Stick wallpaper in the bathroom tips. Legacy of the Soviet Union or an unusual design move: wallpaper for the bathroom

August 7, 2016
Specialization: Capital construction works (laying the foundation, erecting walls, constructing the roof, etc.). Internal construction works (laying of internal communications, rough and fine finishing). Hobbies: mobile communication, high technologies, computer equipment, programming.

I have been working as a builder for several decades and have the opportunity to observe the evolution of finishing materials. And recently I noticed that bathroom wallpapers, which have been undeservedly forgotten for a couple of decades, are becoming popular again.

Therefore, I decided to devote today's material to the question of which wallpaper is suitable for decorating a bathroom with your own hands. Naturally, we are not talking about low-quality products produced by the printing houses of the USSR, but about innovative finishing materials that have unique performance characteristics.

The possibility of using wallpaper in the bathroom

First of all, I want to touch a little on the advisability of using this type of finish in sanitary facilities, the microclimate of which is characterized by high humidity and significant temperature fluctuations in the air.

Leaving the aesthetic side of this issue for a while, I can name several reasons why I personally consider bathroom wallpaper one of the best decorative materials:

The price of wallpaper is less than the cost of tiles or other similar facing materials. Moreover, the entire repair will cost you less, since wallpapering the walls is a less time-consuming process than installing ceramics.
For pasting walls with wallpaper, it is not at all necessary to involve a professional in the work. You can do all the work yourself. Moreover, the process will not take as much time as it seems at first glance.
In specialized stores of finishing materials, such a large assortment of wallpapers is presented that with their help you can turn any design fantasy into reality. Moreover, this finishing material is perfectly combined with tiles, and with plastic panels, and with plaster.

Wallpaper is easy to stick on the walls, just as easy to dismantle. Therefore, if you have a desire to change the interior of the bathroom, you will not spend either a lot of money or a lot of time on this operation. You can complete all the work within one or two days, the instructions for pasting the canvases are quite simple, it will not be difficult to prepare a surprise for your loved ones.

Of course, there are several disadvantages that limit the use of wallpaper for bathrooms. The most important are:

poor tolerance of moisture and direct contact with water;
high coefficient of water absorption;
the danger of the appearance of the adhesive layer on the decorative surface of the wallpaper.

However, all this can be easily avoided if you know what wallpaper to glue in the bathroom. This is what I want to tell you in as much detail as possible in the next section. I will immediately warn you that here I will not dwell on how to glue wallpaper. This is the topic of a separate material, look for it on our website.

Varieties of wallpaper for bathroom decoration

So, it's time to tell you what kind of wallpaper you can glue. In sanitary facilities, due to the specifics of the microclimate, it is necessary to use waterproof wallpapers that do not change their performance properties during the entire period of operation.

I will describe the most common varieties of waterproof wallpaper.

Washable paper based

The simplest and most inexpensive wallpaper option is washable paper-based. These are classic paper sheets, dyed in a single color or decorated with various patterns, on the surface of which a waterproof layer of hydrophobic materials is applied. Due to this, the material perfectly tolerates operation in conditions of high humidity, does not absorb water and is easily cleaned of contaminants.

I myself washed this decorative material more than once with just soapy water and household detergent, and also wiped it with a damp cloth, getting rid of stains. At the same time, their appearance did not suffer in any way, and the drawing remained clear.

The big plus of this type is the huge variety of colors and patterns that adorn the design of the bathroom. In addition, the waterproof film gives the surface of the material a gloss that reflects light from lighting devices. This visually increases the space of the bathrooms of old apartment buildings. After all, there they do not differ in space.

I also want to say that the waterproof film on washable wallpaper does not allow moisture to penetrate into the paper base of the wallpaper. That is, air infiltration through the enclosing structures is disturbed and the walls stop "breathing". Therefore, if you are going to glue washable wallpaper for the bathroom, take care of high-quality ventilation with a powerful electric fan.

Paper wallpaper is the cheapest option, but not the best. Therefore, I do not want to dwell on their description for too long and will immediately move on to more advanced options both in terms of technical characteristics and in terms of appearance.

Vinyl

The term "vinyl wallpaper" refers to a finishing material consisting of two layers:

upper decorative - it is made in polyvinyl chloride, painted in different colors and has a different relief;
substrates made of paper or non-woven - with its help, the wallpaper is fixed on the surface.

Depending on the materials used, the strength and durability of the finish is determined. Non-woven wallpaper is more durable, so I advise you to buy them for finishing the bathroom.

Moreover, you can choose finishes that imitate ceramic bricks, tiles, wood or facade plaster. Bathroom design options depend only on your artistic taste.

I want to note another important advantage of vinyl waterproof wallpaper - good soundproofing properties. The wallpaper perfectly absorbs sound waves, so the rest of the inhabitants of the apartment will not be disturbed by the sound of water and opera singing coming from the shower.

On sale there are several types of vinyl wallpaper, which differ from each other depending on the characteristics of the upper decorative layer. Personally, I used the following types of wallpaper for decoration:

Foamed vinyl. Finishing material with high aesthetic qualities. It can be easily dyed to any color and cleaned with household detergents. In addition, when gluing, it is able to mask small defects and irregularities in the base.

The minus of vinyl wallpaper made of foamed vinyl is a high water absorption coefficient. The porous surface absorbs moisture and is difficult to part with it. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures to ventilate the bathroom.

Made from thick vinyl. In this case, the surface of the wallpaper is quite dense and absolutely smooth. Most often, I came across such wallpapers imitating mineral surfaces: brickwork or savage stone.

Due to the dense structure of the vinyl surface, the wallpaper is very easy to care for. The material does not fade in the sun, so if you have a window in the bathroom, you don’t have to worry about the safety of the bright color of the selected finish.

