallpaper is a dry building mixture, which in its composition contains exclusively natural, silk, cellulose or cotton fibers, as well as dyes, adhesives, mother-of-pearl, gold threads and much more. It is worth noting that all of the above components boast a neutral electrical charge, so dust does not settle on them.
Types of liquid wallpaper
Today, there are three types of liquid wallpaper on the market, which differ only in the structure of their fibers, as well as in the thickness of the finished layer. Liquid wallpaper is divided into:
- cellulose;
- silk;
- silk-cellulose.
Liquid silk wallpapers contain silk fiber in their composition, due to which they are as durable as possible and are distinguished by their resistance to ultraviolet rays, do not fade and retain the brightness of the original shades for many years. But cellulose wallpaper and silk-cellulose wallpaper are distinguished by a lower price and less durability.
The main advantages of liquid wallpaper
When comparing liquid wallpaper with paper, it is clear that they have a number of advantages that can satisfy the needs of even the most professional and discerning buyers:
- Possibility partial replacement wallpaper coating.
- Environmental friendliness, absence of extraneous smells.
- The presence of heat and sound insulation properties.
- Fairly low cost.
- Before applying the wallpaper, it is enough to add water to them, and they will be ready for application.
- Ease of application.
- Smooth surface without seams and joints.
- Do not attract dust.
- Do not fade and do not crumble.
- Weak flammability.
- Long service life.
- Ability to create panels and patterns.
Disadvantages of liquid wallpaper
The only disadvantages are non-waterproof liquid wallpapers, which are quickly washed off with water and can lose their shape. Undoubtedly, this is very convenient if you need to clean the walls, but not very practical in operation. But this problem can also be dealt with. For example, if you plan to apply liquid wallpaper in the bathroom or kitchen, and also make it resistant to moisture, then simply cover it with a colorless acrylic varnish on top.
How to choose the right liquid wallpaper
The selection criteria include not only tone and texture, but also operating conditions. Thus, if liquid wallpaper is supposed to be used in the kitchen or in the bathroom, then it is desirable that they have increased moisture resistance, which should be indicated on the package.
If, during the creation of a unique interior, you want to show your imagination and experiment a little with texture or color, then you need to purchase not ready-made compositions, but options with an independent selection of shade and structure.
But it is worth noting that the most important selection criterion for most people is the cost of the material. Based on the price, it is best to pay attention to the country of origin. For example, liquid wallpaper from Turkey is cheaper than wallpaper from France, although they are in no way inferior to them in terms of their characteristics. Also, no less high-quality liquid wallpaper appeared on the Russian market. domestic production which are even more affordable.
Tip: pay attention to the drying time of the wallpaper. It can be from 12 to 72 hours.
Applying liquid wallpaper
For correct application such wallpaper will need a roller or trowel, as well as a container to dilute the mixture. Colorless topcoat varnish, in case we need to apply wallpaper in wet areas.
Walls for liquid wallpaper must be prepared, leveled and primed. If metal parts (reinforcement) protrude from the wall, then they must be painted oil paint or enamel to avoid rust in the future. After that, the dry mixture must be placed in a container and pour portions of warm water into it, approximately 6 liters per package of the mixture. The result should be a mixture that has the density of sour cream. If necessary, you can add dye.
After 15 minutes, the mixture must be mixed again. After that, take part of the mixture on the trowel and apply it to the wall, and then roll it out with a roller or level it with a trowel. Do the same with the rest of the mixture. Care should be taken to ensure that the surface is perfectly even, that is, that there is no bulge or void between the applied areas.
If an error was noticed, then it is enough just to soak the area a little warm water and remove the wallpaper from the wall, and then reapply. This procedure can be repeated 1-3 times. Liquid wallpaper dries for 1-3 days, it all depends on the humidity and temperature in the room, as well as the types of wallpaper. During drying, the room must be regularly ventilated. After three days, if necessary, the wallpaper can be covered with a colorless varnish.
