Despite the fact that glass wallpaper appeared at the beginning of the 20th century, they have gained their popularity only now. This finishing material is interesting not only for professional interior designers, but also for ordinary people. From this article you will learn what it is, how to stick glass wallpaper and much more.
What are glass wallpapers
Externally, cullet looks like a kind of fiberglass fabric that is smooth to the touch. During the production of the material, the wallpaper is treated with a starch solution for greater strength. However, this process is very time-consuming and responsible. After all, the better the fiberglass is impregnated, the better the product will be. The details of the production process remain a secret. Wallpaper is melted from the thinnest glass at a temperature of 1200 degrees Celsius. From the resulting fibers, threads of different lengths are made, of which the glass fiber sheet consists.
On the shelves of stores you can see various models of decorative coatings. More oftenin total there are textured glass wallpapers with geometric patterns - rhombus, matting, checkerboard, etc.
Many people use design options for wall decoration. Glass fiber, the technical characteristics of which depend on the number of threads in the fiber, will become more voluminous if they are glued to compressed surfaces. If you turn to professionals for help, they can make wallpapers with family symbols, a coat of arms or a special pattern.
Glass wallpaper: technical specifications
Like every finishing material, fiberglass has its own characteristics. Specifications:
- fiberglass wallpaper is very durable, it can last you up to 30 years;
- surface can be painted 20-30 times;
- Glass wall papers are produced in uniform sizes, fiber roll - 1 x 25 meters;
- material passes steam well;
- fiber has fire-fighting properties;
- mass fraction of substances that are removed during calcination - not less than 20%;
- material density ranges from 110-200gsm. m;
- whiteness is at 70%;
- Fiberglass does not accumulate static electricity;
- material is environmentally friendly, as it consists of lime, soda and quartz sand;
- Glass wall papers are endowed with special reinforcing properties.
Advantages of fiberglass
Some argue that such decorative coatingsharmful to human he alth. However, it is not. Glass fiber, the technical characteristics of which indicate the environmental friendliness of the material, are non-toxic and do not cause allergies. Of course, this is true if we are talking about quality fiber.
In addition to the absolute harmlessness of glass wallpaper, they have a number of other equally important advantages:
- This type of coating is the most resistant to mechanical damage and abrasion, unlike paper.
- They can be cleaned with various household mixtures and solutions. This is very convenient for those who have covered the walls in the kitchen with such wallpaper.
- Fiberglass does not fade, does not collect dirt and bacteria, and does not form fungus and mold.
- This type of coating can be repainted more than 20 times.
- They can be glued not only to walls in a house or apartment, fiberglass looks great on a kitchen set or doors.
- Some people use them to level walls, for example - "Gossamer" glass wall paper. The technical characteristics of such a model are no different from the usual type of fiber, however, they give the surface a texture, but from a distance, such walls look smooth.
Disadvantages of fiberglass
The negative aspects of this finishing material include:
- Quite high prices for rolls with intricate patterns or designs.
- Because of the abrasiveness, glass wall paper absorbs paint very quickly, so a large amount of solutions may be needed to properly decorate the work surface.
- Forwork will definitely need glue for glass wallpaper. Fiber specifications remain the same, but appearance may change. Under the weight of the adhesive in the wallpaper, the sheets may move away from the walls.
- The texture of the pattern becomes less noticeable if the surface is painted more than once.
- Glass wallpaper is difficult to remove from walls.
- During the finishing work, you need to wear a special robe that will cover the entire body from fiberglass microparticles.
Types of glass wall papers
Glass wallpaper for painting, the technical characteristics of which were described above, are divided into two groups:
- Smooth, otherwise they are called fiberglass.
- With an uneven surface, that is, having a pattern or a decorative pattern.
Most often, fiberglass is used as a leveling reinforcing agent. It is suitable for walls with microcracks, it is glued to harden surfaces. Some purchase fiberglass to create smooth walls without patterns. Fans of decorative patterns, such as herringbone, rhombus, etc., choose a fiber with an uneven surface. Such cullets are used as the last finishing layer for subsequent painting. The main difference between the two groups, apart from the pattern on the surface, is the density of the material. Wallpaper with a pattern is more durable and wear-resistant.
There is another classification of fiberglass products:
- weighty 1st grade;
- economy class;
- non-standard, or 2nd grade.
The first ones have an increased density, for example, Veterman glass wall papers, whose technical characteristics have the highest values, are distinguished by the quality of production and their durability. Economy class products are widely distributed in the domestic market. Such cullets are less durable and, accordingly, less dense. This cover will not last very long. Glass fiber of the second grade are defective products with holes, with a knocked down pattern or protruding threads. Do not believe unscrupulous sellers who claim that the 2nd grade is only bad packaging.
Where glass is used
The unique characteristics of glass wall papers allow them to be used as decorative coatings not only at home, but also in schools, offices, shops. They paste over walls, ceilings, doors and furniture. Because they can be washed and disinfected, glass is often used in hospitals and other he althcare facilities.
Pasting technology
Even the most ordinary, unprepared person can cope with this task. For pasting walls with glass wallpaper, you need to follow a simple algorithm of actions, and then the surface will be ready for subsequent painting.
Instruction:
- Glass fiber adhesive is applied only to the working surface of the wall. Do not confuse this type of coating with paper wallpaper.
- Buy glue that is designed for heavy models. Suitable for both liquid and powder composition.
- After pasting, you need to givelet the fiberglass dry well. You need to spend at least 24 hours on this.
- The room with a pasted surface must be protected from drafts and direct sunlight.
- After a day, you can start coloring. Before this, the surface must be primed by diluting the mixture with glue. It is recommended to apply no more than two coats.
Glass wallpaper is glued to the wall end-to-end with subsequent sheets. Be sure to align the drawing if necessary, otherwise the texture will be uneven.
Wrapping recommendations
Experts advise you to follow some rules when pasting:
- it is best to use fiberglass gossamer to level the surface;
- for walls it is better to choose wallpaper with a higher density, for the ceiling thinner ones are suitable;
- you can not glue glass on microcracks, an uneven surface must be prepared before that - primed, putty and sanded.
How to paint glass wallpapers
This is the question most fiberglass buyers ask. Of course, this coating requires a special paint. It is best to purchase acrylic formulations. Painted surfaces become more resistant to high temperatures, fires and mechanical stress. Experts also advise using dispersion or water-based paints. In the first case, fiberglass can be washed. It is advisable to observe an interval of 12 hours between applying paint coats.
Producers
Bstores most often sell European and Chinese glass wall papers. The top sellers are Swiss coatings Johns Manville and German fibers Vutrulan. They are produced with unusual and fantasy patterns. Tassoglas cullets, whose technical characteristics are slightly behind the world leaders, are also in great demand. As for Chinese manufacturers, the first place is occupied by the company that produces decorative coatings Wellton Design. The fiberglass products of the trademarks "Okar", "Velton", "Fantasy plus" have a lower price. The optimal price-quality ratio can be traced in the Vitrulan trademark - these are glass wall papers, the technical characteristics of which are at a high level in comparison with their counterparts.
The use of decorative coatings in finishing works is a modern look at the idea of the interior. Glass fiber will allow you to decorate your home the way you want.