Some people ask if vinyl wallpaper can be installed indoors in the bathroom, because it can release chemicals that are harmful to health. I’ll answer right away that all modern vinyl wallpapers are made using environmentally friendly technologies and, under normal operating conditions, do not cause harm to health.

Made from hard vinyl. Wallpaper on non-woven base, the top layer of which is characterized by increased density and strength, as a result of which it perfectly tolerates external mechanical stress.

Solid vinyl wallpaper imitates tiles, decorative plaster and upholstery fabrics.

Silkscreen. This is the most attractive type of vinyl wallpaper. In appearance and texture, the surface of this finish resembles silk, and the pattern is applied by hot stamping.

The result is a thin wallpaper with which you can effectively and richly decorate any room, including the bathroom. At the same time, all the performance properties of vinyl wallpaper, such as: strength, durability and water resistance, are fully preserved.

So that you can independently decide on the use of this type of finish in the bathroom, I will list the pros and cons of vinyl wallpaper.

I'll start with the benefits:

First of all, it is amazing appearance. And I'm talking not only about the variety of colors and shades, but also about interesting textures. I used wallpaper in the bathroom, which an inexperienced person might confuse with tiles or ceramic bricks.
After such a finish, the walls acquire volume, due to which small irregularities and other surface flaws can be hidden.
Complete water and air tightness. The material does not absorb water (with the exception of some varieties) and does not allow air saturated with water vapor to enter the paper backing.
This prolongs the life of the material, but violates the natural regulation of the microclimate in the room. To get rid of excess moisture, you should worry about the efficient operation of the system.
Strength. Vinyl wallpapers not only feel great in sanitary facilities, but also easily tolerate minor mechanical damage. Therefore, if you accidentally touch the surface of the wall with a mop, it will not be scratched or dented.
And if some area breaks, with the help of the remnants of vinyl wallpaper, it is easy to perform local surface repairs without resorting to the help of an experienced craftsman (as would be the case with damage to the tile).
Durability. Due to the combination of high technical characteristics, this finishing material will retain its operational properties and appearance for a long time. You are more likely to get bored with the finish than need to replace it.

In order not to be disappointed in the selected wallpaper after gluing it, always ask the sellers for documents confirming the quality of the products and compliance with the building codes and regulations in force in the Russian Federation.

As for the shortcomings, I can note two of them - the high cost (compared to paper wallpaper) and the complexity of gluing. The fact is that when installing the finish, you should very carefully adjust the seams between the individual sheets of material. Otherwise, I personally do not see any restrictions.

If you have a different opinion, I ask you to comment on this in the comments at the bottom of this material.

Liquid

Now I want to talk about liquid wallpaper for the bathroom. This is a new finishing material that allows you to effectively finish not only the sanitary facilities, but also the rest of the home.

The finish is more like decorative plaster and is sold as a dry powder, which must be mixed with water in the proportions indicated on the package before use.

Moisture-resistant liquid wallpaper, in addition to binder and coloring pigments, contains fillers from various mineral and organic materials: mica, gelatin, algae, silk fibers, oak bark, cotton, and so on.

Thanks to this, after being applied to the walls and hardening, these “wallpapers” acquire a very spectacular and unusual appearance. Moreover, you can combine various types of liquid wallpaper with each other, vary the density and consistency of the material, achieving unique effects.

To the touch, liquid wallpaper in the bathroom resembles tightly felted felt or smoothly polished natural stone. They can be applied to any surface, including horizontal ones (ceilings, for example).

I am often asked if it is possible to glue liquid wallpaper simply on a brick or other similar mineral base. Here I have to disappoint you. They should only be applied to even and previously prepared surfaces. It is better if it is drywall or a wall carefully plastered with sanitizing plaster.

In my practice, I used the following types of liquid wallpaper:

Silk. Made from natural silk fibre. They can be applied to mineral surfaces with very slight defects. Options are sold in powdered and ready-to-use form.
Cotton. The dry powder contains 99% natural silk fibers and 1% binder. After application and hardening, they form a smooth surface that is very pleasant to the touch.
Cellulosic. The most economical option for liquid wallpaper. The material consists of fibers that are formed as a result of wood processing. With this wallpaper, you can decorate a mineral surface that has small cracks and other similar defects.

One of the most attractive properties of liquid wallpaper is the ability to regulate the level of humidity in the room. The decorative surface absorbs excess water vapor, after which it gradually gives it back. This allows you to effectively regulate the microclimate in the bathroom without the use of powerful forced ventilation.

So that you can decide for yourself whether it is possible to use liquid wallpaper in the bathroom, I have compiled a table in which I have painted all the pros and cons of this material.

pros	Minuses
Environmental friendliness. The material almost entirely consists of natural materials (silk fibers, cotton, cellulose, and so on), therefore, regardless of the operating conditions, it does not harm human health. This is especially important for people suffering from allergic diseases.	Great hygroscopicity. In case of direct contact with liquid, the finish absorbs water, which then gets rid of for a long time. Therefore, it is better not to finish with liquid wallpaper sections of the walls in contact with water (at the shower or bath).
Attractive appearance. Wallpaper is applied in the same way as plaster, therefore forming a seamless homogeneous surface. And the possibility of combining the material and using it with other types of finishes allows you to create unique designer interiors.	With constant mechanical stress, they wear out. Although this property is inherent in a large number of finishing materials.
Noise isolation properties. The structure of the wallpaper allows them to effectively absorb sound waves, providing comfort for the inhabitants of an apartment or a private house.	Liquid wallpapers are quite expensive, but their price is fully paid off by high performance and long service life.
In addition to the above, liquid wallpaper has antistatic properties, is not damaged when the base is deformed, tolerates long-term exposure to direct sunlight and does not absorb odors that form in sanitary facilities.

