Wallpaper vs. Painting

Paint

Paint is one of the most common forms of decorating walls. It is simple and comes in a wide spectrum of colors. Every shade you can think of is possible. The variety is truly astounding with shades within shades and subtly different hues. Perhaps, this can become a problem: too much choice. Even among the whites, there are various shades: pearl, off-white, cream, eggshell, chalk, Queen Anne’s lace. One book listed some fifty different shades of white for a would-be decorator to choose from. In addition to the shades or hues, painters are allowed a selection of types. This applies beyond interior and exterior paint and extends to glossy, matte and flat and anything in between. Glossy captures the light and reflects it, enhancing the color; matte is dull, neutral, letting the color speak for itself.

All these characteristics of paint must be factored in. You need to decide the purpose of painting a room, the colors required to best present your theme or intention and whether painting is a practical means of accomplishing your decorating task.

When considering painting a room, do not forget the tools needed. Rollers, trays and brushes are the very basic means of getting a room done. Step ladders and/or scaffolding (in rooms with high ceilings) are also part of the necessary equipment.  Preparatory work requires sponges, putty knives (to fill in holes), scrapers and sanding blocks (to smooth down the putty-filled holes). You can sanely do anything without a drop cloth or two or three. The cost of these items can add up, but, except for some expensive brushes for fine work, you can always purchase the rest at dollar stores.

The cost of paint can very. Sales and end-of-lines can reduce costs and, for a small area, you might be able to pick up paint at disposal sites.

Besides price, paint is easy to apply, durable and not difficult to clean.

Wallpaper

Wallpapering used to be a very messy and frustrating job. Sheets of easily torn paper had to be pasted and then held up to the wall. If the paste was applied to thickly, there were lumps under the surface; apply the paste to lightly and the paper would slide off the wall.

Today, much has changed and it is all for the better. Wallpaper, now referred to as wall coverings is made of a variety of different substances. It is vinyl, fabric, grass cloth and foil as well as paper.

The new paper does not tear or rend as easily it did in the past. A plastic coating ensures it is both durable and easy to clean. As with paint, there is a myriad of different choices. You can decide what to pick based on suitability, both to the location and you and your family’s preferences.

Like paint, the quality will vary according to price and manufacturer. Unlike with painting, however, wallpapering is really not a solitary chore. You do need that extra pair of hands and eyes, the latter to inform you whether you are hanging the piece straight.

Wall preparations for papering are similar to painting. Flaws must be removed. The walls must be sanded and all holes filled. If the wall is already covered, strip it. And do not forget in either papering or painting to remove or protect the wall plates.

In the end, whether you choose to paint or paper depends on a number of factors – including preference. In today’s retail world, there are a multitude of stores offering advice related to each of these and handling a wide-range of products.  Before you decide, examine the work to be done and consider what will be the best suited method. And do not ignore the possibility of combining the two methods. Painting and wallpapering are not exclusive methods of decorating but can be very complementary.