If you are planning to renovate your walls, choosing between paint and wallpaper is an essential question. Indeed, both have the advantage of transforming your room instantly. You can play with colors, textures, and patterns to make your room feel comfortable and bright. Things like the size of the room, its use, and its lighting will influence your decision. In this article, we will be sharing details about painting vs. wallpapering, the pros and cons of each option and how to choose between the two.

Generally, there are two categories of paints: latex or water-based paints and oil-based or solvent-based paints.
The latter, being of superior quality, have good adhesion properties, an essential condition for durable paint.
However, oil-based coatings tend to oxidize over time, which can lead to yellowing and chipping problems, for interior applications or exterior cracks.

For exterior use, higher quality latex paints have a longer life than oil-based paints and retain color better. Unlike oil paint, they have better resistance to cracking. Additionally, water-based paints also dry faster than oil-based paints (typically 1 to 5 hours), so you can quickly apply a second coat. There is also “organic” paint of natural origin, non-toxic, and also efficient. This type of paint guarantees safety and efficiency: practically odorless, and it adapts to all surfaces.

Knowing the different types of wallpaper will help you choose the ideal product that will meet your needs. Standard wallpaper is one of the most affordable on the market and of good quality, but the patterns and colors offered are often limited. Non-woven wallpaper consists of non-woven textile fibers and cellulose fibers. This paper is an excellent sound and heat insulator, and it also absorbs odors and moisture. It can be painted over and over with 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.

The Pros and Cons

Painting

Pros

• Easy to perform on a surface in good condition.
• Ideal for humid spaces (bathroom or kitchen): gloss and semi-gloss paint is the most suitable.
• If stains (mold, children’s drawings, etc.) are made, paint is the ideal choice to cover them (possibly on a single section of the wall or very locally).
• It is easier to clean a painted wall.
• Available in virtually unlimited colors.
  

Cons

• The paint has only a minimal choice in the finish with matte and gloss.
• Quite messy when applied by inexperienced painters: you can easily stain your floors, ceilings, furniture, or baseboards.
• Oil paint takes time to dry and generates a strong odor
• Little need a coating pass and sanding of the support.
  

Wallpapering

Pros

• The wallpaper offers a large choice of patterns and effects such as pearl textures, glitter, or even embossed silk.
• The use of contemporary, good quality wallpaper is a sustainable and profitable investment over the long term (it can last up to 15 years or more).
• It allows you to add a personalized style and create an environment suited to your tastes.
• Can also be used to hide the many imperfections on the surface of your walls (small scratches, traces of glue, etc.).
  

Cons

• The installation is easy and first, but only when done by professional
• While there is one type of moisture-resistant wallpaper, most are not suitable for damp rooms.

The Bottom Line

Painting or wallpapering is the easiest and cheapest way to transform your business or home almost instantly. It can boost the aesthetic appeal, make your walls easy to clean and maintain and protect your building against moisture damage and mold growth. Need professional help choosing between wallpaper and paint, and applying it? New Haven Painters can help. We offer affordable, reliable, and durable wallpapering and painting services in New Haven, Branford, Milford, Orange, North Haven, West Haven, East Haven, and the surrounding areas. Book a FREE estimate below to get started, or call us (203) 606-2346, so we can talk about your project.

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