Wallpaper care
Liquid wallpaper does not need any special care. If necessary, they can be lightly wiped with a damp cloth so as not to damage them.
This coating is ideal for those who have small children in the house, or have animals, because damaged areas liquid wallpaper is quickly or easily restored. And if a damaged area was noticed, then it is enough just to moisten it with water, wait 30 minutes and cut off the coating with a knife. Apply a freshly prepared mass to the cleaned place and allow to dry.
Liquid wallpaper is an ideal wall and ceiling covering for both residential and public areas. These wallpapers will last for a long time, delighting with their originality and original design.
If you are following fashion trends on the market of decorative materials for repairs, pay attention to such a popular product as liquid wallpaper. Many have already chosen them and were extremely pleased with the results, because this is not only a beautiful, but also a practical and environmentally friendly way to cover walls.
However, there are those who prefer the standard paper version only because they are not aware of the advantages and disadvantages of this new material. Let us dwell on this product and consider the features of the application and the secrets of handling it.
What does this unusual phrase mean? This is a special composite plaster, which includes natural cellulose (and sometimes silk) fiber and adhesive binder.
The name fully reflects the main feature of the material - it should be applied to the walls in liquid state. Such wallpapers and ordinary plaster should not be confused, since they differ significantly in composition. The basis of liquid wallpaper is cellulose, and not sand, like plaster.
Visually applied liquid wallpaper can be confused with the usual, in addition, they are somewhat reminiscent of a fleecy fabric. But their main difference from any other material: the absence of seams, as well as the ability to level the wall, hiding all defects and cracks. It turns out a continuous coating with a small relief, pleasing the owner with the absence of cracks and irregularities.
Designers are constantly experimenting with decorative additives that can change their style and texture. Application methods also differ, this is largely determined by the structure of the fibers and the quality of the plaster.
There are species that should be distributed over the surface thin layer, and others that create the effect of more volume - thick. The color scheme pleases with its variety - more than 1000 options created by using additives "Sena", "Colorant" and "Boommix".
If you want to create a unique interior, you can experiment with texture and volume by choosing an original application method: surface treatment with embossed rollers, or using a sprayer.
With a skillful approach, you can even create a unique bas-relief from this material or effectively combine layers different thickness. In general, after application, they resemble foam to the touch - a pleasant, slightly rough surface.
In the store, such material also looks non-standard. These are not rolls, but plastic bags with a substance resembling sawdust. In the composition, you can always find natural fibers (cellulose, silk, cotton), adhesive composition, acrylic components and dyes. Decorative additives can be different - both stone chips and gold threads - there are a lot of options.
Advantages and disadvantages
You can find many arguments for purchasing such a wall covering.
- Firstly, they do not suffer from temperature changes, they are fireproof.
- This material is absolutely environmentally friendly, all components are natural, no toxic substances are emitted.
- Housewives will be pleased to know that such a decorative material is antistatic - you can not be afraid that the walls will be covered with dust. If, nevertheless, a little dust has appeared, use a regular vacuum cleaner to remove it, and more persistent dirt is removed with an eraser.
- In terms of scope, they are characterized by versatility, since you can cover any surface with liquid wallpaper in absolutely any room, from the bathroom to the children's room.
- The second aspect of versatility lies in the fact that not only in time-tested houses, but also in new buildings, they will become a suitable type of wall covering, because they are not afraid of shrinkage, and are not subject to deformation during operation.
- As already mentioned, they are able to solve the problem uneven walls, hide defects and cracks, help to get a perfectly smooth surface.
- Such material is suitable for those who are disturbed by noisy neighbors, as it perfectly isolates the room from unnecessary sounds.
- If the liquid wallpaper is seriously damaged, do not despair and plan large-scale repair work, it is only necessary to soak the area with water, remove part of the material with a spatula and apply right amount composition to the vacated area.
