Acrylic wallpaper is a paper sheet coated with foamed acrylic. They are an alternative to the recognized leader - vinyl. This is a cross between paper and vinyl wallpaper. This material has appeared relatively recently, but has already been able to conquer its niche in the market of finishing materials. Let's look at the pros and cons of acrylic wallpaper, care and gluing features.
Acrylic wallpaper - pros and cons
First of all, the price speaks for such wallpapers - it is significantly lower than that of vinyl ones. However, in fairness, it should be noted that the service life of acrylic wallpaper is also noticeably lower in comparison with its direct competitors.
Many people take credit for acrylic wallpaper for its ability to pass air well, which means it is breathable. This is not entirely true. Indeed, they allow air to pass through, but exactly until the moment you apply glue to them. After drying, the glue forms such a dense crust on the back of the wallpaper that there can be no talk of any "breathing". Just a marketing ploy, nothing more.
Another weak point is the acrylic itself. The fact is that the acrylic pattern is not applied to the entire surface, as in vinyl, but only in the places of the patterns. This makes the wallpaper more vulnerable to moisture and mechanical stress. Therefore, they cannot be used in rooms with high humidity. Cleaning should also be careful, but more on that below. 
The advantages, in addition to the low price, include their higher strength compared to paper ones. In addition, they have a fairly rich selection of designs and colors, although they are inferior in this to vinyl. It should also be noted that due to the shallower depth of the pattern, they are lighter than vinyl, which will allow you to purchase cheaper glue. Due to its strength, such wallpapers can mask small irregularities on the walls, and the texture of the pattern will make them completely invisible.
Acrylic wallpaper is made of polymer compounds, which excludes the appearance and reproduction of various kinds of bacteria and microbes. Such material is absolutely non-toxic and does not emit any emissions into the atmosphere. This is a very powerful argument for choosing a nursery, and in general, for people who care about their health. An interesting feature is that you can buy acrylic wallpaper with a pretty chic design for the price of regular vinyl. But their competitors with a similar design will not be affordable for everyone.
In general, acrylic wallpaper occupies a worthy place among decorative materials, but there is also a downside to the medal. Not all buyers can tell the difference between acrylic and vinyl wallpapers. Therefore, often, especially in the markets, you can buy inexpensive vinyl, which actually turns out to be acrylic. As a rule, this is detected during the first wash, when the pattern begins to deteriorate from moisture. In order not to become a victim of scammers, ask sellers for product quality certificates. Otherwise, acrylic wallpapers are worthy competitors to vinyl ones and surpass paper ones by a head, slightly inferior to the latter in price. These are the main pros and cons of acrylic wallpaper, let's now talk about caring for them. 
Cleaning acrylic wallpaper
Cleaning vinyl wallpaper is not difficult at all, although it has its own peculiarities. It is forbidden to use abrasive substances, as they will irreversibly damage the canvas. Do not use detergents either. Cleaning is best done with a damp cloth or sponge. Take a container with clean water, moisten a rag or sponge in it and squeeze it out well (soaked in plenty of water can damage the wallpaper). Next, wipe the surface gently. After such a simple cleaning, the wallpaper will regain its original appearance. 
Acrylic wallpaper gluing
At the next stage, we prepare the canvases. We cut them in accordance with the height of the walls, plus a few centimeters in reserve. We lay the cut canvases on a pre-prepared solid base and apply glue. The adhesive can be used for both paper and vinyl wallpaper. The applied glue should be held a little so that it is absorbed.
Now you can glue. Most often, the "butt-joint" method is used for stickers, less often with an overlap. Next, you need to carefully smooth the glued canvases from the center to the edges. Be sure to wipe the surface of any glue left over from the previous one before placing the next glue sheet. During the execution of work and further drying of the glue, you should not ventilate the room, since this type of wallpaper does not tolerate temperature changes.
We examined the main ones with you, you can read about other types here -.
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When choosing wallpaper, the question of their durability often arises. Acrylic wallpaper is an acceptable option.
The material is a paper (non-woven) base, on which a layer of foamed acrylic is sprayed. It has a thickness of about 2 mm (as opposed to 4 mm for vinyl wallpaper) and forms a kind of relief pattern.
Pros and cons of acrylic wallpaper
The method of applying acrylic ensures that the wallpaper is breathable. The question about the dangers of acrylic wallpaper has an unambiguous answer - no. The polymer layer does not emit any toxic substances, and due to the ability of this coating to "breathe", it can be used both for children and for living rooms and bedrooms.
To be sure of the safety of the material, do not forget when buying check the quality certificate... Counterfeits can disappoint you.
