Liquid wallpaper for the bathroom: features, pros and cons, selection rules

The choice of liquid wallpaper for the bathroom is increasingly more justified than the use of traditional materials. With the advent of moisture-proof mixtures on the market, the problem of the fragility of such formulations is a thing of the past.

But the results before and after applying to the walls are really impressive - with liquid wallpaper you can give the bathroom a unique, unusual, stylish look and significantly reduce the repair time. Reviews of specialists in the field of finishing work also confirm that with this decor the room will be transformed and at the same time will not lose its functionality.

Before starting repairs, it is worth exploring the features of moisture-resistant liquid wallpaper, the rules of choice and how to apply them. This finishing material combines durability of plaster and environmental friendliness of classic paper coatings.. Not all types of canvases are suitable for the bathroom, and you must make sure that the composition is intended for rooms with high humidity.

Liquid wallpaper for the bathroom is considered a type of textured plaster and applied to the surface of the walls, without requiring prior alignment. The compositions are based on breathable hygroscopic components that do not allow moisture to stagnate in the air.

The mixture for the preparation of the composition, which is applied to the walls, is sold in powder form with a white base and decorative components:

• coloring pigments;
• mica;
• mother of pearl;
• glitters (sparkles);
• mineral chips;
• silk fibers or other materials.

The composition is stored up to 5 days in a closed container. In some cases, tinting and mixing are done directly at the point of sale. Among the features of this material can be noted the absence of restrictions on the geometry of the surfaces. Liquid wallpaper is suitable for ceilings, walls, decorating niches, ledges, complex architectural elements.

The composition of the mixture is also quite interesting and looks a little like plaster and classic wallpaper. The basis, in addition to glue, plasticizers, antifungal additives, can be the following components.

• Silk. Such liquid wallpapers have a pleasant original texture, smooth to the touch thanks to natural silk fibers. The composition is applied to the surface of concrete or drywall without prior alignment or other processing. To improve adhesion, special primers are available.

• Cotton. The content of pure fibers here reaches 98%, mica is responsible for the strength in the composition. Additives may also include cellulose to impart texture to the coating.

• Cellulose. Such a framework involves the use of recycled wood - the most environmentally friendly material. The mixture allows you to hide small irregularities, suitable for use in rooms where there is no central heating.

The finish is most often a decorative composition that gives the walls a special appeal. In addition, to improve the moisture resistance of materials, manufacturers suggest using acrylic varnish-based exterior coating that reduces the breathability of the finish. But many modern compounds already have a sufficient degree of water resistance.

You can find a ready-made mixture on sale, which can only be filled with dyes, as well as "semi-finished products" in the form of dry powder or flakes that need additional addition of textural decorative components. A package of 1 kg is designed for processing 3-4 m² of area.

The use of liquid wallpaper in the interior of the bathroom has a number of obvious advantages.

1. The effect of leveling the surface. Like plaster, liquid wallpaper can eliminate minor defects, imperfections on the surface of the walls.
2. Low deformation expansion upon heating. Properly applied and dried coating withstands lowering atmospheric temperatures and heating the environment above +60 degrees.
3. Hygroscopicity. Walls “breathe”, evaporating excess moisture. But when applying a protective coating of acrylic varnish, this advantage is lost.
4. Antistatic properties. The composition of liquid wallpaper lacks components that contribute to the generation of a static charge of electricity. As a result, dust does not accumulate on them, cleaning the bathroom takes less time.
5. High level of environmental cleanliness. The material does not contain hazardous or toxic components, is safe for people with allergies.
6. Ease of restoration. If the material is not covered with varnish, it is easy to dissolve it with water and smooth it with a spatula in the place of damage. Silk-based liquid wallpaper is particularly well-repaired.
7. Increased thermal and sound insulation properties. Very useful quality for multi-unit housing, where any additional protection against noise and cold significantly increases comfort.
8. Lack of ability to absorb odors.
9. Visual appeal, lack of seams. The wall decor looks solid and harmonious.
10. Quick and easy application. No special knowledge or special skills are required.
11. A wide range of decor options. You can even create frescoes and art paintings with your wallpaper. Textures range from smooth and glossy to rough.

