Wallpaper Vs Paint: Which One Should You Choose?

By Urban Company

4 min read

Feb 05, 2019

Is there always a wallpaper vs paint battle being fought in your head? Wondering which is a better wall surface treatment for your home? This post makes the choice ...

Wallpaper Vs Paint: Which One Should You Choose?

Is there always a wallpaper vs paint battle being fought in your head? Wondering which is a better wall surface treatment for your home? This post makes the choice easier for you.

(This is a chapter of a bigger

guide on wallpapers

Here’s what this post will help you with:

• Why Paint?

• Why Wallpaper?

• Wallpaper Vs Paint: A Comparison Guide

• Wallpaper Vs Paint: The Final Verdict

We feel you! Picking the perfect tone for your walls is no easy task. After all, the right texture and finish can turn your walls from drab to fab! To wallpaper or not is one question. ‘Are there any disadvantages’ is another. Is it cheaper to paint or wallpaper a room? Basically, you’re always faced with a choice of what wall treatment to go for: Wallpapers or paint.

Well, let’s find out!

Why Paint?

• For the longest time, paints have been the default solution for Indian homes and apartments.

• The most popular choices today are emulsion and occasionally distemper (though that is slowly phasing out).

• Since emulsion paints come with various properties these days (VOC-free, anti-fungal, washable, and with finishes such as matte, gloss and sheen), these have become clear winner among paints for interiors.

• In terms of textures and finishes, the chances to get creative with paints has increased, a case in point being decorative wall art designs.

Why Wallpaper?

• The aesthetic charm of wallpapers has gained popularity among the masses in recent times.

• Wallpapers come in different material choices too–vinyl, paper-backed, non-woven and fabric.

• Available in rolls, these come in standard widths of 20.76 inches, 21 inches and even 48 inches, while larger printed graphics can be found in width of 64 inches, 78 inches and 120 inches, depending on the design.

• There are plenty of options in wallpapers too, from shades and textures, to patterns, prints and customised graphics. (

Bold print wallpapers

are trending in 2019, btw!)

Wallpaper or Paint: Pros and Cons

Here’s a comprehensive guide of the advantages and disadvantages of both to help you out:

(

Note:

As far as prep work is concerned, both paint and wallpaper need an even surface before application. The walls need to be sanded, plastered and finished with a coat of primer. If you have an existing wallpaper, it needs to stripped down carefully without damaging the wall. Might require certain chemicals to get the job done.)

Paint

Wallpaper

Application

Ensures perfect finish overall and at edges.

However…

Process takes 2 to 3 days for as a minimum of 3 coats is applied.

May stain floors, furniture and windows, if proper care is not taken. Can be applied quickly and without a mess if you have the right tools and basic skills.

However…

There are chances of air bubbles or crevices forming and, thus, spoiling the appeal of the design.

Appearance

Renders an even finish but colours may sometimes vary from the chart to the final coat.

There are no surprises in terms of shade accuracy.

Durability

Modern paint solutions last longer (up to 5 years) and are also washable.

However…

Paint can fade, if exposed to direct sunlight. Damaged portions of wallpapers can be covered or replaced with leftover roll.

However…

Wallpapers can fade when exposed to sunlight, and can be damaged by scratches and tears.

Variety

Is available in every imaginable shade possible.

However…

Patterned textures cost more and require more time to be applied. Is available in a variety of colours, prints, patterns and textures (also customisable), with roughly the same application time and process..

However…

May not be available in specific shades.