There are other advantages as well:
- affordable price
- water resistance
the surface can be washed, but it should be protected from excessive moisture.
- wear resistance
resistant to mechanical damage, so they are often used if there are children and animals in the house. You can read about other ways to protect walls at the link http://roomia.ru/gazeta/news/837_kak_zashhitit_steny_ot_domashnikh_pitomcev.
- embossed pattern and a wide selection of colors, which allow the material to be used in various interiors.
The disadvantages include:
- shorter service life than vinyl wallpaper;
this is due to a decrease in the thickness of the top layer
- vulnerability to high humidity;
therefore, the wallpaper requires careful washing and is not used in rooms with excessive humidity.
How to glue acrylic wallpaper
Adhesive for acrylic wallpaper it is better to use the same one that is designed for vinyl or paper coverings.
If you intend to use several types of material, you can stop at universal glue.
Acrylic wallpaper is glued in the usual way:
- preparation of the foundation;
the wall should be cleaned of the old coating, degreased and leveled with putty.
- priming of walls;
the primer is selected according to the type of base.
- preparation of canvases;
the roll is cut into the required number of canvases, taking into account the height of the surface to be pasted and adding 4-5 cm of margin.
- glue application;
after application, the glue must be absorbed, for which the finished canvases are left to lie on a flat surface for several minutes
- gluing to the wall.
gluing canvases "end-to-end", starting from the window or from the corner of the room. For control, you can draw a vertical line along which the edge is aligned.
It is better to apply canvases to the wall at once along the entire height, therefore it is advisable for this work have a partner.
Smooth out wrinkles and formed bubbles from the center to the edges. The excess from the bottom and from the top is cut off.
Some of the nuances of how to glue acrylic wallpaper on a paper or non-woven base are discussed in the video clip:
In addition, you need to take care that there are no drafts in the room for a couple of days while the wallpaper dries.
Caring for acrylic wallpaper
No special skills are required to clean acrylic wallpaper. It is enough to adhere to a few rules:
- clean with a well wrung out damp sponge;
- do not use abrasive products;
- do not apply great effort when washing, so as not to damage the surface.
It is enough to wash the acrylic surface once every three years.
Previously, the walls in apartments were pasted over only with paper wallpaper. However, another time has come, and spectacular novelties have appeared on the market. People actively began to paste over their rooms with vinyl, non-woven, washable wallpaper, photo wallpaper, glass wallpaper, silk-screen printing. And nobody even had a clue that some materials could be harmful. Gradually, the excitement died down and many became interested in the safety of these luxurious materials. Three types of wallpapers attracted special attention: non-woven, vinyl and acrylic.
What is non-woven wallpaper?
Non-woven fabric is a non-woven material consisting of two types of fibers (textile and cellulose) that are interconnected. These fibers are held by polymers. This material can be found everywhere:
From this we can conclude that non-woven wallpaper and harm are two incompatible concepts.
Harm from non-woven wallpaper
So why are many people convinced that non-woven wallpaper is harmful? If these are high-quality products, then they will not be able to cause harm. However, many manufacturers, in order to be competitive in the market for these materials and at the same time make their products cheaper, go to various tricks. Vinyl wallpapers on a non-woven basis were created, which began to be considered non-woven.
However, it is vinyl that is extremely dangerous to human health. In the process of combustion, formaldehyde is released from it, which enters the human body and, as a result of a reaction with blood, causes irreversible harm to the organs. The organs that formaldehyde degrades include:
- central nervous system;
- airways;
- pathological changes in genetic material;
- skin;
- reproductive organs.
If you take formaldehyde orally in an amount of 70-90 ml, there is a lethal outcome.
The glue used for gluing non-woven rolls is also quite dangerous. You may be allergic to it. Therefore, it is very important to choose the right glue, read the instructions, and delve into who produces it. After completing the repair, it is necessary to thoroughly ventilate the room and only then begin to settle in it.
You need to choose the wallpaper very carefully. Many well-known manufacturers do not want to spoil their reputation by releasing low-quality products. Before purchasing this material, you should ask the seller to show a certificate of conformity and a sanitary-epidemiological conclusion for the purchased product. If the seller is bona fide, he will provide these documents.
Pay attention to the texture of the material. Real non-woven wallpaper has a dense and firm texture. And in a fake it is soft and easily damaged by a fingernail.
In addition, non-woven wallpaper, due to its embossed surface, can accumulate dust, as a result of which people with asthma, allergies or respiratory diseases begin to experience discomfort. Therefore, wet cleaning should be carried out more often indoors.