Fiberglass wallpaper

Another way to decorate a plumbing room is to decorate the walls in the bathroom with fiberglass wallpaper. This material is a canvas woven from fibers obtained by melting glass under high temperature.

Thanks to the use of such raw materials, wallpapers receive unique technical characteristics that make them an excellent option for use in the bathroom. The wallpapers are durable, tolerate moisture well and do not harm human health.

Depending on the additives in the quartz (glass) mixture, manufacturers receive a finishing material with a different surface. But all types of fiberglass wallpaper are divided into two large groups:

Smooth. They are also called fiberglass or gossamer. They are a material that is more often used for reinforcing surfaces, sealing cracks, irregularities and other defects. Although such fiberglass can be painted with acrylic, giving an attractive appearance.
Embossed. They are used for finishing decorative wall decoration in bathrooms and other rooms. They have a higher density and better tolerate external mechanical influences. Their surface is covered with geometric patterns or other relief that can be painted with acrylic paints.

I will dwell in more detail on some of the technical characteristics of fiberglass wallpaper:

High density. The material does not absorb water, so it is suitable for use in the bathroom. After finishing, the wallpaper acts as a reinforcing layer, preventing the appearance of cracks on the walls or ceiling pasted over with them.
Strength. Fiberglass wallpapers are well tolerated by external mechanical stress. They can decorate sanitary facilities where the presence of a large number of people is expected (bathrooms and toilets in hotels, shopping centers, offices, and so on).

Fire safety. Glass fiber has a high melting point, as a result of which fiberglass wallpaper does not ignite during a fire and does not contribute to the further spread of fire. The material does not release combustion products hazardous to humans.
Vapor permeability. The product does not prevent air infiltration through the building envelope. This means that air saturated with water vapor can freely pass through the decorative finishes and the humidity in the bathroom is reduced.

Glass fiber has a very long service life. They retain their operational properties for at least 30 years from the date of gluing.

At the same time, they can be repainted up to 20 times without damaging the internal structure of the substrate. Therefore, if you suddenly want to change the design in the bathroom, just buy a bucket of paint (or several) and paint the walls with it.

I cannot fail to mention a few, from my point of view, the disadvantages of this type of decorative finish.

First, it is increased fragility. With careless handling, the material may crumble even before gluing to the wall. However, this disadvantage is inherent in cheap low-quality wallpapers. If you buy fiberglass in reliable stores, you don’t have to worry about durability.
Secondly, the increased consumption of paint. If you are going to paint glass canvases with a relief pattern, then be prepared for the fact that this will require more paint than if you were decorating a simply plastered and puttied surface.
Thirdly, there is, though small, but still the possibility of gusts on the wallpaper as a result of shrinkage of the walls on which they are pasted.

However, all these disadvantages are more than offset by the exquisite appearance that your bathroom acquires after being decorated with fiberglass wallpaper.

Self-adhesive

And the last finishing option is self-adhesive wallpaper for the bathroom. They are a PVC film decorated with some kind of pattern or pattern, on the reverse side of which a dry adhesive with a protective layer is applied, which must be removed before installing the wallpaper on the surface.

Usually self-adhesive wallpapers are produced in rolls with a width of 40 to 90 cm and a length of 14 m. They can be used to decorate any surface, including walls in the bathroom.

Self-adhesive wallpapers for the bathroom come in several varieties:

cork - characterized by increased heat and sound insulation properties;
with imitation of leather texture or decorative plaster;
with matte and glossy surface;
imitating the texture of wood and so on.

The advantage of all types of self-adhesive wallpaper is a polymer top layer, which gives the material water-repellent properties and facilitates daily care. The material is easy to clean with household products.

In addition, the products in question have several other advantages:

Strength. The self-adhesive film is well tolerated by mechanical stress without being damaged. She is not afraid of intensive use, so walls in public sanitary facilities can be decorated with such wallpaper.
Long service life. The material retains its appearance and performance properties for at least 10 years when used in harsh bathroom conditions (which are characterized by high levels of humidity and significant temperature fluctuations).
Environmental friendliness. The polyvinyl chloride itself and the adhesive used for gluing have zero emission of harmful chemical compounds, therefore, during operation, the wallpaper does not harm the environment and human health.
Ease of installation. The film is easily glued to a flat prepared surface. There is no need to apply glue to the walls. Simply remove the protective paper, apply the material and smooth it out. It is also easy to dismantle if necessary.
Affordable cost. The price of self-adhesive wallpaper is low, so everyone can paste them over any surface in the bathroom (up to cabinets).

Summary

In this article, I have provided you with as much information as possible about what wallpapers are for wall decoration in the bathroom and what are their features. If you are interested in the process of wallpapering walls, I recommend that you familiarize yourself with the video in this article.

And in the comments to the material, you can tell what wallpaper for the bathroom you used. And what do you think about this kind of decorative finishes. How impressive does a plumbing room look, pasted over with this or that wallpaper? I will be glad to any opinion.

The bathroom is a room with its own special microclimate, the dominant features of which are constant high humidity and significant temperature fluctuations. That is why, thinking about bathroom design, many traditionally prefer the time-tested solution - tiled tiles. At the same time, the modern building materials market offers wallpapers that are almost as good as tiles in terms of their characteristics.

Wallpaper in the bathroom: we weigh the disadvantages and advantages

The main disadvantages that impede decorating the bathroom with wallpaper are well known. First of all, it is hygroscopicity - the ability of the paper base to absorb (saturate) water vapor, due to which, over time, the wallpaper begins to swell, and then completely peel off. In addition, the adhesive itself, under the influence of temperature and moisture, loses its properties.