- They are certainly famous for their ease of use, because the mechanism is very simple - no preparation is required, you just need to fill the mixture with water and mix thoroughly, application due to the high plasticity of the material is also not a problem.
It is also pleasant to note that such a coating will allow the buyer to save a lot: the whole mixture is used, no waste will remain, unlike paper wallpaper, which involve measurements, separation into pieces, construction debris.
Everything left over after use liquid material, rolls down and is postponed until the moment when you again need to perform certain manipulations with it.
Finally, it is a reliable choice for years to come. The service life is not limited, they retain their properties without fading in the sun and without deforming.
disadvantages
There are, of course, a number of disadvantages, but they are not taken seriously against the backdrop of so many advantages.
- Such wallpapers dry for quite a long time - about two days after they are distributed on the wall.
- Their specificity also lies in the lack of moisture resistance, this is also evidenced by the application mechanism. They wash off with water, so you should not use them where a direct hit is possible. If the appropriate material is purchased for the bathroom, maximum care must be taken, the way out can be found in covering them with a layer of protective varnish.
- High hygroscopicity will also make itself felt if the owner of the premises decides to carry out wet cleaning and starts rubbing the surface of the walls with a wet cloth. Don't forget about this property to avoid later extra expenses for repairs.
- The last drawback is the most unpleasant - the material is expensive, so many do not dare to purchase it.
How to apply liquid wallpaper
Let's take a closer look at the sequence of actions, how to apply them. What must be kept in mind when performing the relevant work? One standard package (1 kg) is enough for 5 square meters. m. walls. When buying, calculations should be based on this ratio.
Step 1.
It is necessary to start work from a stage that is familiar to anyone who has glued paper wallpaper - to prepare the walls. Everything superfluous is removed - the remnants of previously used materials, nails or other metal objects.
If the wall has a bright color, be sure to cover it with a primer or enamel, giving it a white color. It is best to treat the surface with white water-based paint to avoid the appearance of yellow spots.
If there are defects on the surface of the wall, it is better to pre-coat it with a special impregnation. Wood can also be a suitable base for application, however, remember that this material absorbs moisture very much, so the thickness of the wooden surface must be sufficient so that it does not undergo deformation during the work.
Step 2
The second step is to prepare the decorative material to drawing. In any case, read the instructions on the packaging of the goods, all of a sudden it says about some important features specific wallpaper.
In a sufficiently large container, it is necessary to pour the amount of warm water indicated in the product description, where in small doses, it will be necessary to gradually add the mixture from the package. 
Do not forget to interfere with the resulting mass, which is easiest to do using a drill with a special nozzle. If some pieces don't break, dispose of them on preliminary stage to avoid disappointment in the future.
It can be argued that the wallpaper is ready for further manipulations when they are brought to a thick creamy consistency. The mass should stand for 20 minutes, and then mix again.
One of the secrets of high-quality application is as follows: you need to cover the wall in one go. Based on this, it is necessary to prepare a certain amount of mix, should be enough for the entire surface.
Step 3
It is logical to assume that the next step is to directly apply the mixture to the wall. On the Internet you can find helpful videos, which can give an idea of how this is done. However, we will try to reflect the main points here.
For application, it will be necessary to acquire the following arsenal of tools: a spatula or a roller that will be used when leveling the mixture, if desired, then also a knurling roller that can give relief, as well as a finish coat. Some also use a spray gun during the application process.
A small amount of the mixture is placed on a spatula and distributed evenly over the wall. In this case, it is necessary to apply force, press on the spatula so that the mass fits snugly against the surface, voids do not form. Having given the desired relief to the first portion, take the next one in the same way. 
The main thing is to make sure that there is no noticeable seam between them - the mixture should look like a single whole on the wall. Any defects can be instantly eliminated with water: wet the problem area and apply the mixture on it again, level the surface with a spatula.
