Finishing with glass wallpaper: pros and cons, types, how to glue and paint correctly, care

Today there is a huge selection of glass wallpaper. They are popular due to their quality and affordability.

They have different shapes and colors. This allows you to quickly make changes to the interior of the room. Approximate versions of the work can be seen in the photo, which shows a large selection of glass wallpaper in the interior.

What is glass wallpaper?

Fiberglass wallpaper is a finishing material for walls consisting of impregnated fiberglass. The surface has a relief pattern. Fiberglass wallpaper is made from glass blanks that melt under high temperature and the fibers stretch. These are subsequently used to create threads, and then fabric or fiberglass using the weaving method. Later, the surface is coated with impregnation to ensure the stability of the material.

Compound

Fiberglass wallpaper consists of natural materials: soda, clay, limestone, quartz sand. To transform from blanks into fiberglass, only high temperatures are required, reaching 1200 degrees. The basis of the impregnation, which is applied upon completion of the work to ensure the durability of the material, is modified starch.

Specifications

Briefly about the properties

First, let's figure out what glass wallpaper is and what its features are. Fiberglass wallpaper is obtained by using a special type of glass in its production. When heated above 1200 °C, such glass stretches and forms special fibers, from which this type of wallpaper is subsequently made.

Due to natural materials (such as lime, quartz sand, soda, dolomite), complete safety for human health is ensured.

In addition, glass wallpaper is not susceptible to moisture, rotting or bacteria, and is fireproof.

Attention! When purchasing such wallpaper, remember that truly high-quality glass wallpaper does not break or tear when bent or stretched.

As you have seen, fiberglass wallpaper has many positive properties, which has made it very popular and recognized among consumers. So, the main advantages of glass wallpaper include:

• high strength;
• durability;
• resistance to external influences;
• fire safety;
• breathability;
• possibility of repainting (high-quality glass wallpaper can be repainted about 12 times), etc.

We recommend watching a video about the installation of two-level suspended ceilings - the features and specifics of working with two-level suspended structures will become much clearer.

Read about decorating doorways with decorative stone in this article. Only the right advice from master finishers will help you cope independently and carry out the finishing efficiently.

Types of fiberglass wallpaper

By invoice

Fiberglass wallpaper has two main types of texture, smooth and embossed. Different types of wallpaper can serve different functions.

Smooth

Smooth fiberglass wallpaper is also called gossamer or fiberglass wallpaper. This is due to visual similarity. In addition to the aesthetic function, smooth glass wallpaper also performs a practical one, namely, it is used to strengthen and level walls or ceilings. Smooth glass wallpaper will be a good option for finishing the ceiling; the surface is smooth and even.

Embossed

Another name is traditional glass wallpaper. A material with greater density compared to smooth wallpaper. The surface has a clearly defined relief, forming some kind of ornament or design. This type of fiberglass wallpaper is suitable for final wall decoration.

Gozhka

The type of texture has the name of the fabric, which is distinguished by a unique and recognizable way of weaving threads; visually the surface of the glass wallpaper looks like a sheet of fabric. Weaving can be small, medium and large.

Rhombus

The weaving of the fiberglass fabric forms a diamond-shaped pattern along the entire length of the fabric. The drawing can be with figures of equal or different sizes. Diamonds are also distinguished between large, medium and small. Visually, the wall covering looks like jacquard.

Herringbone

The fiberglass fabric has a zigzag pattern along its entire length. Like other types, the drawing can have different sizes. Small ornaments are suitable for decorating small rooms, such as a corridor.

To order

Today, in addition to the usual patterns, glass wallpapers are also made with other patterns; in production, you can also make an individual order for a unique weaving according to an individual sketch.

By quality

The quality of glass wallpaper depends on its density; the higher it is, the stronger the material and the longer its service life.

By color

For painting

Paintable fiberglass wallpaper is made in a neutral color, most often white or beige. This background allows you to apply any shade to the surface without distorting it.

Colored

Colored fiberglass wallpaper is not intended for painting; paint is added during production. This type of finishing is suitable for a room that does not require regular updating.

The photo shows a dining room in a classic style. The finishing is made with glass wallpaper in orange tones.

By water resistance

During production, the degree of water resistance of fiberglass wallpaper is indicated on rolls or packaging. The designation is in the form of waves. The more waves, the higher the water resistance of the material.

1 wave

Fiberglass wallpaper does not have good contact with water. The surface can be washed with a slightly damp soft cloth or suede.

2 waves

They indicate the average degree of moisture resistance of fiberglass fabric; the material tolerates contact with water better. The surface can be washed with a cloth or soft sponge and water or soap solution.

3 waves

The three-wave icon means a high degree of moisture resistance of the glass wallpaper. When cleaning, non-abrasive detergents can be used.

Flaws

Some believe that the disadvantage of fiberglass wallpaper is such a property as limited textures - with an abundance of reliefs, they come down to several typical categories: diamonds, herringbone, checkerboard and the like. However, by showing imagination, this drawback can be neutralized - if you roll the main tone with a fleecy roller to fill the pores, and then roll it smooth, with a contrasting color, you will get an original decor. Even if the rooms have the same textures, this method of painting will completely change the look of the walls.