But, if, having provided for all these shortcomings, you choose the right materials (for example, glue - with increased adhesion and antifungal composition), then you can appreciate the undoubted advantages:

economy - bathroom design and wallpapering will significantly reduce repair costs compared to laying tiles. When wallpapering, the cost of a finished 1 sq.m wall covering (including materials and work) will be almost an order of magnitude less than when using tiles

ease of installation - it is quite possible to do it on your own, unlike installation plastic panels or laying tiles without the involvement of specialists, which provides additional savings

maintainability - if necessary, just glue the wallpaper if some part has moved away. If the old interior is tired, then it is enough to simply update it. Carrying out such a mini-repair will not require large financial investments and great efforts.

The wallpaper is easy to dismantle, but you will have to tinker with the tiles, plus - the dismantling of the tile is a very dusty process. If, with insufficient ventilation mold will appear on the wall covering, the wallpaper will be easy to remove, the walls will be treated with a disinfectant (anti-fungal) coating and new wallpaper will be glued

decorativeness - the ability to select wallpapers that are diverse in pattern, color and texture, while no other wall covering option can offer such a wide selection of options

How to choose wallpaper for the bathroom: considering options

The main parameter on which the choice of wallpaper for the bathroom must be based is the ability to withstand moisture. Today you can pick up moisture-resistant wallpapers for the bathroom, which more or less meet this requirement:

washable wallpaper- the most affordable (for the price) option. A special coating is applied to them, which prevents the penetration of moisture inside, deep into the inner layers of the canvas, thereby protecting the wallpaper from swelling and subsequent delamination. They are quite resistant to water, in addition, with the help of a sponge (moist cloth) they are easy to clean, it is easy to remove dirt, fungus or dust from them, which is especially important for maintaining hygiene requirements in the bathroom.

Vinyl wallpaper is the most common choice for bathroom wallpaper. Since they are made on the basis of polymer, they can not only withstand steam, temperature and moisture, but even withstand direct contact with water. True, the increase in quality also entailed an increase in cost, but this is quite justified due to a noticeable, in comparison with washing wallpaper, increase in the period of use without loss of decorative and operational properties. Long-term operation is additionally ensured by the use of special glue for gluing, which has an increased level of adhesion

Advice! It is necessary to avoid pasting the walls with wallpaper in places of direct contact with water - near shells, above the bath - even with a high level of moisture resistance and careful care, vinyl and washable wallpapers will darken and begin to peel off

self-adhesive wallpaper is a water-repellent film that does not allow moisture to pass through, on the back of which an adhesive base is applied, so you do not need to purchase glue separately for gluing them. Their disadvantage is a very small assortment, limited to imitation of natural stone or various types of wood of different quality.

liquid wallpaper- in fact, it is more of a water-based decorative plaster, which includes binders, cotton and silk fibers, mineral additives, sparkles. They are sold in the form of dry mixes.

They are applied like a traditional plaster, after hardening they become absolutely impervious to moisture, and after an additional coating with acrylic varnish - virtually waterproof. Aesthetically attractive coating, characterized by a unique pattern and originality of texture.

glass wall paper- not able to absorb moisture at all. Woven from fiberglass and impregnated with a special composition based on modified starch. Differ in durability, durability, environmental friendliness, a variety of invoices. A special plus is that they are easily repainted, such wallpapers can be repainted up to 20 times with water-based or latex paints.

Wallpaper in the bathroom: we select the style

The use of wallpaper in the bathroom means combining them with other surfaces - tiled or simply painted.

It is important to choose wallpapers that will match in style, to avoid excessive clutter of textures and colors - this will create the impression of clutter and chaos. Wallpaper designed in light colors will create a joyful, sunny mood, green and blue add a sense of cleanliness.

In small bathrooms, dark colors should be avoided - they visually reduce the volume.

A neat pattern on light-colored wallpapers will not only allow you to win back space, but also set the mood of the bathroom you need.

Modern technologies are able to create wall coverings that are resistant to moisture. Wall decoration can become simple, fast and high-quality if you use wallpaper for pasting the bathroom. Until recently, when renovating a bathroom, only ceramic tiles were used, because there were no sufficiently durable and waterproof wallpapers. But now moisture-resistant wallpaper is widely used to create beautiful and cozy bathroom interiors.

A bathroom is a room where specific requirements are imposed on any coating. Ordinary wallpaper, vinyl, non-woven or paper can not be glued to the walls in the bathroom. As a result of exposure to water, the finish will gradually lose its presentable appearance, the wallpaper in the bathroom will begin to peel off, swell and bubble. Only special coatings are suitable for wall application.

Even if the instructions indicate that the wallpaper is moisture resistant, it is better not to use it on the wall that gets the most water when taking a shower.

It is also better to cover the place above the sink with a tile or plastic panel. There are colors that imitate wallpaper covering, tiles for wallpaper. Often collections of finishing materials for bathrooms contain both tiles and wallpapers in the same style. Such ready-made options greatly facilitate the task of choosing. With the help of different finishing materials, you can harmoniously divide the bathroom into zones, creatively delimit the space, highlight the accent wall. In order for the repair to last for a long time without restoration, you need to choose materials wisely. What wallpaper to choose for the bathroom?

Wallpaper in the bathroom: typical mistakes and the right choice

The water resistance index is not the only thing to pay attention to. Be sure to consider the material from which the coating is made. Sometimes manufacturers, in order to sell a product, indicate high moisture resistance even for paper wallpapers, which, in principle, cannot be. Disappointed buyers after a few years have only negative reviews about such wallpapers. Repairs have to be redone, and these are new expenses.