But you can not go too far with the adjustment, since usually such wallpapers can withstand only a few exposures to moisture, as a result, they will lose their presentation. For a more convenient and faster application, some purchase a hopper (a special gun). You can apply the material at a room temperature of at least 10 degrees.
When the mixture is over, leave the walls to dry. On average, the drying period is two days, although it all depends on the specific conditions in the room - temperature, humidity. Also, be sure to pay attention to the period indicated on the package.
Watch the video - how to apply liquid wallpaper
The modern market in our country offers many similar products from different manufacturers. Consider the most popular brands.
1. The first group of materials is manufactured by French companies (“Cotex”, “Senideco”). These are the very first manufacturers of this unusual decorative wall covering. The French themselves call it a special wall cladding, because the term is exclusively of Russian origin.
The advantage of liquid French wallpaper is the variety of colors, so designers like to buy them to realize their fantasies. Prices for covering French brands are the highest, so they are rarely chosen. However, it is generally recognized that this category of goods is the most high-quality and refined.
2. An alternative to the first option is wallpaper from Turkish manufacturers (“Silkcoat”, “Bayramix koza”). The prices for such materials are no longer scary, they are quite affordable, and the choice of colors is no worse than that of the group considered above.
They are popular due to scientifically proven excellent hygienic characteristics, as well as an attractive appearance. Appearing in 1993, they quickly won recognition around the world.
3. Finally, liquid domestic wallpaper. Of course, they are the most affordable from an economic point of view. There are several varieties that are worth considering.
The first - "Stenol" - a dry mixture, which contains cellulose, thickeners, color additives and a natural binder. Natural fibers (cellulose) are obtained from wood purchased in the Arkhangelsk region.
Such wall covering can be used not only for its intended purpose, but also for leveling or insulating walls due to its high ductility. At the end of the drying process, "Stenol" can be coated with paint, and also made it the base for ordinary wallpaper.
If you decide to use it as a topcoat, a patterned roller will allow you to give it any relief you want.
The second Russian version - decorative plaster called "Danish". The purchase of such material is very profitable, because the price of one package is similar to the cost of one roll of medium paper wallpaper.
It is such a mixture of white cellulose base, which will sparkle with any colors, depending on the additive that the buyer chooses. The three most popular additives: "Colorant" (liquid), "Bummix" (dry), "Sena" (to give a golden sheen).
liquid wallpaper care
Taking care of them is not too difficult. It is only important to remember that water has a detrimental effect on them. Only dry cleaning will leave the decor of your walls intact.
As already mentioned, a vacuum cleaner will be an ideal tool for removing dust and dirt from liquid wallpaper. It will help to remove unnecessary dirt not only from a smooth surface, but also from embossed parts.
Thus, competent regular care will help to keep this decoration of the walls for many years. In especially serious cases, restoration will help, which can also be easily done by hand (the process was described above).
In general, despite some specific points, this great choice if repairs are planned. They will allow you to realize your creative potential, since the final result depends only on the imagination of the landlord.
A few years ago, liquid wallpaper appeared on the market for finishing materials. Gradually, they are becoming more and more popular, as they can be used for 5-8 years without losing their appearance, even in the hallway or corridor. Among the advantages of this coating are safety, high maintainability, plasticity, which allows you to easily finish arches, columns, and other surfaces with complex shapes.
What it is
Liquid wallpaper is sometimes confused with decorative plaster. Probably because the application technique is very similar. - using a spatula. Fundamental difference in that the composition of the applied mass is completely different. Any plaster contains sand, and cement and lime are used as a binder. The composition of liquid wallpaper includes silk, cotton, cellulose fibers. As a binder - some kind of glue.
Acrylic dyes are usually used to color the composition, and in order to obtain a surface that is different in appearance, spangles of different sizes, pieces of mica, mother of pearl, threads, other natural or artificial materials. These decorative additives are called "glitters".