Also causing negative emotions is the difficult dismantling of fiberglass - you can tear the wallpaper off the wall only with serious physical effort and with the help of a sharp tool. They will not come away from the wall like a canvas under any circumstances, no matter what means you use: even water it with water, even moisten it with a primer. If for some this is a disadvantage, then for many it is just an advantage - with a long service life, the wallpaper should hold on as tightly as possible, and not come off at the slightest shrinkage or high humidity in the room. Here is the forum member v. pchelin from Chernogolovka is pleased with his choice. Here is his comment:

v. pchelin FORUMHOUSE user

I used it in my apartment about 6 years ago, one roll of wallpaper was a little missing, I took two, the rest was lying around for a long time. When it came time to paint the walls at the dacha, I used the rest of the wallpaper - they allowed me to hide the defects in the plaster (I’m a beginner here). Due to the width of the joints, they are practically invisible, and the texture of the walls, I don’t know how to say it correctly, is monotonous and even. After painting it looks like perfectly puttied drywall. That's what glass wallpaper is for!

Glass dust, which can form when gluing the canvas and irritate the skin, is not a disadvantage of the material, but a feature of inexpensive brands. High-quality fiberglass is soft, pleasant to the touch, nothing falls off it, speaking of decorative woven fabric.

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any material, fiberglass wallpaper has a number of advantages and disadvantages over other finishing materials. Taking into account all the nuances, you can easily decide on the relevance of this type of wallpaper for a particular room.

The photo shows an infographic about the advantages of glass wallpaper

Basic principles of painting glass wallpaper

To make everything in the interior pleasing to the eye, it is necessary to give it a finished look. When using cobwebs or embossed glass wallpaper in the finishing of fiberglass, the final stage will be painting. The most suitable option, according to the advice of experts, is water-dispersion paints. They retain all the technical characteristics of glass wallpaper and do not interfere with the manifestation of their texture. Paints of this type are acrylic, silicone and latex. Each species has its own characteristics and characteristic qualities. They are fundamental when choosing paint for glass wallpaper for painting.

You can paint fiberglass wallpaper using a paint roller

Waterproof compounds are practical to use. They will make cleaning the room much easier. The process technology does not differ significantly from painting other coatings. First you need to prime the already pasted canvases. Both special compounds and regular glass wallpaper adhesive are suitable for this. For the further procedure you will need a roller, a plastic container and paint. It is recommended to dye in two stages, with an interval of 12-14 hours.

Fiberglass before and after staining

Fiberglass glued to the walls can be repainted many times

How to properly glue to walls?

Which glue to choose?

For fiberglass wallpaper, you need to use special glue; liquids are not suitable for ordinary paper wallpaper, they will simply be ineffective, since they will not withstand the weight of the fiberglass wallpaper. Today, construction stores offer a large selection of adhesives designed for gluing glass wallpaper from a number of manufacturers, such as Oscar, Quelyd or Kleo. Their composition takes into account the features of fiberglass material; the mixtures can be purchased in ready-made or dry form.

Which surface is best to glue on?

Fiberglass wallpaper must be glued to the prepared surface. To do this, it is necessary to remove the old finish and level the walls using putty; minor irregularities do not need to be removed. The walls are sanded and covered with primer. After this, the surface is ready for finishing.

How long does it take to dry?

Fiberglass wallpaper dries on average in a day or two. In this case, the room temperature should be from 10 to 25 degrees. It is also necessary to exclude the possibility of drafts or bright sunlight.

Preparing the walls

Before you start gluing the fiberglass material, you need to prepare the working surface.

1. Remove old finish
2. level the surface using putty,
3. seal drywall joints or small cracks with paint mesh,
4. sand,
5. prime with a roller,
6. After complete drying, the walls are ready for gluing glass wallpaper.

Gluing technology

Before you start work, you need to apply markings and prepare the glue. The markings will help you stick the wallpaper evenly without overhanging the side. To do this, draw a line perpendicular to the ceiling, which is measured using a plumb line or level. The glue will be ready 15 minutes after mixing.

1. It is necessary to adhere to safety precautions, namely, wear safety glasses and gloves.

2. The wallpaper begins to stick from the door. The glue is applied to the wall, extending beyond the edges of the mark.
3. A sheet of glass wallpaper is applied from top to bottom and smoothed with a plastic spatula.
4. Using the same principle, the next sheet is glued end-to-end.

5. The joints are pressed and smoothed last.
6. After 24-48 hours the wallpaper will dry and be ready for painting if necessary.

Video

Color selection

When choosing the color of the wallpaper, you need to focus on the chosen style of kitchen design. Also, do not forget about its size. A wallpaper color that is too dark will make the kitchen interior even smaller and gloomier, while a wallpaper color that is too light and monochromatic in a spacious kitchen will create the feeling of a hospital ward. White wallpaper expands the space well and gives a feeling of cleanliness and order. To get rid of the hospital "taste", choose wallpaper with texture or replace the crisp white color with a different shade of white.

