I'm sure it's happened to you: you find the perfect design, you love the color, and the pattern is exactly what you were looking for in your living room, but when you turn the roll over, you come across a series of mysterious icons that look like hieroglyphicsDon't worry, you don't need to be an archaeology expert to understand them. These little drawings are actually a roadmap to help your decorating project avoid turning into a nightmare and ensure the final result is magazine-worthy.
Knowing how to read these labels is essential to avoid mistakes, as they tell you everything from whether the paper will withstand your dog leaning against the wall to whether you need a special glue or if the design requires a... millimeter adjustment between stripsInterpreting this information correctly will help you save time, money, and above all, a lot of headaches. choosing the right wallpaper to transform your home.
Cleaning ability and scrub resistance
Not all papers are created equal. Depending on where you're going to put it, you'll need a different level of durability. The spongy ones are the most delicate.They allow only very superficial cleaning with a damp sponge and water, without chemicals. They are ideal for adult bedrooms where there isn't much "stress" on the walls.
If you're looking for something more versatile, paper Washable, allows you to use a damp cloth and mild soap. It's a balanced option for rooms with moderate use, although you have to be careful not to press too hard so as not to damage the surface. On the other hand, the super-washable is more robust and withstands humidity better, making it perfect for dining rooms or children's roomsas long as it is not attached to the kitchen tap.
For areas where dirt is a daily occurrence, such as hallways or bathrooms, paper is ideal. washable, able to withstand soft brushes and detergents. If the situation is extreme (commercial premises or very busy kitchens), the Super-scrubable is a lifesaverbecause it allows vigorous cleaning with stronger products and moderately abrasive brushes without ruining the aesthetics.
Lightfastness and fade resistance
Sunlight is the silent enemy of colors. Depending on the sun symbol that appears, you'll know if your wall will stay vibrant or fade over time. A resistor moderate or satisfactory It's sufficient for hallways or rooms with indirect light, but if you have a south-facing window, you might notice that the tones degrade.
For very bright spaces, it is best to opt for resistance levels high, very high or excellentThese papers are designed to maintain their intensity even under constant UV radiation, making them the smart choice for atriums, sunny rooms, or offices with plenty of natural light.
Gluing and application instructions
The way paper is glued has evolved considerably. The most classic method is glue the paperApplying the paste to the reverse side and letting it set. It's a slower process but ensures that thick papers adhere perfectly. In contrast, the wall gluing It's the star option for quick DIY enthusiasts, as the adhesive is applied directly to the wall and the wallpaper is placed dry, preventing it from expanding. To achieve a professional finish, it's vital to learn how to wallpaper correctly.
There are also more modern options such as the glued beforehandwhere the paper already has the adhesive incorporated and only needs to be activated with water. As for the adhesives, there are specific variations: the reinforced with PVA For heavy vinyl, adhesives for textiles (with different percentages of dry matter depending on the weight of the fabric) and those specifically formulated for TNT papers (non-woven fabric)).
The art of rapport and pattern alignment
The rapport is basically the distance at which the pattern is repeated. If you choose a free reportYou avoid problems because you don't need to align anything; the strips can be placed however you like, and there's no waste of material. It's the simplest and most common option for smooth or simple textured papers.
When there are drawings, things get a little more complicated. straight rapport It requires that the design match horizontally across all strips. skipped rapport It's more technical, as every second strip must be shifted vertically a specific distance so that the drawing fits diagonally. If you see numbers like "50/25 cm", they refer to the offset needed to align correctly the pattern.
There are also specific installation instructions: the straight installation maintains a single direction, while invert alternate strips This involves rotating each strip to create a more natural visual effect, especially on textured papers. If the design is a landscape, you'll likely find instructions to... horizontal installation.
Ease of removal and other symbols
The day comes when you want a change of scenery and it's time to remove the toilet paper. Those who are easy to dry-start They are a blessing, especially in rented houses, as they come out whole without leaving any residue. peelable allow the decorative layer to be removed leaving the base adhered, while the detachable when wet They require water and a spatula to soften the glue. If you have any questions about the process, you can consult the The ultimate guide to removing wallpaper without damaging the wall.
Other useful icons include the one for double reliefwhich indicates a more resistant textured surface, or the indication of overlapping and double cut For professional finishes without visible seams. There are also seals for Fire resistance (such as the UNE standard in Europe or ASTM in the USA) and ecological certifications such as EcoLabel, Blue Angel or Greenguard, which assure that the paper does not emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) harmful to health.
Having all this information allows you to choose the right material according to the flow of people in the room, the sun exposure and the ease of future renovation, ensuring that the installation is flawless thanks to respecting the pattern repeat and the correct gluing technique.