Also, when choosing rolls for gluing a room, you should pay attention to such characteristics as air permeability. If this property is absent, then a fungus may appear, which is dangerous to health.
The harm from vinyl wallpaper
Is vinyl wallpaper harmful? Unfortunately yes. At first glance, they are an excellent alternative to expensive natural materials. They do not fade under the sun's rays, they are durable, the surface can be washed, they hide the unevenness of the wall very well.
However, the paint used to cover vinyl rolls contains zinc and copper compounds that start to release in the apartment. Moreover, the thicker the vinyl layer, the later the release of these harmful substances occurs. If you sniff the rolls, you can smell the turpentine and acetone. This is a clear sign of poor quality products.
You should also pay attention to whether there are special signs on the rolls, for example, an environmental safety sign. This means that such wallpapers can be used without harm to health. In addition, they must have micropores, which means air access.
Vinyl wallpapers are considered fire hazardous and can catch fire at temperatures of 160-200 degrees. In the process of burning, vinyl releases hydrogen chloride, which, when inhaled, forms hydrochloric acid in the respiratory organs, which is incompatible with life. Experts strongly recommend abandoning the use of vinyl wallpaper, because in addition to hydrogen chloride, when it burns, it releases:
- carbon dioxide;
- cyanide compounds;
- carbon monoxide and some other hazardous substances.
Is acrylic wallpaper harmful?
Acrylic wallpaper is an analogue of vinyl wallpaper, but instead of vinyl, acrylic spraying is used. They are a material consisting of two layers, the basis of which is thick paper. On top of it, a relief of acrylic paint is applied.
Acrylic is an artificial compound that results from the polymerization of acrylic acids. On the basis of the substances obtained, varnishes and paints are made. They are easy to dilute with water and, when dry, forms a thin and sufficiently strong waterproof film.
Acrylates, unlike benzoates, do not cause any harm to human health. After drying, acrylic paint does not emit any harmful substances, even if the room temperature is high. It does not smell, which means there is no fumes either.
Thus, when making your choice between wallpaper with different coatings, you should focus on acrylic wallpaper. They are safe, so you don't have to worry about harm.
The widespread acceptance and love of consumers for acrylic paints prompted manufacturers to further experiment. And now the extensive family of finishing materials based on acrylates and polyacrylates has been supplemented with acrylic wallpapers.
How do they differ from other types of coatings, what are the features of their production, installation and operation?
Acrylic wallpaper: characteristics
Let's start with the question of how acrylic wallpaper is made. This is by no means an idle curiosity. It is the raw materials and manufacturing technologies that give the materials basic properties and characteristicsthat they bring into our lives.
- Acrylic wallpaper is a two-layer material, the base of which is usually thick paper. A layer of acrylic paint is applied over it. Rather, not a layer, but a relief. The first feature of acrylic wallpaper is that the finishing layer is not applied as a continuous film, as is the case with vinyl wallpaper, but in fragments.
- Acrylic itself is an artificial compound obtained by polymerizing acrylic acids. On the basis of the obtained substances, paints and varnishes are made, which are easily diluted with water, and upon drying they form a thin but durable film with water-repellent properties.
- Acrylates differ in that they do not have a negative effect on human health, unlike, for example, benzoates. Acrylic paint after drying, does not emit harmful substances, even when the temperature in the room rises. In addition, this substance is practically odorless, which confirms the absence of fumes.
- In the production of acrylic wallpaper, acrylic paint is used as a decorative coating. It does not lie down in a continuous layer, but is applied with a pattern or relief. This technology, on the one hand, provides acrylic wallpaper with the ability to carry out free air exchange in the room. On the other hand, it deprives the wallpaper of the properties of a continuous acrylic coating. In particular, moisture resistance.
- Acrylic wallpapers are often compared to vinyl wallpapers. Although this comparison is not entirely successful. These are different materials with different properties, including consumer ones. Acrylic wallpaper creates a more comfortable space due to its vapor permeability. Vinyls are stronger and more resistant to moisture and steam.
- Acrylic wallpaper, like the rest of the wallpaper material, is produced in rolls, usually 10.5 meters long and 0.5 to 0.9 meters wide. The cost of wallpaper is very diverse - from 150 rubles per roll to 1.5 thousand. It all depends on the manufacturer, country of origin, year of collection and wallpaper design.
In order to correctly determine the choice, we will systematically analyze the entire a range of advantages and disadvantages of acrylic wallpaper.
The advantages of this coverage include:
- Vapor permeability, which allows natural ventilation of the room.