If you have already bought a dark kitchen set, choosing wallpaper will not be so easy. What wallpaper to choose for a kitchen with dark furniture? Take beige ones. This neutral color is associated with coziness and will not get boring for a long time.

Green wallpaper looks good in the kitchen. For those who like brighter colors, bright herbaceous or lime shades are suitable. Calmer shades of moss and pistachio will give the kitchen an aristocratic look.

Orange and red tones are perfect for the kitchen. These colors lift your spirits and promote better appetite and metabolism.

If you are wondering how to combine wallpaper in the kitchen, choose black or black and white wallpaper for one of the walls. This design move looks good in brightly lit rooms and kitchens with snow-white furniture.

Features of use on the ceiling

Gluing glass wallpaper is carried out according to the same principle as on walls. Self-adhesive tape will help you check the strength of old plaster on the ceiling.

• The direction starts from the window to the opposite wall.
• Glue is used only specifically for glass wallpaper; any other glue will not withstand their weight.
• The glue is applied only to the ceiling.
• You need to act sequentially, the next strip of glue is spread after the sheet of wallpaper is glued.
• The gluing is done end-to-end, with an overlap on the walls.
• The excess is cut off after drying.

How to paint correctly?

Which paint to choose?

For painting fiberglass coverings, water-dispersion paint is best suited. The choice is due to the absence of toxic substances, quick drying and the absence of unpleasant odors. Depending on the type of room, you can choose acrylic, styrene-butadiene or latex-based paint.

Step-by-step painting instructions

Painting glass wallpaper has a simple procedure. However, its strict adherence helps to achieve an ideal result.

1. Preparing the room and tools. Cover the floor, radiators and baseboards with film or newspaper.
2. The walls are primed, after which you need to wait until completely dry,

3. the corners of the room are painted with a brush,
4. walls are painted using a roller,

5. To ensure smooth application, avoid interruptions. Paint applied to an already dried surface will be visible at the border.
6. The second layer is applied after 12 hours.

Video

How to choose glass wallpaper?

Fiberglass wallpaper must be selected according to certain criteria, namely pattern, manufacturer, class and composition.

• The higher the density of the fiberglass material, the stronger the material and the longer the service life,
• fiberglass wallpaper of lower density is not so durable, but has a low cost,
• the pattern is selected depending on personal preferences, it is also possible to make an individual order for a unique pattern,
• the larger the drawing, the more times it can be covered with paint,
• the ideal composition is a ratio of 70% glass and 30% impregnation,
• The edges of the roll should be smooth and the weaving neat.

Kitchen studio

If your apartment combines a living room and a kitchen, you can safely experiment with combining wallpaper. For the kitchen area, you need to choose moisture-resistant wallpaper without a pattern or with imitation stone or tile.

For the living room area, it is better to choose more intricate wallpaper. This way you will visually separate the zones in the studio.

Photo ideas in the interior

For the bathroom

Fiberglass wallpaper will be a good finishing option for a bathroom. They are not afraid of moisture and will not allow fungus and mold to appear.

The photo shows a bright bathroom. The decoration is made with glass fabric wallpaper in turquoise color.

For greater strength and reliability, the fiberglass fabric is coated with washable paint.

The photo shows a spacious bathroom decorated with fiberglass wallpaper in blue.

For kitchen

A big advantage can be considered the high fire resistance of glass wallpaper.

The photo shows a modern kitchen decorated with glass wallpaper in neutral colors.

In the kitchen, this fact is very relevant. At high temperatures, fiberglass sheets do not emit harmful substances. In addition, replacing glass wallpaper will cost less and the work will be easier. Suitable for finishing the dining area.

In the toilet

In the toilet, as well as in the bathroom, it is important to minimize the possibility of mold and mildew. Fiberglass wallpaper will help with this; they will be a good alternative to tiles. In addition, their cost is lower than tiles.

In the hall

The strength of the fiberglass material will eliminate mechanical damage to the surface, and the waterproof coating is easy to care for and keep clean.

On the balcony

Fiberglass wallpaper is not afraid of changes in temperature and humidity; it will be a practical solution for finishing a glazed balcony or loggia.

Modern kitchen

Classic interiors tend towards minimalism. This applies to furniture, decor and wall decoration. For classics, choose plain wallpaper, preferably light or completely white. A modern kitchen looks relevant even in small spaces.

Choose wallpaper for a small non-woven kitchen. You can leave them unpainted. Try combined wallpaper for the kitchen of the same color but different textures. If the kitchen is on the south side of the house, the difference in wallpaper will be clearly visible.

Tips for caring and washing wallpaper

The glass wallpaper material itself is quite durable and can withstand various cleaning methods. The method must be selected depending on the paint covering the surface.

• Non-abrasive detergents can be used to remove stains from the glass cloth surface.
• depending on the moisture resistance of the paint, you can use soft suede or a brush,
• For preventive maintenance, it is enough to remove dust with a dry soft brush.