Non-woven wall fabric is a modern, ecological wallpaper that looks like wallpaper but has the benefits of a textile. The non-woven base is made of cellulose and textile fibres bonded with a binder, which is based on natural materials or synthetics. It is breathable and enables vapours to pass through it, thereby creating a healthy living climate. It is easy to hang and dries fast. It is also durable and withstands a lot of wear and tear. It is easy to clean and has a thick feel to it, which helps to hide any imperfections or small cracks on the walls.
Traditionally, wallcoverings are produced from paper and paper fibers with a ground coating layer which is printed to provide a design. The problem with this is that the coating contains organohalogens, such as bromine, iodine, chlorine and fluorine, which are known to cause health problems including asthma. The coating is also often coated with organotin compounds such as dibutyl tin (DBT).
In addition to being unhealthy, these chemicals can also harm the environment. However, a number of manufacturers produce nonwoven wallpapers that are health-conscious. The main factors for this are the grammage and thickness of the material, the type of surface, cellulose from sustainable forestry and the use of water-based printing inks. A fungicide is added to some nonwoven wallpapers in order to protect against mould and other harmful bacteria.
The breathable material of nonwoven wallpaper allows moisture and air to circulate, which helps to prevent condensation. Moreover, it is also easier to clean than many other types of wallpaper. Dirt and some water-soluble stains can be removed by wiping the surface with a cloth dampened in warm soapy water. Oils, fats and stains which contain solvents cannot be removed with this method. Another benefit is that the breathable material is particularly suitable for children’s rooms. Countless themes can be realised using this wallpaper type, and it is easy to remove completely in a dry state with no preparation work such as soaking or perforating with a spiked roller.
Another advantage of the breathable non-woven wallpaper is that it makes it possible to create elegant fabric wallcoverings from virtually any textile or material. The non-woven backing, which is made of a commercial breathable material such as polyester, adds substance and strength to the fabric so that it can be pasted without tearing. It also provides a barrier that prevents the installation adhesive from seeping through the back of the fabric and causing damage to the wall.
The non-woven backing also allows the wallpaper to be used with pre-mixed wallpaper paste. This significantly reduces the amount of work needed to apply the wallpaper, which means that even complete beginners can hang the wallpaper themselves. The result is a high-quality finish that looks great and saves money on the costs of hiring a professional decorator or painter. It is also a good idea to have a look at our range of vinyl wallpapers for further design ideas.