How do they look on the wall
If we talk about the appearance, liquid wallpaper is a cross between plaster and paper wallpaper. From the store you bring a dry composition, to which, according to the instructions, add a certain amount of water. The resulting semi-liquid mass is applied to the walls or ceiling. The coating is seamless due to the plasticity of the material; minor surface defects are corrected during application - recesses, cracks, etc. Due to the same plasticity, it is not too difficult to form a drawing, even a picture.
Liquid wallpaper can be applied to the walls even complex patterns ... or paintings
So on the wall, liquid wallpaper looks different. Adds more difference different composition. If it is a silk-based liquid wallpaper, the surface has a characteristic matte sheen. This composition is also called "liquid silk". Cellulose and cotton variation - matte, even in the same shade and with the same decorative additives, the wall looks different.
And there are also mixed compositions - cellulose-silk or cotton-silk, in which there is a certain degree of sheen, but not so pronounced. In general, it's hard to say what liquid wallpaper looks like on the wall. If you like decorative plaster, you should like this finish too.
Kinds
Liquid wallpaper is distinguished by composition. As already mentioned, they are made on the basis of natural fibers. According to the type of these fibers, they are:
They differ not only in composition, but also in appearance. It is difficult to convey this in the pictures - the difference is in the presence and type of gloss, its brightness, visual "looseness" or smoothness of the surface. Of all the options, the most expensive silk compositions. More budget - cotton and cellulose.
Advantages and disadvantages
If we talk about the general impression, some people like liquid wallpaper, some do not. But they have good features. The advantages include the following qualities:
Good qualities. Most impressive is the high maintainability. This is good in the presence of pets: scratches are simply overwritten. If you like this coating also externally, you should try it.
Liquid wallpaper also has disadvantages:
As you can see, there are some pretty serious drawbacks. The most unpleasant thing is the impossibility of wet cleaning. In the hallway or in the kitchen, this is not always acceptable. This disadvantage can be leveled by varnishing the wall. It can be washed, but cannot be restored. In addition, the varnished coating loses vapor permeability, but becomes water-repellent.
Application technique
Although manufacturers say that liquid wallpaper can be applied to curved walls, it is better not to do this. There are two points. The first is increased material consumption. Considering that the cost of liquid wallpaper is not too low (one package per 4-5 m² is required, and it costs from $5 to $18, although there are $40), it is cheaper to prepare the surface. The second point is that if there are significant differences, a pronounced “spotting” may result. Darker will be the areas where the liquid wallpaper lay down in a thick layer, and lighter where the layer is thin (due to the translucence of the wall). This again leads to an increase in consumption - to even out the color.
Surface preparation
First of all, you need to remove the old decorative coating. We peel off the wallpaper to the bare wall, we also remove the paint, if it bubbles and peels off. Then we smooth out the bumps. As already said, better wall make it more or less even.
A smooth (or relatively flat) wall must be smeared several times with a primer. This will reduce the absorbency of the surface, making it easier to work.
According to the experience of use, liquid wallpaper is best applied to rough walls, such as plaster. So, it is desirable that the primer gives a similar effect. From finished formulations This is Betonokontakt. After its application, the wall becomes a little "viscous" in sensations, grains of sand adhering to the surface make it rough. On such a basis, any composition fits perfectly. There are more cheap option wall primers for liquid wallpaper - the most inexpensive white water-based emulsion (2 parts) with PVA glue (1 part). It is necessary to cover with a primer (any) at least twice.
If the wall has an uneven color, and the primer did not hide it, you will also have to paint it. Because when applying a thin layer, darker and lighter areas will shine through. You can get the cheapest water-based paint and paint the wall with it. Ideally even color is not needed, there should not be sharp transitions.
One more moment. If there are metal fragments in the wall - nails, screws, etc., it is advisable to remove them. If you can't remove it, paint the area with some kind of water-repellent paint the same color as the base. If this is not done, while the liquid wallpaper dries, the metal will rust, and the rust will “come out” ugly yellow spot. Will have to repair immediately. So it is better to isolate all metal objects in advance.
