Wallpaper vs. Painting- Which one Should You Choose?

If you’re reading this, chances are you have an upcoming interior refinishing and decorating project, right? Most homeowners in Columbia City, Warsaw, Leesburg, and Winona Lake areas often focus only on painting as an interior refinishing option. If you just come across wallpapering as an alternative interior refinishing idea, you must be wondering how it compares to interior painting.

Well, at Matthews’ Painting, we believe both interior painting and wallpapering are viable options. However, it’s crucial to understand how each option performs in terms of cost, durability, maintenance, etc. to make the best decision for your situation. That said, below is a detailed look at each option to help you make the right decision for the kind of results you want;

Interior Refinishing – Wallpaper vs. Painting

1. Surface PreparationWhen hiring a painting and wallpapering contractor, most of the costs often go to labor, and surface preparation takes a significant portion of that. If you’re starting from a new, bare surface, this consideration might not be so critical. However, if you have an existing wallpaper, removing it can be quite tedious. You will need chemicals or stripping tools, a considerable amount of effort, and the patience of a saint.

   On the other hand, surface prep during painting requires lesser effort, and you can safely skip steps like sanding and paint stripping if the current paint job is still intact. But, you should always aim at painting on a clean, even, and dry surface.

   2. Cost
   Both paint and wallpaper range from low-cost to high-end options. However, it generally costs more to buy good quality wallpaper and have it installed. While you can choose the cheaper wallpaper options and install it yourself to cut on cost, you don’t expect much in terms of durability.

   Paint on the other side is generally cheaper, and DIY application may still be a viable option if you’re on a tight budget. However, you should note that buying high-end paints and hiring a professional to apply them can still be significantly costly. In the end, the cost is probably not the best determining factor, so let’s look at durability.

   3. Selection and Durability
   Both paint and wallpaper are available in virtually unlimited colors. Paint offers a range of sheens and glosses to choose from, while wallpaper is available in vinyl and paper if you need a little wiggle room with the type of finish. The choice will all depend on your personal preference.

   When it comes to durability, wallpaper is generally very durable and can hold up against wear and tear in high traffic areas. Wallpaper might, however, not be the best option in high-moisture areas such as the bathroom and laundry room.

   Paint durability varies based on the quality of the paint, application technique, and sheen. Semi-gloss to high gloss paints tend to be more durable than Satin, Eggshell, and Flat paints.

   4. Maintenance
   As earlier mentioned, wallpaper is generally more durable and resistant to abrasion and scrubbing. You can clean your wallpaper by washing and scrubbing it lightly without compromising its aesthetics. Paint, on the other hand, tends to chip, scuff, crack, and flake. While High-gloss paints can still resist some degree of scrubbing, you will occasionally need to do touchups and re-apply more often.

   The Bottom Line

   Now, what do you think? Paint or wallpaper? If you can’t seem to choose between the two, you can always combine them. How about you create an accent one wall with wallpaper and paint the rest of the walls?

   Either way, whether you choose interior painting or wallpapering, our team at Matthews’ Painting has got you covered. We have over 20 years of interior painting and wallpaper removal. Our services are currently available in Warsaw, Syracuse, Leesburg, Lake Tippecanoe area, Goshen, Winona Lake area, Columbia City, Indiana, and surrounding Indiana cities.

   To give us a try, book a FREE estimate below or call us on (574) 834-3575 for more details.