Over the past 30 years, the finishing materials industry has been developing dynamically. New compositions and trends have appeared, and preferences in colors and textures have changed. Only one thing remains unchanged - the popularity of wallpaper and decorative plaster. Moreover, the first option is often chosen by those who want to save on repairs, and the second - by everyone who is ready to invest in exclusivity. Let's arrange a kind of "battle" between these two popular materials and figure out what is actually better to choose for walls - wallpaper or decorative plaster; which of them is more profitable, which is more practical, and which is more expensive!
Wallpaper
Most of us still imagine this class of finishing materials in the form of rolls of paper with a pattern - flowers, stripes, polka dots, or classic damasks. This material maintains air exchange well and does not contain hazardous components, so it remains preferable for children's rooms and bedrooms.
But paper wallpaper has a number of disadvantages - it gets wet under the influence of glue, and forms bubbles and folds. And it does not last long, since it is impossible to remove dirt from it. Therefore, paper wallpaper has been replaced by more durable and universal analogs.
Non-woven. They consist of a single cellulose web, which makes them easier to stick and maintains all hygiene parameters.
Vinyl. This is a "heavy" option that requires certain skills and the use of special glue. But, unlike the previous two options, they are easy to wash and clean, and their service life exceeds 10 years. The only drawback is that they block air exchange. Vinyl wallpaper is not recommended for use in the bedroom.
Textile. They look impressive, do not interfere with air exchange, but can become a place for dust mites to accumulate and reproduce.
Liquid. In their appearance and application method, they are very similar to decorative plaster. But unlike it, they consist of cotton and cellulose fibers, not sand and cement. Therefore, their service life is much shorter.
Photo wallpapers are also worth mentioning separately. They differ from other types by the unity of the plot and the complete absence of joints. If earlier they were made on ordinary paper, now you can choose spectacular options with the texture of a fresco, crackle or oil painting.
Pros
The main advantage of wallpaper over other options is the huge history of its use in the interior. About 80% of people have used them at least once in their lives and are able to do finishing work with their own hands. They also have other advantages.
Eco-friendliness. In most cases, wallpaper supports air exchange and does not emit toxic substances into the atmosphere.
Wide price range. You can choose both a budget option for a rented apartment and an elite one, not inferior in cost to Venetian plaster.
A variety of prints and textures. You can choose one for any style, from brutal loft to sophisticated classics.
Resistance to fading. They maintain the saturation of colors throughout their entire service life.
Some wallpapers can also be cleaned and washed, and liquid wallpapers stand out among others for their ease of restoration - just apply a small amount of the mixture to the damage. Therefore, it is better to save the remains after the repair.
Cons
The quality and characteristics of wallpaper are directly proportional to their price. Therefore, the main disadvantage is often the deception of expectations - it is impossible to buy good material cheaply. Also, the following disadvantages are characteristic of most types of wallpaper.
Joints. They have to be masked by selecting rapports and gluing with an overlap. The only exception to this rule is liquid wallpaper, which is applied with a spatula.
Limited service life. The interior needs to be “refreshed” every 3-7 years, less often the terms reach 15 years. But this is only when using expensive non-woven and vinyl materials.
Self-confidence often affects the results of repairs. If technologies are violated, the wallpaper peels off, emphasizing the unevenness of the walls and creases.
It is also important to realize that it is impossible to restore wallpaper in case of minor damage – children’s drawings, traces of careless movement of furniture, food stains will remain with you until the next renovation.
The only exceptions may be liquid and vinyl wallpaper. The former can be restored locally, the latter – by thoroughly washing.
Decorative plaster
The main components of this type of finishing are sand, cement and lime. It may also contain synthetic resins, dyes and pigments, which determine their aesthetic properties.
This composition makes decorative plaster extremely durable – it lasts 30-40 years, and a suitable composition can be selected even for the bathroom and kitchen.
Pros
The main advantage of decorative plaster is its durability. While it will serve its owners faithfully, the wallpaper will have to be re-pasted at least 4-5 times. In addition, it attracts with the following advantages.
A variety of colors and textures. Venetian, bark beetle, marble, rain - you can choose an option for any interior.
Resistance to negative impacts. Felt-tip pens do not draw on it, and it is not always possible to leave a scratch even with targeted impact.
Colour retention. Decorative plaster is not afraid of rain or sun – it can even be used on balconies and terraces.
It is worth noting that this material is now as diverse as wallpaper.
For example, the term "silk plaster" may mask liquid wallpaper that does not have the required level of resistance to negative impacts. Therefore, when buying, it is worth clarifying the composition.
Cons
Mature people often dislike decorative plaster for the lack of a clear pattern. But in addition to the difference in tastes, there are some disadvantages.
Many types require professional application. If you can handle "bark beetle" and "concrete" yourself, then for "Venetian" and "wet silk" you will have to look for an experienced master, which will significantly increase the cost of repairs.
"Cold" surface. For many, this property is unacceptable in bedrooms and children's rooms.
Cost. Beautiful options require significant one-time investments.
Which is better?
The answer to the question of what is better to choose for wall decoration – wallpaper or decorative plaster – is purely individual and depends solely on personal preferences.
If you don’t like repeated alterations and repairs, then it’s better to choose decorative plaster – it will serve you for decades, while wallpaper will have to be regularly re-pasted.
If you are furnishing your bedroom and dreaming of coziness, choose wallpaper. It will create a warm and pleasant atmosphere.
If you dream of an expensive interior, like on Pinterest, decorative plaster will be the best solution.
Which is more expensive?
At first glance, decorative plaster is more expensive, and wallpaper is cheaper. But the higher cost of decorative plaster for a one-time investment is fully compensated by a longer service life.
In addition, it is worth taking into account that easy-to-apply decorative plaster options such as bark beetle and concrete belong to the budget segment, which may even be more profitable than some designer or branded wallpaper.
So, what is better to choose for the walls - to glue wallpaper or apply decorative plaster?! Both options are worthy of attention and are determined solely by your individual preferences and interior requirements.
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