Composition preparation
Liquid wallpaper is sold dry in bags. Before use, water is added to the composition, everything is well mixed. The amount of water depends on the volume of the bag, the type of composition, the manufacturer. The specific amount is written on the package.
It is more convenient for this work to have a large plastic bucket - 12 liters or more. Pour the contents of the package into it, add water. The mixture should be stirred until smooth. It turns out something similar to minced meat.
Since liquid wallpaper does not contain harmful chemical additives, you can mix it with your hands. If the mass is unpleasant for you, you can wear gloves. The finished mass is usually transferred back to the bag, the “neck” is twisted and left for several hours (at least 4-5 hours, but preferably 10-12) - for uniform swelling. Please note that the dried composition will be noticeably lighter than wet.
It is better to knead at once all the amount necessary to finish a room or at least one wall. If you put it in "pieces" you can see the borders. They are almost invisible on light shades, but can spoil the picture if the color is bright. If the borders are still visible, until the wall is completely dry, you should not take any action. Perhaps the borders will disappear when completely dry. If the liquid wallpaper is dry, but transitions are visible, the composition can be removed with a spatula, soaked again for several hours, mixed and applied again.
Wall or ceiling application
To work take a new trowel. To make it easier to follow the process, there is a trowel with a transparent plastic working surface. It is easier for beginners to work with such a trowel. The process itself is simple:
It is advisable to process the entire wall at a time, otherwise the junction lines of the two "pieces" may be visible. If, nevertheless, it was not possible to process the entire wall at a time, sprinkle the joint well with water, wait 20-25 minutes, you can continue finishing. Most likely, the joint will be subtle or almost invisible.
In the corners, you can use an ordinary spatula, but it is easier to make even corners with the help of special corner ones. First, a mass is applied on both sides of the corner, carried out with an angular spatula, the excess squeezed out is rubbed from the corner onto the wall, leveling the surface.
Liquid wallpaper dries for a long time - about 48 hours. The composition contains a substantial amount of water, so that when dried indoors high humidity, which inevitably falls into other rooms. But in the process, you can turn on the heating, open windows, arrange a draft. There are no restrictions.
Roller application
Applying liquid wallpaper with a trowel or spatula is good for everyone, except that the process takes a lot of time. To speed up the process, you can try applying liquid wallpaper with a roller. Only the roller should be special: with hard short hairs collected in groups. The width is about 15 cm. If this is not found, you can use fur with a hard short pile or foam rubber, but hard.
Before starting work, dilute liquid wallpaper according to the instructions, prepare the wall. After trying to work with the resulting composition. If the mass is poorly distributed on the wall, add a little water. But add little by little, because too liquid will “creep”. The technique is slightly different:
- Apply a certain amount of mass to the wall with a spatula, not worrying too much about the thickness of the layer. Just make a "flip".
- Roll out with a roller.
- Apply the next batch of mortar, roll out.
With the help of a roller, it is easier to maintain the same thickness of the material. This works well for smooth walls. Moreover, the finishing speed is 6-8 m².
Different application techniques produce different effects
When applying liquid wallpaper with a roller, the surface is more rough, textured. If you don’t like this effect, after the wall is finished, moisten it with a spray bottle, wait 15 minutes, go over the surface with a clean trowel soaked in water, smoothing the relief.
How to make patterns with liquid wallpaper
It is unlikely that beginners will be able to make complex patterns on the walls with liquid wallpaper, but it is quite possible to try something simple. The easiest way to make two-color patterns, and the easiest - geometric.
You can find any image. But then you need to transfer the outline of the drawing to the wall. If you have artistic ability, you can try to do it "by hand". If it doesn’t work out, you can enlarge it to the required size, print it on paper, but it’s better on cardboard, cut it out and attach it to the wall. Fill around with one wallpaper color. When the liquid wallpaper is dry, remove the paper/cardboard using a second fill in the empty area. But it is necessary to work carefully, without dirtying the already finished part.
