Digital Wallcoverings That Get Your Brand Noticed – A QPS Guide To Digital Wallpapers
Digitally printed wall coverings are rapidly becoming the primary way retail and leisure premises markets their message across internal walls.
Here at QPS we’ve completed many fit-outs that demanded unique brand messaging printed large scale across the walls.
With all this experience in completing digital wall mural projects both on time and on budget, I thought it might be a good idea to delve deep into the wallpapers we use and why we use them.
Different Options In Digital Wallcoverings
The three main alternatives we use are:
- Paste the paper
- Paste the wall
- Self-adhesive
The common element of these three types is the face layer. They all use a similar PVC layer that helps the ink key and keeps the print scuff and water-resistant.
They are also all available in both smooth and textured face finishes. With a wall mural where everything is about the message, we recommend a smooth finish. Where a more ‘wallpaper’ type design and feel is needed, we’d opt for a textured look.
Paste the paper wallcoverings
Traditional ‘off the shelf’ wallpapers have always used the paste the paper method. Using a paste table and covering single wall drops of paper each time, paste would be applied to the back and the paper left to ‘book’ for a while. This ‘booking’ helps the paste bond and absorb fully into the wallpaper. This technique is still used for the paste the paper digital wallcoverings.
The paste the paper variations have a paper liner on the reverse of the media (the same as traditional wallpapers) hence why they are installed in the same way.
They are usually the lowest price point for a digital wallpaper and are recommended for lower traffic areas or short term promotions.
View our latest fit at Columbia UK offices:
https://youtu.be/OSvcWgxy9GI
Paste the wall wallpapers
The next grade up is the more premium offering and ‘paste the wall’ wallpapers can be used anywhere a stronger and more durable wallpaper is needed.
Gyms, retail, hospitality and other commercial settings all require a more hardwearing product and the fabric reverse of a paste the wall wallpaper ensures it’ll last and last. This fabric back is often called ‘non-woven’. If your message is going into higher traffic areas, make sure your wallpaper has this non-woven backing. Unlike the paper backed versions, a non-woven product is difficult to tear and a commercial decorator will feel right at home in handling it.
As the name suggests, ready mixed paste is applied to the wall one panel width at a time. Paste the wall wall coverings have become more popular over recent years and the adhesive can now be purchased from stores like B&Q.
Self-Adhesive wall coverings
The last media alternative we use when fitting wall graphics is a self adhesive wallpaper.
With our experience in handling self-adhesive vinyl, we apply this knowledge to the self-adhesive wallcoverings however, we do know that a decorator would much rather use a paste-able product.
With a self adhesive wallpaper we can work with overlaps if needed and they are also available with a ‘blockout’ opaque backing.
This blockout layer stops any wall blemishes or existing graphics underneath showing through.
The main downside of a self-adhesive version is that the adhesive type can’t be changed to suit the finish of wall.
We’ve completed wallpaper installs across new walls fresh with plaster, pre-painted emulsion walls, and walls with rough sections.
Each of these walls needed a different paste adhesive – emulsion and fresh plaster needs a self-seal paste, a rougher wall needs something a little ‘heavier’ in consistency to keep the panels in place.
By using the right product with the right paste, we can make sure the wallpaper (and your branding) stays in place and looking good for longer.
It’s this know-how that means we can get the job done the first time every-time.
To discuss retail, leisure or hospitality digital wallpapers, get in touch with the team at 01782 413789 or by email at info@qpsprint.co.uk