It is necessary to carefully study the composition of the wallpaper with any purchase, but when choosing wallpaper for the bathroom, this is especially important.

What kind of wallpaper can be glued in the bathroom?

If the repair is done for a long time, you need to choose only wallpaper from good materials.

materials:

Vinyl;
Interlining;
Fiberglass;
Liquid wallpaper.

In any damp room, there is an increased chance of mold growing on the walls. To prevent wallpaper from rotting, you need to treat the walls well with a specialized anti-fungal agent before gluing.

Moisture-resistant wallpaper for baths: ideas

There are no restrictions on the choice of color and texture of wallpaper.

Wallpaper in the bathroom can be:

Flat or embossed;
Smooth or rough;
Matte or glossy;
Patterned, gradient or plain;
Embossed, patterned or undecorated.

Washable wallpaper for the bathroom

This type of coating has an important advantage - it is very easy to care for it. You still have to periodically clean the walls, because in the bathroom there are white stains on the walls from drying water. Washable wallpaper can be cleaned with a sponge and soap.

Self-adhesive bathroom wallpaper

Wallpaper glue, if it gets on the front side of the canvas, spoils the appearance. Such stains can only be removed while they are fresh, but it is not always possible to notice them immediately. The problem of old glue stains leads to a reworking of the repair, because yellow stains and drops are annoying.

Self-adhesive wallpapers already have a wall-adhering composition on the back, so their gluing is guaranteed to be a good result.

Wall decoration in the bathroom with fiberglass wallpaper

Wallpapers that can be painted in any color you like and repainted at least every season are made of fiberglass. The embossed surface perfectly holds the paint, the color change can be carried out up to 15 times.

Wallpapers have an important advantage - they strengthen the wall due to the strong coating mesh. If the bathroom is in such an old house as Khrushchev, this option is the best.

How to glue glass wallpaper (video)

Self-adhesive wallpaper in the bath, photo wallpaper

You can brightly and cheerfully decorate the walls with the help of photo reproductions and photographs on the wallpaper. On sale there are beautiful options with tropical landscapes, the azure sea, palm trees, sea dwellings and coral reefs. Non-woven, vinyl or fiberglass can serve as the basis for photo wallpaper. Only fiberglass wallpaper can be used on the wall directly above the bathtub.

An interesting move is a photo wallpaper divided into square segments, like a tile. Such wallpapers can be combined with plain tiles.

How to glue combined wallpaper: original bathroom decoration

The use of different colors and materials makes the interior unique. In addition to the combination of tiles and wallpaper, you can use a combination of 2 types of wallpaper.

With this solution, you can:

Protect the most wet walls with waterproofing wallpaper;
Divide the bathroom into zones;
Emphasize the beautiful color of the accent wall by framing with neutral colors.

Wall decoration with 2 types of wallpaper requires accuracy. You can glue the combined wallpaper and achieve a good result if you carefully read the instructions on the package. Each type of wallpaper has its own subtleties. You should pay attention to the allowance, the sequence of the location of the paintings, shrinkage and stretching of the wallpaper.

Pigmented wallpaper primer, adhesion compound

Preparation of walls for pasting necessarily takes place with preliminary priming.

The primer performs the functions:

Protecting the wall from moisture impregnation, closing the pores in the surface;
Increased resistance to humidity and temperature changes;
Strong adhesion of wallpaper to the plane of the wall;
Protection against fungus, mold.

To make it convenient to apply the primer, a pigment is added to it, which changes its color as it dries. Fresh primer may be bluish, pinkish or white, while dried becomes transparent. By changing the color, you can control drying and remove drips and smudges from the wall in a timely manner.

Wallpaper for the bathroom: reviews of different types

The originality and beauty of the repair is always noted by the guests of the apartment. Using wallpaper in the bathroom is an unusual move that surprises many. If the walls are not strong enough, then they are strengthened with fiberglass, which gives a rich and radiant color to the paint after painting.

In new homes, you can pick up non-woven or vinyl washable wallpaper.

For novice builders without experience, self-adhesive wallpapers are more suitable; repairs with them can be done neatly even with minimal effort. Practical owners choose washable wallpaper, because it is the easiest material to clean. Before purchasing wallpaper, it is useful to find out the reviews of those people who have already made repairs.

Happy wallpaper owners note the following facts:

If you combine tiles and wallpaper, it comes out cheaper and more durable;
Of all the wallpapers, the most durable is fiberglass;
It is necessary to process the wall before gluing, otherwise after 2-3 years the repair will lose its presentable appearance;
Vinyl and non-woven wallpaper cannot be glued where there is a lot of water, above the bathtub and sink.

Reasons for wallpapering in the bathroom (video)

The bitter experience of people who have lost repairs due to mold fungus suggests that it is necessary to treat the walls with a specialized anti-mold agent before priming and gluing.

Examples of wallpaper for the bathroom (photo)

It is worth choosing the right type of wallpaper, and such a finish will bring many advantages:

saving money and time, since any type of wallpaper will cost you much less than ceramic tiles, and sticking wallpaper is faster and easier than laying tiles;
huge assortment possible drawings, colors, textures, patterns, which allows you to decorate the bathroom in accordance with the design idea, making it truly original;
wallpaper is much easier not only to mount, but also to dismantle, if necessary. This allows, if desired, easy to change interior bathroom;
high maintainability. The damaged part of the wallpaper is easy to glue, and you do not have to change the entire coating.

It is also worth noting that no matter how moisture-resistant the wallpaper is, it is still better not to use it in the shower corner. In this case, the most appropriate design option for the bathroom will be combination of two finishing materials. In all other cases, a competent choice of wallpaper will allow you to create not only a high-quality finish in the bathroom, but also an interesting interior.

