Can wallpaper be used in the bathroom: 4 key arguments
They started peeling off on the very next day, became covered in mold, the color faded – we’ve heard all kinds of horror stories about wallpaper in the bathroom. Are you afraid of repeating a bad experience and are saving up for tiles? Don’t be! Nowadays, wallpaper has become a full-fledged wall covering for bathrooms. And here is strong evidence in favor of wallpaper.
Why don’t we like wallpaper in the bathroom?
It’s natural for people to use what has already been tried and tested by others. It seems more reliable and solid. But wallpaper for bathrooms is an unusual, non-typical material, so it often appears strange to many. However, with the right choice of materials for installation and proper surface preparation, wallpaper in the bathroom will reveal its useful advantages.
Arguments in favor of wallpaper
- Saves your budget. Even expensive wallpapers end up being cheaper than tiles.
- DIY-friendly. Another plus for saving money – no need to hire anyone.
- Speed of work. With wallpaper, bathroom renovations can be done over a weekend.
- Easy to repair. Tired of the look, or did dangerous mold appear due to high humidity? Thanks to wallpaper, refreshing and restoring the room will be easier and more affordable than if such trouble happened with tiles.
Which wallpaper should you choose for the bathroom?
The first and most important rule for choosing wallpaper – NO paper-based options. All wallpapers with a paper backing are very fragile and easily torn. They quickly absorb moisture, which causes them to peel off and lose their appearance.
The optimal wallpapers for bathrooms are moisture-resistant ones. What can we find on the market?
- Washable wallpapers. The simplest option you can choose. Their surface does not let water into the material; they stick well to walls and do not get soggy when in contact with water.
- Self-adhesive wallpapers. These also have good moisture resistance and are easy to apply. The special feature of these wallpapers is that they require a perfectly even wall surface.
- Vinyl wallpapers. A practical covering with high density, doesn’t swell up, and can be washed. The walls will retain their appeal even after years of use in the bathroom.
- Glass fiber wallpapers. This material isn’t afraid of water or steam. The wallpapers are textured and can be painted over. You can refresh your interior whenever you wish.
- Liquid wallpapers. A very beautiful material that looks like textile covering. When applied to walls, it fills any cracks and visually hides imperfections. It’s easy to work with, giving an impressive result even for beginners.
- Wall linoleum. Not a very common covering in our region, but it should be! Wall linoleum is elastic, easy to apply at corners and joints, and highly resistant to moisture and mechanical damage. Thanks to interesting design solutions, wall linoleum looks very stylish.
What should you do to make your wallpaper last long?
- Before starting work, apply an anti-fungal agent to the walls. Additional treatment with BIO-protective agent TRIORA will protect your wallpaper from damage from inside the wall.
- Carry out installation in a room with a suitable climate and perfectly dry walls. Also, during installation in the bathroom, it’s important to maintain the manufacturer’s recommended temperature and humidity levels.
- Select glue with high adhesion that will firmly hold the wallpaper on the wall for years. Choose Grizzly non-woven wallpaper adhesive. It creates excellent bonding between the wallpaper and surface and securely holds even heavy materials on walls.
- Ensure good ventilation in the bathroom. This way condensation won’t occur, reducing the risk of mold growth while keeping your wallpaper looking attractive for longer.
Even the most wear-resistant wallpapers lose their appearance over time due to water exposure. So if you want your renovation to last long and remain high-quality, use more moisture-resistant coverings – such as wall linoleum or plastic panels – in the “wettest” areas like around sinks or bath edges. Alternatively, you can tile this small area.
Experience shows that on average wallpaper in bathrooms lasts about 5 years – not too little, not too much: just enough for you to get a little bored with your interior and want to refresh your bathroom’s look. With tiles, such frequent renovations would be labor-intensive and expensive! So if you love change and variety, boldly choose wallpaper.