Deficiencies are also present. Compared to moisture resistant roll wallpaper, their liquid counterparts cost much more. In addition, the surface of the walls must be pre-prepare. It will be difficult to apply a coating to a wooden base or brick.

If the coating is not protected with acrylic varnish, with constant water may deform. But in a spacious bathroom, this problem is solved by the combined use of the material in combination with tiles in the “wet” areas.

A significant minus is the difference in composition by color, if its application is carried out at different times. All statements that it is possible to postpone work for several days and continue without consequences are broken up into reality.

If you don’t feel like gluing classic vinyls, you can use mixtures applied as plaster, but be sure to adhere to a number of recommendations.

1. Check for special markings. If there is no indication on the package that the composition has increased moisture resistance, do not rely on the assurances of the sellers. It is better to additionally check the information. The absence of marking may indicate that the product is fake - branded products always have a complete set of necessary symbols and information about the composition.
2. Take into account the area of ​​the room. Textured coatings are quite "insidious" and poorly suited for small areas with no windows. In this case, it’s worth doing the decoration of 1 wall, the most remote from the bathtub and shower. In addition, in a small room, textured wallpapers can create a feeling of “oatmeal” smeared on the walls, and only with a certain species perspective show their decorative properties.
3. Choose the right type of foundation. Moisture swelling is characteristic of liquid wallpaper with a lot of cellulose. Cotton and silk blends are more expensive, but do not deform when exposed to water so intensely. Moreover, in textile-based fibrous compositions, the surface texture is much more interesting. If the budget allows, you must definitely choose a liquid wallpaper on a silk basis.
4. Carefully choose a place for application. It is not recommended to apply the composition on the surface of walls that are in direct contact with water. Here, even increased moisture protection will not prevent material damage.
5. Trust trusted manufacturers. Among the most well-known brands, one can distinguish the Russian company Stenol, the French Senideco concern, a “pioneer” in the manufacture of liquid wallpaper with a moisture-resistant structure. For lovers of original interior decor, American Cotex mixes with the addition of glitters or Swarovski crystals will be interesting.
6. Take into account the general design decision. It is worthwhile to think over the texture and color of liquid wallpaper, as well as their compatibility with other interior items. The color scheme of such coatings is quite diverse, but getting too bright shades will not work, they will always be a little muffled.

Studying the reviews of people who have already compared the results before and after applying liquid wallpaper to the walls of the bathroom, we can say that for the most part they look positive. It is noted that the room is radically transformed, acquires respectability and originality.

Many owners of bathrooms with a new finish note the pleasant tactile sensations of the walls, especially with a silk coating. The walls are becoming "warm", it is possible to get rid of the problem of many modern houses with panel walls, where the audibility in the bathroom is too high.

If you have artistic skills, judging by the reviews and samples of work, You can turn the coating into a real masterpiece. For bathrooms, a sea or beach theme is most often chosen. Of course, the coating is no cheaper than decorative plaster or frescoes, but the result will be truly impressive. The texture of liquid wallpaper gives volume to this panel and makes the contours of objects a bit blurry, watercolor.

It is noted that the coating on a cellulose or cotton base is well suited for application in spacious rooms with plenty of natural light. In a small, cramped bathroom, it will absorb light intensely, so you will have to think over this moment more carefully.

The spectacular combination of turquoise, blue and white tones is perfect for creating a marine design of the bathroom.

A popular combination of liquid wallpaper and mosaic tiles. In the “wet” areas, a completely waterproof coating is laid, and the wall above is finished with beautiful textured material.

A great solution for the bathroom - liquid wallpaper, superimposed stripes with different grain texture. Such a design solution looks very interesting. It avoids excessive contact of the coating with water.

For how to choose a liquid wallpaper, see the next video.