Wallpaper for the bathroom, of course, must be moisture resistant: the packaging warns about this quality of the material three wave sign. Besides, glue must be waterproof, which must, in addition, withstand temperature extremes, have excellent adhesion, and have antifungal properties.

No. 2. What wallpaper is suitable for the bathroom?

From the above requirements for wallpaper, it becomes clear that paper-based wallpaper is in no way suitable for the bathroom. Under such conditions You can use these wallpapers:

, as well as vinyl ;
other washable wallpapers, incl. And .

No. 3. Vinyl wallpaper for the bathroom: advantages and gluing

Vinyl wallpaper is one of the best wallpaper options for the bathroom. They perfectly tolerate contact with water vapor, temperature changes and even direct contact with water and prolonged contact with it. Ideal for bathroom conditions. In addition, such a coating is perfectly washed, and its appearance remains unchanged for a long time: it is not even afraid of direct sunlight. In addition, this type of finish is very diverse: you can find a color, shade, pattern and texture for every taste. But that's not all. Such wallpapers can even hide some of the imperfections of the walls in the bathroom, and they can even be used in new buildings, so this is a great replacement for ceramic tiles. This is a durable finish, the only drawback of which is not the lowest price. In addition, the material does not allow air to pass through, but you can also find on sale breathable vinyl wallpaper but they will cost much more.

Sticking vinyl wallpaper should not cause any special difficulties, and consists of the following steps:

surface preparation and alignment of large defects;
wallpaper cutting into strips of the required length, taking into account allowances from above and below, as well as taking into account the comparison of the pattern, if any. The manufacturer indicates the necessary information on fitting the pattern on the package;
gluing itself, and you also need to look for information on the features of applying glue on the packaging of the wallpaper, because some manufacturers provide for applying glue to the wall, others - to the wallpaper itself. Gluing is carried out end-to-end, it is better to work together, starting to glue the strip from top to bottom and simultaneously rolling the wallpaper with a roller to force out excess glue and air bubbles;
wallpapers are glued end-to-end at a temperature of 20-24 0 C and in the absence of drafts.

You can simplify your task by buying self-adhesive wallpaper: it is enough to moisten them slightly with water and press them firmly against the wall.

No. 4. Liquid wallpaper for the bathroom: features and installation

Experts advise cover liquid wallpaper after applying a layer of protective varnish to give them maximum moisture resistance. In terms of application, liquid wallpaper is quite simple:

First you need to prepare the surface and primed. At the same time, you can start preparing liquid wallpaper by adding the amount of water indicated in the instructions to the dry mixture;
apply wallpaper with a grater in an even layer 2-3 mm thick;
after drying, you will be able to appreciate surface without seams. Also, don't forget to apply a protective coat of varnish.

No. 5. Bathroom cullet: features and gluing

Sticking method cullet is not much different from vinyl wallpaper: the sequence of actions is the same, only, which is designed specifically for cullet. The paint is better to choose acrylic or latex, but the color or combination of them already depends on the preferences of each.

No. 6. What other wallpaper can be used in the bathroom?

A bold enough decision would be to use in the bathroom photo wallpapers. They are able to make the room unique, visually expand the space, give it a distinctive atmosphere. , which have moisture resistant properties, which is indicated on the packaging, but even such material is better to glue on the wall that is located away from water sources. Sticking photo wallpapers requires maximum attention, because you need to accurately match the picture, and for this it is better to mark the wall. In addition, the surface must be perfectly flat, and the photo wallpaper on top is protected by a layer of varnish.

No. 7. What else to consider when choosing and sticking wallpaper in the bathroom?

Although many types of wallpaper are water resistant, they are still it is better not to use where they will be in direct contact with water: above the sink or above the bathtub, in the shower enclosure. It is better to use tiles in these places, which can simply be correctly combined with wallpaper, and then the interior will turn out not only practical, but also stylish.

When combining materials, you need to try to create one that is designed in the same style, so do not use too many shades and different patterns in the same room, and remember the basic properties of colors. Light shades visually expand the room, while bright and dark ones do the opposite, so the former are suitable for small bathrooms, and the latter for spacious ones to make them more comfortable.

It is also necessary to take into account the chosen room style. So, wallpaper with floral motifs is suitable for a bathroom, wallpapers in light shades are suitable for a classic style, several bright colors can be combined in a pop art interior, and for minimalism, choose discreet wallpapers using monochrome colors.

In conclusion

Wallpaper in the bathroom is a rather bold decision that will allow you to create a unique interior, but at the same time it will require you to be extremely careful when choosing materials and when organizing the interior. Really high-quality materials will allow you to create a unique interior, which at the same time will be no less practical than bathrooms completely finished with ceramic tiles. And yet, once again I want to note that the best option would be to combine wallpaper with tiles.

In the recent scarce past, a person planning repairs in his bathroom faced the problem of finding finishing materials. The question of choice simply did not stand - they used what they could "get". Today, you can buy any coating, you just need to choose the most suitable one.

Spoiled by a wide choice, buyers are looking for non-standard solutions that will make the decor of the room beautiful and original. One of them is wallpaper for the bathroom. Of course, not every wallpaper is suitable for such a finish. How not to make a mistake in choosing? We'll figure out.

Wallpaper for the bathroom is a practical and very beautiful solution. Properly selected moisture-resistant panels will last a long time and make the bathroom stylish and elegant.

