Wall coverings come in many forms including paints, wallpaper, fabrics, wood, and tiles. The type of wall covering chosen depends on the type of wall, such as brick, plaster, or new plaster walls. Common wall covering materials include paints like emulsion, distemper, cement, and aluminum paints; wallpapers that can be surface printed, washable, or embossed; fabric coverings that are stretched or draped; wood paneling in various textures; and ceramic or mosaic tiles. Proper installation and periodic cleaning and maintenance helps wall coverings last.

1. Wall Coverings
Submitted by: Vidya Anant

2. Wall covering is the exterior wall skin consisting
of panels or sheet. A covering on a wall could be
vinyl or paper wallpaper, melamine laminate and
stretched coverings etc. Wall covering may be a
flexible sheet of sized paper, fabric, plastic etc.
usually laminated and printed with a repeat
pattern for pasting on the wall as a decoration
and presentation.
The texture of wall coverings vary from cold,
shinny, smooth surface of glass.

3. Types of walls
The selection of wall covering has a great deal to do
with the type of wall being covered:
Brick Make sure that there is no dampness on the
wall. If brick walls have been left unpainted, they
can be covered with a clear sealant to prevent them
from crumbling or becoming dust traps.
Old plaster Plaster is suitable for most wall
coverings and paints. If the plaster is uneven or
cracked, use wallpaper or other covering materials
or line the wall with lining or ingrain paper before
painting or finishing.
New plaster It must be absolutely dry before
decorating can begin. If it is to be painted before it is
absolutely dry emulsion paint is better as it is least
likely to blister and allows the wall to breathe.

4. Types of Wall Coverings
Wall coverings may be in the form of:-
Paints
Wall Papers
Fabric Coverings
Wood Coverings
Tiles

5. The Lalit

7. Paints
Water based paints Mineral spirit based paints
Lime wash
color washes based on
lime inorganic alkalis,
fast pigments, and few
other additives
Distemper superior to
a lime wash and is available
in a wide range of colors. It
may be defined as a water-
based paint consisting of
whiting some coloring
pigment and glue mixed in
water
Emulsion paint
used as a decorative
finish. There are three
major types of emulsion
paints polyvinyl
acetate, styrene, and
acrylic resin.
Silicate paint consists of
a thin suspension of alkali-
resistant inorganic pigments
and extenders. It is not
damaged by the alkali in
cement.
Cement paint
consists of white cement, alkali-fast
pigments, accelerators, and other
additives. It is available as a dry
powder and can be found in several
shades.
AluminumAlkyd
Asbestos
Enamel
Anti-
Corrosive
Bituminous
Textured

8. Wallpapers
This type of wall covering evolved as an inexpensive substitute for the tapestries of the
wealthy. The choice of wallpaper depends upon the dimensions and uses of the room.
Wallpapers have a warmer look than paint.
Lining paper A preliminary covering of
plain paper gives the wall an even porosity,
which helps when painting or hinging the final
wall covering.
Surface printed papers
The cheaper papers are called pulp. Higher quality
papers, known as grounded papers are given a coating
of color before the design is printed on these.
Washable paper
A transparent waterproof film stops moisture,
including steam, from damaging the design.
These papers are especially suitable for
bathrooms and kitchens.
Embossed papers
The design is pressed into
the paper to make it stand
out in relief. This process
produces wood-like grain,
imitation leather, and textile
effects.
Anaglypta
Two layers of paper and cotton fiber are bonded together
and embossed to produce anaglypta. These are available
typically in white, but can be decorated with matt or silk-
finish emulsion paint.

9. Fabric Coverings
Fabrics fall into two main categories: fabrics that
actually surface a wall in the manner of wallpaper
and those that are draped loosely across a wall.
The fabric is stretched on a wooden frame, which
can then be attached to the wall at just a few
points
Fabric can also be hung in soft folds, as a
continuation of window drapery or for its own
sake as a supple alternative to patterned
wallpaper
Grass cloth, made of loosely woven grasses and
reeds affixed to a paper backing, can be handled
like wallpaper as well.

10. Wood
• The rough texture of wood on walls generates
warmth.
• The woods used for wall paneling are usually hard,
well seasoned, and of a decorative appearance
• Wood paneling comes in many variations of color,
tone, and texture and may be either solid or wood-
veneered
• Wood veneers may be stuck to paper too, giving an
effect similar to solid wood at a much lower cost.
Veneered plywood paneling is also popular.
• Wood paneling may be found in such places as
entrance halls and staircases, convention rooms, and
restaurants.

11. Tiles
• Long relegated to outdoor areas or limited
to kitchen and bathroom walls, tiles have
their own cigain, with ceramic and mosaic
patterns that brighten and create a cool,
airy feeling in rooms being most popular.
• Generally easy to clean, the main drawback
of tiles is that the grouting may become
discolored or chipped till tiles loosen.

12. Other types of wall coverings
• Acrylic (Corian) :A solid acrylic surfacing material, Corian is a well-known
brand finding application as kitchen and bathroom wall coverings in hotels and
restaurants.
• Inorganic wall coatings :These are continuous wall coatings sprayed on with a
high-pressure gun that resemble a ceramic glaze. They typically come with a
clear glaze that prevents scratching of the surface
• Early-warning wall coverings :These wall coverings have the potential to give
early warning of a fire in the room in the form of a built-in smoke alarm.
• Leather ;Animal hides are very decorative but extremely expensive. They may
be found in luxury establishments in parts of restaurants or bars, but are too
expensive to be found in most places. They are also prone to attack by mildew.
• Cork :This offers a dramatic and luxurious effect and is easily installed. Its
chief virtue is sound control; its main disadvantage is its perish ability.
• Glass wall coverings: Glass can be used in the form of decorative tiles, and
sometimes in the form of mosaics. Colored, opaque glass sheets or tiles may be
used as a wall covering in hotel bedrooms.
• Fiberglass/spun glass: These wall coverings can be almost indistinguishable
from old woodwork or weathered plaster if properly painted.
• Metallic wall coverings: Metals may be used on walls for their decorative and
hygienic qualities.

13. Maintenance
Periodic cleaning should be scheduled so that
obstinate dust and grime do not settle in.
Before cleaning the walls, remove any pictures,
mirrors, or accessories hung up on them. Push the
furniture to the middle of the room and cover them
with dustsheets.
First wipe down the walls with a cloth-covered
brush or a vacuum-cleaner attachment for the
purpose. Then remove cobwebs and dust bunnies by
dusting from the bottom up.
When washing down painted walls or washable
coverings, work from the bottom up.
Finally, wipe the washed floor-to-ceiling section dry
with a sponge wrung out in clean water, working