Is it possible and better to paint liquid wallpaper, the choice of compositions and 5 stages of application
Liquid wallpaper is a dry powder mixture that is used for interior wall decoration. This material makes it possible to create unique interiors. However, over time, the composition fades, and therefore the question arises whether it is possible to paint liquid wallpaper yourself in order to restore the original shade. When resorting to this method of decorating walls, it is necessary to take into account a number of nuances, on which the service life of the applied finish depends.
Painting liquid wallpaper: is it possible?
Liquid wallpaper consists of the following components:
- mica;
- fine fraction oak bark;
- shredded cotton;
- silk;
- dried seaweed.
This composition gives the liquid wallpaper an original texture with interwoven gold and silver threads. In addition, these components are flame retardant and environmentally friendly.
You can paint liquid wallpaper. However, performing this procedure, it should be borne in mind that some types of finishing materials absorb water well. For this reason, after applying the paint, the wallpaper begins to peel off the wall.The second nuance that you need to pay attention to is that the finishing material creates a vapor-permeable layer. That is, after applying the paint, the indoor microclimate will be disturbed.
There are several reasons why they resort to this procedure:
- liquid wallpaper faded under the influence of sunlight;
- noticeable flaws appeared on the surface;
- the life of liquid wallpaper is coming to an end.
Painting allows you to increase the service life of the finishing material and increase wear resistance. However, some coating defects cannot be corrected by this procedure. There are no paints specially created for the treatment of wallpaper. When choosing paint materials, it is necessary to take into account both the characteristics of the finishing material and the scope of the composition.
Advantages and disadvantages of painting
Applying paint to wallpaper allows you to:
- quickly and inexpensively to update the interior;
- eliminate visible defects of the base;
- restore the interior decoration without removing the old coating;
- preserve the originality and texture of the main coating;
- create a diaper that is not afraid of regular washing, including using household chemicals.
Painting on wallpaper is attractive in that this procedure can be carried out repeatedly, without each time removing the already applied layer of finishing material.
Among the disadvantages of this method of interior restoration are the following:
- the unique patterns are lost, as the paint hides the small details of the liquid wallpaper;
- tactile sensations change when touching the surface, as the material after painting becomes harder and colder;
- vapor permeability decreases.
When painting wallpaper, it is important to adhere to both the technology of applying the composition and the recommendations of the manufacturers. Otherwise, the base to be treated will begin to flake off. After painting the surface, it becomes impossible to carry out local repairs and eliminate minor defects without removing the liquid wallpaper.In addition, if there are grease stains on the wall, the procedure cannot be performed.
The choice of paint for coloring
As noted, for decorating the room on liquid wallpaper, materials are used that do not harm the base coat. In this case, acrylic, water-based or silicone paints are used, as well as specialized varnishes.
Acrylic
Acrylic paints are preferred over others for the following reasons:
- create a wear-resistant layer;
- increase the life of the wallpaper by 20 years;
- retain their original characteristics with regular washing, including the use of household chemicals.
When choosing acrylic paints for finishing wallpaper, it should be borne in mind that such compositions:
- are overpriced;
- dry for a long time.
The disadvantages of acrylic include the popularity of the material. For this reason, there are many counterfeit products on the market, which are difficult to identify.
Latex
Latex paints are superior to acrylic paints for the following reasons:
- form a durable water-repellent layer;
- suitable for application in rooms with high humidity;
- wear-resistant;
- do not hide minor flaws, thanks to which the liquid wallpaper retains its original texture;
- withstand repeated washing.
Latex paints have the following disadvantages:
- too expensive compared to acrylic;
- does not prevent the formation of mold and mildew;
- crack during sudden temperature fluctuations;
- high consumption.
Latex paints are recommended for interior decoration where the walls are regularly exposed to mechanical stress.
Silicone
Silicone paints are preferred to those described above for the following reasons:
- high elasticity and hydrophobicity;
- do not lose their properties during temperature fluctuations;
- do not get dirty;
- retain their properties for several years.
The disadvantages of silicone paint are:
- too expensive compared to aqueous emulsion;
- demanding on the conditions of application.
Latex paints can be mixed with various pigments to achieve the desired shade.
Furniture varnish
When choosing furniture varnishes for the restoration of liquid wallpaper, you should take into account that this composition:
- has an optimal price/quality ratio;
- creates a durable protective layer.
Furniture polishes are less commonly used for wall decoration for the following reasons:
- to obtain the desired composition, it is necessary to mix a small amount of dry powder and warm water in a strictly defined proportion;
- while stirring, you need to constantly rub the lumps with your hands;
- after mixing, the material should be infused for eight hours.
Among the disadvantages of furniture varnishes is called high density. For this reason, the material cannot be applied in 2-3 layers. Otherwise, the wallpaper will begin to peel off the wall.
water-based
Water-based paints are distinguished by the following characteristics:
- respect the environment;
- lack of smell;
- firmly adhere to the surface;
- forming a washing film;
- affordable price;
- sustainable.
When buying water-based formulations, several features should be taken into account, which are attributed to the disadvantages of such paints:
- the material is only available in white;
- before application, the composition must be mixed with water in a certain proportion.
Due to the presence of water in the composition, such paints dry quickly, which speeds up the work. However, such materials can be used at temperatures above +5 degrees.
What tool to prepare
To paint the wallpaper you will need:
- medium bristle roller and brushes;
- container for paint (a special tray is recommended);
- masking tape;
- clean rags;
- film or other material to protect unpainted surfaces.
Additional tools may be required depending on the type of paint chosen.In particular, if furniture varnish is used, you should prepare a container for mixing the working composition.
Dye technology
Painting liquid wallpaper is carried out in five stages, at each of which a number of requirements must be met.
First stage
At the first stage, you need to clean the work surface from elements that can interfere with the procedure. It needs:
- move and cover furniture with aluminum foil;
- dismantling along the perimeter, where the work is being carried out, the plinths, the plates and the door leaves;
- remove moldings and ceiling netting;
- de-energize the room and remove the plugs.
At the end of the preparation of the room, it is recommended to cover the floor with a film, and to apply masking tape on the walls in places where painting is not planned.
Second phase
At the second stage, the work surface is prepared. In this case, you will need:
- remove screws and other hardware;
- putty wall defects;
- wipe the surface with a solvent or alcohol solution;
- wipe the walls with a damp cloth to remove dirt.
If there are traces of grease on the walls, this area must be cut out and then puttyed with a suitable compound.
Third step
At the third stage, it is necessary to apply a layer of primer to the working surface. This material will increase the adhesion of the paint, which will help extend the life of the finishing compound.
Fourth step
During the drying of the primer layer, it is necessary to prepare the working composition. The paint is mixed, according to the attached instructions, in a separate container. A construction mixer or a screwdriver with a suitable attachment can speed up this procedure.
Then, if necessary, a coloring pigment should be poured into the prepared composition and stirred again.
Fifth step
At the final stage, the paint is applied to the prepared surface. It is recommended to carry out the work with a spray gun, which evenly distributes the mixture and speeds up the procedure. When applying paint with a roller, it is necessary to immediately remove excess material and ensure that no spots appear on the wall.
After surface treatment, wait at least half an hour for the mixture to dry. After that, you need to apply the second and third layers of dye. Depending on the type of composition chosen, the complete drying of the finishing material may take several days.