If the drawing is simple - geometric figures, for example, you can install some kind of hard barrier to separate colors. For example, beacons for plaster. They are fixed, filled with liquid wallpaper of the same color. After drying, you can remove the beacons and carefully, without crawling onto the finished part, use the second color.
There is a way to transfer complex drawings without printing. You will need glass, a black marker, a lamp. Draw a contour on the glass with a black felt-tip pen, highlight it with a lamp. A clear outline appears on the wall, which we simply direct. We fill in the way that is more convenient, but usually first large areas, then smaller ones.
good alternative roll wallpaper is a relatively new interior material called "liquid wallpaper". Initially, the unusual coating caused potential buyers some apprehension. However, the novelty quickly managed to take a strong position in the sector. finish coatings due to special qualities. What is the species diversity of liquid wallpaper, what characteristics does given type finishes, as well as manufacturers and prices for liquid wallpaper.
An overview of liquid wallpaper - what are they, in what form are they sold?
The world owes the appearance of liquid wallpaper to the French rabbit. It was Charles VII who ordered the urgent restoration of the captured castle. Not being able to use silk fabrics (the reason lay in the destruction of Parisian machine tools), the courtiers had to urgently get out of a predicament. Grinding the silk cloth and adding flour as a binder saved the day. The coating turned out to be not only beautiful and original, it prevented heat losses and the penetration of sounds from the outside.
Generally speaking, the following can be said about liquid wallpaper: in the considered finishing material, there is a combination best qualities paper wallpaper, coatings and decorative plaster.
Some confuse the liquid version of the wallpaper with plaster decorative type. This is a fairly common but misleading notion. The difference between these materials in their composition. There is no sand component in the wallpaper, which cannot be said about the plaster. What is the basis of liquid wallpaper.
Finishing of this type consists of:
- Cotton.
- Cellulose.
- polyester.
- Dyed fibers . As a rule, it is silk (natural or artificial). In fact, this is the main component responsible for creating a fabric effect.
- decorative elements (with mother-of-pearl presence, gloss, marble) adding sophistication to the material.
At points of sale, the appearance of liquid wallpaper bears little resemblance to a rolled "relative". The buyer purchases sealed packages with powder or ready-mix. Dry variation is produced in the form of small sawdust. This is a special wallpaper material impregnated with glue. It requires the addition of warm water. Then the mixture is applied to the surface. The main thing in this matter is the uniformity of the distribution of the applied layer. In some cases, the procedure is completed by tinting the wall, performed with special paint.
For reference . Walls covered with liquid wallpaper can be similar to paper relief, silk or resemble foam. It depends on the choice of liquid-wallpaper version.
Species diversity of liquid wallpaper
For final touch in residential or office space you can use the following liquid wallpaper, the name of which actually determines the basis of the composition:
- silk . The material mainly consists of silk fiber. Refers to himself quality look due to the long service life and resistance to solar exposure. The cost matches the quality, that is, it exceeds the price of the types indicated below.
- cellulose . Quality and appearance criteria are significantly lower than those of silk counterparts. The price criterion is at the same level - they are the cheapest in the segment of liquid wallpaper.
- Silk-cellulose . Represented by a mixture of fibers. They belong to the middle option between silk and cellulose materials.
Based on the type of use, the wallpapers are divided into groups:
- Material ready to be applied to the surface . It just adds water. Next comes the decoration of the walls. A similar process is by force an amateur. Special skills are not needed.
- Wallpaper to be painted . They are produced exclusively in white. To get a different shade, you need skill in the use of dyes and decorative components. As a rule, such work is entrusted to professionals.
What are the characteristics of the "liquid" representatives of the wallpaper sector - the plus and minus sides of the choice
In the asset of advantages:
- Luxurious look. The room becomes comfortable and cozy.