But it is not customary to glue wallpaper in the bathroom, and this is a big mistake, because such a finish allows:

Save on materials. If you calculate the cost per square meter of the finished coating, the most budget tile will cost more than high-quality wallpaper.
Save on the work of the master. Only a professional can lay tiles or apply decorative plaster on the walls, while even an inexperienced home master can glue wallpaper.
To save time. The laying of the tiles will take several days, possibly weeks. Whereas the wallpaper will "fall" into place in one day, a maximum of two.
Recreate any style you like. A rich assortment of canvases with different textures, colors and designs allows you to choose the most unusual decorative solutions.
It is easy to replace a boring or spoiled design. It is very easy to remove old wallpaper and replace it with new one. In a couple of days, the bath will delight its owner with a new interior.

The main disadvantage of decorating the walls in the bathroom with wallpaper is their instability to moisture, which is very abundant in the bathroom.

The best material for decorating bathrooms is ceramic tiles, because they are moisture resistant, durable, and also beautiful.

Indeed, traditional paper-based panels do not withstand not only water, but even contact with moist air. However, there are special wallpapers designed for finishing wet rooms. It is they who should be chosen for gluing in the bathrooms.

In addition, special attention should be paid to the adhesive. It should also be designed for rooms with high humidity, otherwise the composition will absorb moisture, swell and come through the coating with ugly dirty spots.

Even moisture-resistant panels must be protected from water. Surfaces in direct contact with water are best covered with tiles, plastic panels and other similar materials.

Humidity zones: where can wallpaper be hung?

Experienced builders will confirm that bathroom humidity levels vary. There are more "wet" and more "dry" areas, which must be taken into account when wallpapering. If the tile or plaster can withstand any impact, then decorative panels in some cases need to be preserved.

There are four zones of humidity in the bathroom:

The inside of the shower cabin and the area above the bath. This is the most "wet" area where it is not recommended to glue the wallpaper. Even the most moisture-resistant panels will get wet and deteriorate here. This area can be tiled or painted.
A section of the wall above the bath, starts above 25 cm from its side. Quite a humid area, where large splashes of water reach. Here you can already stick liquid and glass wallpapers. It is important to choose types of linen that will withstand frequent cleaning, because this area gets dirty pretty quickly.
Fragment of the wall, located 60 cm to the right and left of the edge of the bathtub or the edge of the shower. Relatively dry area with occasional splashes of water. Suitable for all types of waterproof wallpaper.
The driest zone starting from the edge of the previous section. Here, wallpaper panels are not threatened by anything other than condensate. You can glue any moisture resistant wallpaper.

Wallpaper for the bathroom is a good way to create an exclusive interior. The picture shows a decorative panel made using liquid wallpaper of different colors and textures.

What types of wallpaper can be used?

Choosing wallpaper for your bathroom is quite simple. There are several types of panels that are specifically designed for use in wet areas. Let's consider them in more detail.

Option #1: Washable wallpaper

Washable wallpaper is a group of wallpapers intended for gluing in rooms with high humidity. Their feature is a special coating that makes them wear-resistant. It also does not allow the panels to "breathe", therefore, in rooms pasted over with such wallpaper, there should be good ventilation.

The advantages of the material include:

Versatility. Suitable for sticking to plaster, concrete, drywall and any other surface.
Long service life, which is about 10-15 years.
Ease of maintenance. Easy to clean with a damp cloth, if necessary, you can use a sponge and detergent.
Easy sticking and just as easy removal from walls.

You need to understand that washable wallpapers come in various types, so when choosing them, it is important to pay attention to the markings. The letters on the label will tell you what material was used to make the panels:

BB - foamed vinyl;
RV - embossed vinyl;
PV - flat vinyl;
STR - structural canvas for painting;
STL - fiberglass.

In addition, all washable wallpapers are divided into types depending on the degree of moisture resistance. The following marking is used here:

Straight line. Moisture resistant wallpaper, they are not intended for washing. When gluing, it is allowed to remove excess glue with a damp sponge.
Two lines. The panels can be washed using mild detergents.
Three lines. The so-called "super washable" wallpaper. To clean them, you can use a sponge and saturated soap solutions.
Brush and line. Such panels can be treated with detergent and a stiff brush.
Brush and three lines. Particularly durable wallpaper with high abrasion resistance.

For bathrooms, you need to choose at least super-washable panels, and even better - wallpapers that can be washed with a brush.

In addition, it is better not to choose models with a pronounced texture, because from frequent washing, which is inevitable in the bathroom, they will quickly lose their appearance.

With special care, you need to glue the joints of washable wallpaper. So that they do not diverge, you can lay narrow paper tapes under them, coat them with glue again and roll them with a rubber roller with force

Before sticking washable wallpaper, it is important to carefully study the manufacturer's recommendations, they may vary depending on the material of the panel. In general terms, the procedure for sticking moisture-resistant wallpaper is as follows:

We calculate the number of whole bands. To do this, we divide the length of our wall by the width of the wallpaper roll. We cut off the required number of panels, not forgetting to add 50 mm of strip length for trimming.
We mark the line for gluing the first strip. To do this, use a plumb line or building level. Do not forget that we are starting to glue the wallpaper from the window, so all the joints will be less noticeable.
With a roller or brush, apply glue to the first strip and, if required by the manufacturer, fold it with the smeared side inward and leave it to soak. Coat the wall with glue.
We impose glue-soaked wallpaper on the wall, aligning the edge with the marking line. With a wide roller we press and roll the wallpaper against the wall, removing all air bubbles. Raise the canvas a little from the bottom and top, cut it and glue it again.
Glue the remaining strips in the same way. At the same time, we strictly monitor that there are no overlaps at the edges. Joints can be additionally glued with a special compound and rolled with a narrow roller.

Moisture-resistant wallpaper is heavier than usual, which should be considered when choosing glue. You should listen to the manufacturer's recommendations and select only special compositions: for vinyl, acrylic, interlining, and so on.

