Since paper wallpapers are still the most common, let's see how they can be classified into further groups according to their weight per square meter.
The weight per square meter of the so-called light wallpapers falls below 90 g/m². They are the cheapest category of paper wallpapers, although it is also true that fewer and fewer people buy such wallpapers, because unfortunately they also have the least durability. Their basic material is natural or bleached paper, the thickness of which is between 0.1 and 0.3 mm. These light wallpapers can be further classified into 3 groups: natural, pre-printed natural and fond wallpapers.
Natural wallpapers
It should not be confused with natural wallpapers, since here the adjective natural means that it is the simplest type of such paper wallpapers. It is often used for more demanding wallpapers as an underlay wallpaper. It is produced from plain, raw-colored or colored paper. Natural wallpapers have a limited lifespan, as such paper quickly turns yellow under the influence of light.
Pre-printed natural wallpapers
The material is the same as the aforementioned natural wallpaper, but these are already provided with a pattern, which patterns contain two or more colors. It is due to this pattern that the signs of aging resulting from the coloring of the weaker material become visible later than on smooth, natural wallpapers.
Fond wallpaper
They are made of much better quality paper than their natural counterparts. A base layer of ink is also applied to this paper, and the pattern is printed on this layer of ink. This paint layer also functions as a protective layer, since light does not directly hit the paper, which means that its discoloration starts later.
After the light wallpapers, medium-weight wallpapers follow, since most of the paper wallpapers currently available on the market can be classified in this category. The weight per square meter of medium-weight wallpapers is between 90 and 130 g/m2, and their average thickness is between 0.2 and 0.7 mm. Of course, medium-weight wallpapers can also be classified into different subcategories.
Oil print wallpapers
In the past, oil paint was used to create it, today we can also classify wallpapers printed with cover paint here. The paint is applied to the paper with a roller with a fine pattern. These wallpapers retain their color very well, have a slightly glossy effect and are easy to keep clean.
Glossy, or smoothed wallpapers
The paper is smoothed with a polished metal roller, which increases the glossy effect on the colored side of the wallpaper. This method will result in a reflective, shiny surface. For a more spectacular appearance, a cylinder with a star pattern is often used.
Silk, or also known as metaxa wallpapers
Wallpaper with a silky effect, plain or raised print. The silky effect is achieved in various ways, for example with bronze powder, mica or aluminum pigments. Typically heavier, strong, breathable, and excellent light-resistant wallpapers. It is important to mention that they are not waterproof at all, cannot be washed and some types react badly to glue.
Coarse fiber wallpapers
What makes the wallpaper rough? From the fact that wood grinding, wood flour, textile fibers or coarse fiber paper are mixed into the paper material. It looks off-white, has a rough surface and is lightly impregnated on the outside. The most common version is the so-called "Ingrain" wallpaper with a textile-like appearance. Two-layer wallpaper in which wool fibers are mixed and colored in the upper layer. The pattern is also placed on this surface. It is a very good choice for covering walls with a slightly uneven surface, because its structure nicely hides minor defects.
Unie wallpaper
High-quality wall coverings made of paper, usually in one color and without a pattern. It is most often used to frame the ceiling and patterned surfaces. They are of good quality, but not washable.
In the previous lines, we learned some important things about light and medium-weight wallpapers, and next time we will get to know heavy wallpapers a little better.