- Originality and unusual design of the walls. There is an opportunity to create fancy patterns and panels.
- Ease and speed of restoration work. Experts talk about a time period of 5-10 minutes.
- The material is environmentally friendly and harmless, there is no smell.
- They are immune to third-party odors, they simply are not absorbed by the wallpaper. For this reason, they are of interest to kitchens.
- In the cold season, walls decorated with liquid wallpaper retain heat, that is, the finish has thermal insulation properties.
- There is no need for special preparation of the walls. Wallpaper cope with filling cracks and leveling other defects.
- The consequences in the form of seams and gaps are not relevant for liquid wallpaper solutions.
- Do not fade, do not lag behind the surface, regularly serve for a long time.
- They are not afraid of temperature changes and shrinkage of the building.
- The wallpaper has antistatic and dust-repellent effects.
- High fire safety criterion. Having such wallpapers, you can not be afraid that they will burn. If the fire gets to the finish, then there will definitely not be any release of poisonous gas.
- Possibility of reuse. The coating removed from the surface with a spatula is placed in a container and diluted with water to obtain a mixture that can be applied again.
What is in the baggage of disadvantages:
- The cost of finishing.
- Low degree of moisture resistant parameter. The soiled area is not washed to prevent complete washing off of the coating. They are protected from water influence by a layer of colorless varnish applied to the walls.
- Any contact (rubbing of objects, touching people, and so on) threatens the wallpaper with abrasion.
Despite the disadvantages, such wallpapers are not deprived of practicality. Compliance with elementary rules allows you to enjoy the beauty of the coating for 10 years or more.
Which liquid wallpaper manufacturers are leading the Russian market - a brief overview
Among the variety of manufacturers, let's pay attention to those whose products are especially popular with domestic consumers. The list was compiled on the basis of the recommendations of the masters, reviews on specialized Internet forums, and surveys in social networks. networks.
To begin with, information that is important to know when choosing liquid wallpaper:
- The average cost of a "square" finish is in the range of 185-195 rubles.
- The price range for one package is 460-2700 rubles, if you do not take into account VIP offers.
- Wallpaper is packaged in packages of different capacities. Usually the content of one package is designed for a certain quadrature. For example, the consumption minimum is four "squares", the maximum reaches 6-7 m². This nuance requires special attention when buying. This helps in calculating financial costs.
So in small review the most popular brands from the liquid wallpaper segment are presented:
1. French Senideco
The assortment of Senideco has one and a half hundred positions. Wallpaper with impeccable texture and visual appeal.
Products belong to the category of expensive, but stylish and high quality. The strong position of the brand in the world market, including the Russian one, is not surprising.
2. French Cotex
The elegance of Cotex's soft cotton "carpet" is impressive.
Buyers are offered three collections:
- Monochromatic variations.
- With a touch of gold thread.
- With mineral addition.
Thanks to its formula, easy care, UV resistance, and other properties related to the practical characteristics of the product and its durability are guaranteed.
3. Japanese Silkcoat
This manufacturer does not lag behind in matters of quality and excellent performance properties from French colleagues.
The uniqueness of the Silkcoat formula has earned high praise from consumers.
4. German Wema
Wallpapers are characterized by elegance, a variety of color and texture proposals.
The exclusivity of the product was appreciated by buyers in more than twenty countries. The walls of the most prestigious buildings are decorated with Wema wallpapers.
5. Polish Poldecor
A well-known brand in Europe supplies products related to high-quality decor to the market of our country.
From the offered product range, buyers can choose products with a high or medium price.
6. Turkish Bayramix Koza
Against the background of a wide range of colors, products are distinguished by affordability.
Agree, this is a significant plus in the treasury of merits.
7. Russian Silk Plaster
Silk Plaster products are somewhat inferior in appearance to more expensive "relatives" from France. However, it has good performance parameters. And the cost of the material is less.