- High quality workmanship. Rich colors, original textures, beautiful patterns and unusual ornaments - all this can be found in the catalogs of acrylic wallpapers. Moreover, for this it is not at all necessary to buy expensive imported analogues. Our manufacturers produce samples that are in no way inferior to European counterparts.
- Safety for human health and room microclimate. Wallpaper creates a comfortable living environment for living. They do not emit harmful substances and prevent the formation of excessive dampness in the room. Therefore, unlike vinyl wallpaper, acrylic wallpaper is quite suitable for decorating bedrooms, children's rooms and other premises of frequent or permanent residence.
- Acrylic wallpapers are cheaper than vinyl ones, so the availability of the material becomes one of the main arguments in its favor.
- Acrylic wallpaper is quite suitable for use in the care of wet wipes, mild detergents. So if the wallpaper is too dirty, there will be no problems with cleaning.
Cons of acrylic wallpaper:
- Low resistance to moisture, water, and mechanical damage.
- As a result, the lifespan, although not short, is not as long as that of vinyl wallpaper. On average, acrylics last 5-7 years. Although under proper operating conditions, this period may increase.
Sometimes you come across the opinion that acrylic wallpapers are available in limited designs. This is a very controversial statement. To dispel it, it is enough to familiarize yourself with the collections of inexpensive, but diverse in style and design, domestic "Slavic wallpaper". Fans of unusual colors, original combinations and complex textures should pay attention to the acrylic wallpaper produced by Bluemountain (Canada) or Wallquest (USA).
How to choose the right acrylic wallpaper?
The issues of choosing the right color, texture and design are always very acute, because it is very difficult to navigate in a wide range of acrylic wallpapers. To make your life easier, here are some powerful tips.
- Take a practical approach to your choice. First of all, you need to take into account the purpose of the room and the operating conditions of the coating. If it is a bedroom, study, nursery, living room, hall, then you can and even need to buy acrylic wallpapers for these rooms. They will not harm the health and climate of the premises. For the kitchen, bathroom, hallway that has direct access to the street, living room where people smoke, it is better to choose a different type of wall coverings.
- Consider the size of the room and its configuration. Dark tones, large color spots, a wide variety of colors, for example, the uneven color stripes that are so popular now - all this will make a small room tighter and smaller. Light colors, small drawings, two or three colors of alternating horizontal or vertical stripes will help to visually expand perception. An unsuccessful niche in the room can be decorated with wallpaper-panels, they are also made using the acrylic technique. A light image with a perspective will visually expand the frames of a small room and help include a niche or alcove in the space.
- Don't be afraid to show your imagination. By combining plain and colored acrylic wallpapers, you will not only get a trendy design, but also add variety and depth to it. For example, acrylic wallpaper in a vintage design that mimics an old wall can be organically complemented by cute roses on a faded blue background. This pattern was very popular in wall decoration over 100 years ago. The result is an adorable, understated design with a retro touch. And by the way, combined wallpapers will not get bored for a very long time.
- It is not necessary to choose the most expensive wallpaper of overseas brands when buying. It is enough to purchase wallpaper from a large, well-known manufacturer. His name will serve as a guarantee of the quality of the purchase. And the technologies for the production of acrylic wallpaper, in fact, do not differ from each other, in whatever countries they are produced.
- Do not try to match the wallpaper to match the furniture or the color of the textiles. This is no longer interesting. On the contrary, in modern design, a variety of options and combinations are welcomed. This does not mean bad taste and excessive variegation. You can strike the right balance when you apply the golden rule of an interior designer. It says: unity must be observed in any diversity. It can be the unity of the ornament. For example, a recurring theme on wallpaper, cushions and curtains, but in different textures, colors, sizes and designs. Most often, these are flora and fauna - flowers or tropical birds. It can be color unity. Different patterns, shapes, sketches, but made in the same tone, look incredibly fresh and stylish. For example, the blue stripes on the wallpaper are accentuated by vases of blue glass, they are echoed by curtains with blue-green concentric circles, and on the floor there is a carpet of dense, short pile of the color of thick ultramarine.
How to glue acrylic wallpaper
The technology is not much different from conventional wall covering.
- In order to cover the walls with acrylic wallpaper, it is better to purchase glue for medium vinyl wallpaper. You do not need to use glue for heavy coatings, it will be too thick and dense.
- The wall must be well prepared, that is, dry, leveled and free of unwanted deposits, dust and building debris.
- The adhesive is applied to the wallpaper strip. The canvases themselves are glued joint to joint. Acrylic wallpapers have some elasticity, so they can be adjusted during the pasting process, moved at the desired angle.
