Blog, Interior Painting

Interior Painting, Moorestown, NJ: Paint or Wallpaper

If you are planning to renovate your walls in Moorestown, NJ, choosing between paint and wallpaper is an essential question.

Both have the advantage of transforming your room instantly.

They allow you to play with colors, textures, and patterns to make your room a comfortable and bright space.

But how do you choose between paint and wallpaper?

Elements such as the size of the room, its use, and its lighting will influence your decision.

In this article, we take a detailed look a painting vs wallpaper and how to choose between the two when renovating your house;

Painting

Generally, there are two categories of paint: latex or water-based paints and oil or solvent-based paints.

The latter has good adhesion properties, an important quality for durable paint. However, oil-based paints oxidize over time, which can lead to problems of yellowing and chipping.

For outdoor use, higher quality latex paints have a longer life compared to oil-based paints and keep color better.

Unlike oil paint, they have better resistance to cracking.

Besides, water-based paints dry faster than oil-based paints (usually 1 to 5 hours), allowing you to apply quickly a second coat.

There is also “organic” paint of natural origin, non-toxic and equally effective.

This paint guarantees safety and efficiency: practically odorless and adapts to any medium.

Pros of Painting

Ideal for damp spaces (bathroom or kitchen): lacquered and semi-gloss paint is the most suitable.

If stains (mold, children’s drawings, etc.) are made, you can easily repaint over them–either the entire wall or a small section.

It is easier to clean a painted wall.

A multitude of colors available.

Cons of Painting

The paint has a limited choice of finishes, i.e. matt and gloss.
Quite messy when applied (especially by DIY painters): you can easily stain your floors, ceilings, furniture or baseboards.
Oil paint takes time to dry and generates a strong odor during application.

The wallpaper.

Knowing the different wallpaper types will help you choose the ideal product that will meet your needs.

The standard wallpaper is one of the most affordable on the market and of good quality, but the patterns and colors offered are a little limiting.

The non-woven wallpaper is made of non-woven textile fibers and cellulose fiber.

This paper is an excellent sound and thermal insulator, and it also absorbs odors and humidity.

It can be repeatedly painted with a water-based or latex paint.

Vinyl wallpapers are coated with an additional layer of this material, making them more pleasing to the eye and more durable.

Unlike traditional wallpapers, they are water-resistant and cleanable.

Pros of Wallpaper

The wallpaper offers a large choice of patterns and effects such as beaded, glittery textures or even embossed silk.
Using good quality contemporary wallpaper is a long-term and profitable investment (it can last up to 15 years or more).
It allows you to add a personalized style and create an environment fully adapted to your tastes.
It can also camouflage imperfections on the surface of your walls (small scratches, traces of glue, etc.): you will have a very smooth surface and a perfect finish.

Cons of Wallpaper

Not the best option for DIY renovation.
Although there is moisture-resistant wallpaper, a majority of them are not suitable for damp rooms.

The Bottom Line

So, paint or wallpaper?

Well, as you can see, each of them has its pros and cons.

But they are both efficient for improving the aesthetics of your interior and protecting your walls.

As a side note, if you’re renovating damp rooms such as the bathroom or laundry room, prioritize glossy paint over wallpaper.

If you need help to repaint or wallpapering your home in Moorestown, Mt Laurel, Cherry Hill, Haddonfield, Voorhees, Evesham, Medford, or Tabernacle, our team at The Painting & Wallcovering Co. can help.

Request a FREE quote or give us a call 609.953.0944 today to get started.