In the manufacture of fiberglass wallpaper, they are given a relief texture, which is very well emphasized by painting. Standard panels withstand up to 15 stains, allowing the owner to change the look of the bathroom as often as he wants.

Option #2: Glass fiber

Fiberglass wallpaper is one of the most practical and functional finishes. For their manufacture, fiberglass or the finest glass threads are used. Depending on the method of production, the texture of the canvas will be different. If it is woven on a conventional loom, the material will be almost smooth.

Feature of gluing fiberglass wallpaper: glue is applied only to the wall, not to the canvas

Interesting embossed fabrics are obtained after processing the threads on a special jacquard machine. Smooth panels are less dense, so they are rarely used for finishing. For decoration, heavier and denser embossed canvases are most often chosen. Advantages of glass fiber:

Absolute security. The material is completely environmentally friendly, since it contains natural substances: clay, quartz sand, soda and dolomite.
Hypoallergenic. The canvas does not attract dust.
High moisture resistance. Fiberglass wallpapers do not lose their properties under the influence of moisture and are not afraid of it.
Breathability. The material "breathes", which prevents the appearance of fungus and mold under the coating.
The possibility of applying several layers of paint, on average, the canvas can withstand 15-20 paints.
Ease of coating.

High-quality fiberglass wallpaper is devoid of significant shortcomings. Masters do not advise buying cheap analogues. Low-quality panels do not even withstand deployment and crack right in the hands. The technology of gluing glass fiber is very simple.

However, there are a few features to consider:

Only wear long sleeves and protective gloves when working with fiberglass sheets. Glass fibers crumble when cut and, if they get on the skin, cause irritation.
The front and back sides of the wallpaper are different. Usually they are wound inside the front side.
Before gluing the glass walls, the walls must be treated with a weak adhesive solution or primed.
Such wallpapers are considered heavy, therefore, for their gluing, it is necessary to use special compositions.

The procedure for sticking fiberglass wallpaper in the bathroom is almost the same as sticking washable wallpaper. The only difference is that the cloth does not need to be coated with glue. It is applied directly to the wall. The strips are glued end-to-end, the adhesive drops that have come out are removed with a clean, dry cloth.

Liquid wallpaper for the bathroom is a dry mixture, which is diluted in certain proportions with ordinary water. After swelling and thorough mixing, the coating is ready for use.

After gluing, cullet is most often painted using styrene-butadiene or acrylic paint for this.

Option #3: Liquid wallpaper

This type of wallpaper is a special kind of decorative plaster, the basis of which is cellulose fiber. The binder is CMC glue. In addition, the composition of liquid wallpaper may include all kinds of additives that affect the texture and appearance of the coating.

It can be: cotton, natural silk, seaweed, plant bark, wool and so on. The advantages of liquid wallpaper include:

No seams. The result of their application is an ideal smooth surface, while when gluing ordinary panels, the seams will be noticeable.
Environmental friendliness. The composition of the material includes natural fibers, absolutely safe for humans. Liquid wallpaper is hypoallergenic and does not attract dust.
Undemanding to the quality of the base. The coating is able to hide small wall defects. In addition, it can be applied in a new home. Shrinkage design liquid wallpaper is not terrible.
The ability to “breathe”, which prevents the appearance of the “greenhouse effect” and, as a result, the occurrence of mold and mildew.
Good sound and thermal insulation.
Maintainability. The coating must not be washed with aggressive detergents and rubbed with a brush. However, stains are very easy to deal with. It is necessary to cut out the damaged piece and apply a new layer of liquid wallpaper.
Large selection of colors and textures. Depending on the additives added to the base, such wallpapers can have a very different look and texture.
Easy to apply and remove coating. The special structure of the wallpaper allows it to be applied to any surface, up to pipes of different diameters. At the same time, the coating lays down tightly, without folds and creases.

The disadvantage of liquid wallpaper can be considered a relatively high cost. However, if we take into account the rather long service life of the material, rather low consumption and maintainability, we can conclude that in terms of per square meter of the wall, the cost is not so sky-high.

Repairing a coating made with liquid wallpaper is very simple. It is necessary to cut out the damaged area and apply a new composition to it. Seams and joints on the coating will not remain

Applying such a coating is not difficult. The procedure is as follows:

Getting the walls ready. To do this, remove the old coating, carefully putty all cracks and other defects. To reduce material consumption, the base is primed with any suitable composition.
Strictly following the instructions, prepare the solution for application. To do this, fill the dry mixture with water and wait until it dissolves. After 20 minutes, mix the composition well, it is ready for use.
We take a spatula or a plastic trowel and apply liquid wallpaper on the wall in the direction from corner to corner. In this case, do not press hard on the tool, otherwise the material will be compressed and the coating texture will disappear. The application layer should be about 1-4 mm, it depends on the type of filler.
We level the finished surface with a special plastic grater.
Leave the coating for 48 hours to dry completely. The room where the wallpaper dries should be well ventilated.

Another “minus” is sensitivity to moisture, so you need to choose a special coating for the bathroom. It has a special label. If there are doubts about the moisture resistance of liquid wallpaper, after application they are covered with a protective layer of varnish.

Liquid wallpaper on the wall is applied with a spatula or trowel. Even a novice finisher can cope with such work.

Conclusions on the topic

What wallpaper to stick in the bathroom? The choice is up to the owner of the premises. They can be any, the main thing is that a moisture-resistant option is chosen. Such a coating will be not only attractive, but also functional, and, most importantly, inexpensive. Buying wallpaper will not empty the family wallet, and you can stick the panels on your own.

Therefore, many choose wallpaper for bathroom decoration, despite the fact that such a decision seems absurd. A wide range of wallpapers allows you to choose the best option for any style room. At the same time, changing the interior decor will be very simple - just replace the wallpaper.