- It is necessary to dry the wallpaper for at least a day, in a room where there are no drafts, and the temperature remains in the range from 18 to 22 degrees.
Acrylic wall-paper is a great alternative to vinyl coverings in permanent residential premises, moreover, it is distinguished by its democratic price.
Acrylic wallpaper for home - advantages and disadvantages, application.
Acrylic wallpaper is an analogue of foamed vinyl wallpaper, only in this case the vinyl is replaced with acrylic spraying. This decorative material is widespread in Russian stores, and, due to its beauty, is dearly loved by our citizens. What exactly are such wallpapers, I will tell you in this article.
Acrylic history
The term "acrylic" means the colloquial name of a special polymer used in the production of high-tech finishing and building materials (paints, sealants, etc.). Also, acrylic can be used to create plumbing fixtures, kitchen countertops and more. Acrylic was invented in Germany in the 30s of the last century. True, in those days it was organic glass without special additives, which had worse characteristics than modern acrylic. Over time, organic glass was actively used to create various polymers, combined into a group called "acrylic".
What is acrylic wallpaper?
Speaking about acrylic type wallpaper, we mean paper wallpaper with acrylic coating. That is, the canvas has a paper base on which a layer of foamed acrylic is applied on top. The applied layer forms a relief pattern on the surface. Note that the application is not carried out with a continuous film, but with a special point method. This allows acrylic-coated wallpaper to obtain such an important characteristic as breathability. Good ventilation guarantees the normalization of the microclimate in the room, as a result of which you can easily buy them for the walls of the dwelling.
Pros and cons of acrylic-coated wallpaper
Basically, if you know about all the disadvantages and advantages of vinyl wallpaper, then you will understand the advantages and disadvantages of acrylic without any problems. But there are still differences.
disadvantages
Firstly, acrylic wallpapers have less wear resistance and moisture resistance, which affects both their durability and the complexity of their care. Secondly, with regard to decorative qualities, then the wallpapers considered in our article are more limited. As a result, when buying them, you need to focus on the harmony of the combination of such wallpaper with the rest of the interior. Fortunately, you can choose the right wallpaper from the photo without leaving your home. Thirdly, the thickness of the foamy layer for acrylic wallpaper is 1.5-2 millimeters, while for vinyl wallpaper this layer reaches 3-4 millimeters. And if you take acrylic wallpaper for painting, then the number of possible stains will be sharply limited.
Benefits
Firstly, vinyl wallpaper has a higher price, which means that it is less affordable than acrylic wallpaper. Secondly, acrylic-coated wallpaper is durable and practical, which allows you to use it in any room, in any conditions, regardless of the level of humidity. Thirdly, acrylic wallpaper can be washed often, without much difficulty and fear for their safety. Fourthly, the wallpaper is protected from mechanical damage, as a result of which it can be used in homes with pets or small children. Finally, fifthly, acrylic-coated wallpaper is absolutely safe for health. The question “are they harmful” is not posed by experts at all, so you can not worry about the harm.
How to clean acrylic wallpaper?
Cleaning acrylic wallpaper has its own characteristics, but if everything is done correctly, then you will not experience any difficulties in the process. As practice shows, one cleaning is enough for a fairly long period. Remember that the use of abrasive care products is prohibited, as they can damage the canvas without the possibility of its subsequent restoration. It is best to clean with a soft damp cloth without detergents. Clean water for wallpaper will be quite enough, but you cannot be responsible for detergents, or rather, for their composition. Careful cleaning results in acrylic wallpaper with its perfect appearance.
Aesthetics of acrylic-coated wallpaper
On the surface of the wallpaper, you can find pronounced relief elements. The drawing looks more like broad brush strokes or raised points. By the way, the canvas may not contain any drawing. This is also acceptable. As for the aesthetics of the canvas, it is unlikely to affect its value, with the exception of any wallpaper from the collections of famous designers. Therefore, choose the look at your own discretion. In a classic interior, it is better to take wallpaper to match the color scheme of the room, with an appropriate pattern. And if your room is decorated in a modern style, acrylic wallpaper of a bright contrasting shade that does not contain a pattern, or liquid wallpaper will do. In other words, acrylic wallpaper is suitable not only for innovators, but also for conservatives.
Acrylic-coated wallpaper
As for how to glue acrylic wallpaper, the recommendations here are similar to gluing vinyl wallpaper. Prepare the wall, go over it with a primer, hiding large and small cracks and irregularities. And only after that start the process. When finished, you can use aesthetic paint or varnish to increase durability.
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