Today with new and improved manufacturing methods and the advent of vynl coating; wallpaper is now much more than paper. There is an vast array of styles and types of wallcoverings available for consumers to choose from. You can read more about the specific styles of wallcoverings available here on our information page. Gaia Painting is one of the few companys around today that specialize in installing these durable vynls and delicate fabrics.
Solid Paper - This is the most basic type of paper. It has no vinyl protection and takes a great deal of careful maintenance to keep it looking fresh and clean.
Vinyl-Coated Paper - This wall covering has a thin layer of vinyl coating. It has the look of paper which appeals to some consumers, but must be handled with care as it tends to tear. This can withstand some light washing.
Paperbacked-Vinyl Paper - A top layer of vinyl and an undersurface of paper is how this covering is constructed. It is usually prepasted. It is washable and very often peelable. This is the paper usually preferred by buyers today.
Fabric-Backed - This wall covering has a top layer of vinyl with a fabric undercoating made of fiberglass or cheesecloth. These are more moisture and grease resistant than other types of wallcoverings. It is also sturdier and less likely to tear. These papers are heavy and usually not prepasted. When backed with cheesecloth, the covering has some texture, which makes it ideal for hiding less than perfect walls. Most of these are scrubbable and usually strippable.
Specialty Products - These run the gamut from textured, embossed, and flocked papers, to special coverings such as silk, bamboo, grasses, and Mylar. Murals and wallpaper borders also come under this category. Ask your dealer for any special treatment or maintenance these coverings may require.
Handprinted Products - Wallcoverings are hand-created to restore historical buildings, co-ordinate with special fabric, or even to conserve a particular historical design. They are created by the silk screen process or by inking with carved wooden blocks. These are top of the line coverings and require much care and attention to detail.
Venetian Plaster makes for an elegant atmosphere. Easy to keep clean new looking, very durable and lasts a very long time.
Color Washing is very Subtle and calm; but is a Inexpensive way to add interest into your rooms.
Combing produces a straited effect with paint & glaze. Traditionally combing will have vertical lines that is similar to an opulent silk, it's also used to create waves, horizontal stripes, and checkard patterns.
Crackle gives off a stylish antique warn out look using combinations of traditional colors.
Metallic - The Metallic Finish adds an opulent shimmer and highlights to your room; this finish makes a bold statement. Ragging Ragging is a stunning technique producing a very soft fabric like texture.
Sand Texture - Adds a feel of nature with its grainy texture.
Soft Suede - This finish resembles the look of a warn in suede jacket.
Types of painting finishes include:
Matte Finish - Whether called flat finish or wall paint, this type of interior paint has a matte surface. This paint finish is usually used on interior walls. It's expecially good if you have to camouflage small wall bumps, cracks, or other imperfections, as this finish does not reflect light. While some flat paints are advertised as washable today, you may need to touch up scratches or marks by covering with a bit more paint, so be sure you keep some on hand after you've finished painting.
Flat Enamel - Flat enamel is a paint with a durable flat, matte finish. It's a good choice for powder rooms and halls, as it holds up to occasional cleaning.
Eggshell Finish - If you can picture the very low sheen of the shell of an egg, you have an idea of how an eggshell paint finish will appear. With only a slight hint of shine or gloss, it's good for walls and holds up better with cleaning than a flat finish paint.
Satin Finish - Satin finish paint has a smooth, velvety look with a bit more gloss. It is most often used for windows, doors, trim, or ceilings, but can also be used as wall paint. This is particularly suitable for kids' room walls, kitchens, or bathrooms, or in areas which get a lot of traffic. Paint with a satin finish is formulated to hold up to cleaning and light scrubbing.
Semi-Gloss - Semi-gloss paint is most often used on doors, trim, and cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms. It is easily cleaned and lays down a nice, subtle shine, without being too glitzy. Take care with pre-paint preparation work, as poorly prepared surfaces can be a bit distracting when highlighted by a semi-gloss surface.
Glossy High Gloss paints have an almost reflective quality, as their shiny finish mimics the look of enamel or plastic. Though not widely used in home interiors, it is becoming more popular for a dramatic look on cabinets, trim, and furniture in very formal and very contemporary settings. This finish will magnify any surface imperfections, so careful preparation and sanding is essential before painting with high gloss paints.
