Non-woven wallpaper is a popular type of wallpaper that is becoming increasingly popular because of its simplicity and strength. The unique structure of the wallpaper gives it a number of unique advantages, which come to the fore in particular during application and removal. Would you also like to get started with non-woven wallpaper? Read more about the advantages and the how and what of applying this type of wallpaper here.
Non-woven wallpaper or fiberglass wallpaper?
A common confusion is that between fiberglass wallpaper and non-woven wallpaper. Non-woven wallpaper consists of several layers, with the bottom layer usually made of a thin glass fiber. The layer above it consists of vinyl or paper. Fiberglass wallpaper (also known as fiberglass wallpaper) is made entirely from woven fiberglass. This material is several times stronger, but is colorless, relatively expensive and difficult to apply and remove. When choosing material, make sure that you buy the right glue! Glue for fiberglass wallpaper has a very different structure than the glue for non-woven wallpaper. Make sure that you do not mistakenly mix up these glues!
The advantages
Non-woven wallpaper has a number of undeniable advantages due to its multi-layer construction. For example, the material is strong, easy to apply and can be used on problem walls. A brief summary:
- Strong: compared to regular wallpaper, non-woven wallpaper is quite strong. This has to do with, among other things, the multi-layer structure and the fact that the bottom layer is made of strong glass fiber.
- Shrink-free: because the top layer of non-woven wallpaper is not in direct contact with the adhesive, virtually no shrinkage takes place.
- Crack bridging: Due to the strong backing, non-woven wallpaper bridges cracks to a certain extent, making it excellent to use on problem walls.
- Apply: the application of non-woven wallpaper is relatively easy. For example, no sticking table is needed; you can smear the glue directly on the wall!
- Remove: Removing non-woven wallpaper is also a simple job. You simply pull the top layer off the bottom layer!
- Paper again? You can leave the bottom fleece in place after the top layer has been removed. You can just hang over this.
Apply non-woven wallpaper
The application of non-woven wallpaper is a fairly simple job compared to other types of wallpaper. A short step-by-step plan:
- Preparing the substrate: non-woven wallpaper can sometimes be slightly translucent, so make sure that the surface does not show strong color contrasts. If this is the case, use a primer to equalize before you start decorating.
- Preparing the paste: make sure that you use special wallpaper paste for non-woven wallpaper (for example from Bison). Other paste is too thin or simply does not adhere well to the glass fleece. Prepare the paste according to the instructions, which usually means that you mix the powder into glue while stirring.
- To apply the paste: you apply the paste for non-woven wallpaper directly to the wall. So not on the wallpaper strips! Use a special wallpaper paste roller. Glue a maximum of one or two lanes ahead, so that the glue does not have a chance to dry prematurely.
- Wallpapering: hanging with non-woven wallpaper is easy. You can have the strips join together seamlessly while butting. Use a plumb bob for the first strip to avoid progressive errors.
- Pressing: non-woven wallpaper is stiff. Pressing is therefore best done with a special rubber roller.
Remove non-woven wallpaper
Removing non-woven wallpaper is, if possible, even easier than applying it; you simply pull the strips dry from the wall! The under layer of fiberglass remains behind, but you can easily hang it over it. If a piece does not work, use a putty knife to stab. It is rarely necessary to also take the underlay with you.