Liquid wallpaper is a finishing decorative coating for walls and ceilings, sold in the form of a dry mixture. Before use, this mixture (which consists of fibers, dyes, and glue) is diluted with water to a paste-like consistency and applied with a spatula to the walls; after drying, a seamless coating is formed. In other words, liquid wallpaper is a type of decorative plaster based on cellulose or fabric fibers, which is why they are sometimes referred to as “silk plaster.” The material may include cotton, silk, or cellulose fibers, natural dyes, antifungal additives, glue, and plasticizers. Decorative components are often added – for example, glitter, pearlescent chips, colored threads, etc. – to achieve special effects.
Main types of liquid wallpaper (by composition):
- Cellulose – made primarily from wood processing products. They are the most affordable, although less durable and decorative compared to silk counterparts. Suitable for unheated rooms, application on walls with small cracks is allowed after priming.
- Cotton – contain natural cotton fibers. Such wallpapers create a cozy atmosphere, are pleasant to the touch, and visually “warm.” Thanks to the natural fibers, they have good thermal insulation properties.
- Silk – made from silk fibers (usually artificial or natural). They have an elegant appearance with a slight silky sheen. The most durable: they do not fade in the sun and retain color for years. However, they are sensitive to direct contact with water and are more expensive than other types.
- Silk-cellulose (mixed) – combine silk and cellulose fibers, achieving a balance of price and quality. Less expensive than pure silk, but more durable and visually more appealing than purely cellulose counterparts.
Liquid wallpaper is sold in packages (usually 1 kg of dry mixture). A standard package is enough for approximately 3–5 m² of surface, depending on the thickness of the layer and the type of wallpaper. They are applied with a plastic spatula or trowel in a layer of 1–2 mm on a prepared base. After drying, a seamless coating with a characteristic texture is formed. The surface feels rough or velvety (depending on the type of wallpaper), and due to the fibers, it appears “soft.” The color and texture depend on the components of the mixture: it is possible to achieve both a monochromatic coating and variegated effects by mixing fibers of different colors. Liquid wallpaper is often used not only on walls but also on ceilings, columns, arches, and other complex surfaces – the material is flexible and easily applied even to curved bases without seams.
Advantages and disadvantages of liquid wallpaper
As a finishing material, liquid wallpaper combines the properties of wallpaper, paint, and plaster. They have a number of advantages that distinguish them from traditional roll wallpaper or wall painting:
- Seamless coating – liquid wallpaper is applied in a continuous layer, so there are no seams or joints on the walls. There is no need to match the pattern and worry about joining the canvases, as is the case with regular wallpaper.
- Ease of application – the process of application is quite simple: just soak the mixture in water and apply it with a spatula or trowel. No special skills are required – even a DIY enthusiast can handle the job. The material is flexible, so it levels out easily and adheres even to uneven walls.
- Concealing defects – unlike thin wallpaper or paint, liquid wallpaper can fill small gaps, cracks, and indentations. As a result, the coating hides minor imperfections in walls and ceilings, creating a uniform surface.
- Elasticity – the dried coating does not crack under slight deformations or settling of the building. It has a certain flexibility and is not afraid of cracks that may appear in the wall base. This advantage distinguishes liquid wallpaper from paint or paper wallpaper, which can tear in such cases.
- Repairability – in case of damage to a section of the wall (stains, scratches, etc.), there is no need to redo the entire wall. Local repair is very simple: just soak the problematic area with water, remove the softened material, and apply the mixture again. After drying, the repaired area will blend with the rest of the coating without visible traces.
- Thermal and sound insulation – due to their fibrous structure, liquid wallpaper slightly increases the thermal insulation of walls and improves the sound insulation of the room. Of course, this will not replace special insulation materials, but a layer of wallpaper 1–2 mm thick can make a room a bit warmer and quieter.
- Eco-friendliness and hypoallergenic properties – most liquid wallpapers are made from natural components (cellulose, cotton, silk, natural glues). They do not contain toxic substances and do not emit unpleasant odors during application or operation. The material is antistatic, does not collect dust, and does not promote the growth of mold or mildew. Because of this, such wallpapers are safe for health and do not cause allergic reactions.
- Decorative possibilities – liquid wallpaper opens up wide opportunities for design. You can vary the texture (from coarser with large fibers to fine-grained), color (by mixing multicolored mixtures or adding pigment). Wallpaper can be applied with various movements, creating unique patterns, color transitions, and even hand-drawn designs. Additionally, decorative inclusions such as glitter, colored threads, and flock can be added to the mixture, giving the walls a special effect. Designers create entire panels and artistic compositions on walls using liquid wallpaper.
- Antistatic properties – the coating made from liquid wallpaper does not attract dust, unlike many textile or vinyl materials. Thanks to the antistatic effect, the surface hardly gets dirty and retains a neat appearance for a long time. Maintenance is minimal – it is enough to occasionally vacuum the walls with a soft attachment.
Despite the significant list of advantages, liquid wallpaper also has disadvantages. It is worth considering the following points:
- Long drying time – unlike paint (which dries in 2–4 hours) or vinyl wallpaper (where seams bond in a few hours), liquid wallpaper requires more time for complete drying. Depending on the thickness of the layer, temperature, and ventilation, this can take from 12 hours to 2–3 days. In cool weather and with poor ventilation, the coating dries the longest. It is important to protect freshly applied wallpaper from drafts and sharp temperature changes until they harden.
- Water sensitivity – dried liquid wallpaper is afraid of water. When water splashes directly hit it or in high humidity, the coating can become soggy and may peel off the wall. Therefore, it is not recommended to use the material in wet areas – in bathrooms, showers, or directly above kitchen sinks. (An exception may be coating the wallpaper with a protective acrylic varnish, but then the “breathable” property of the coating and its ability to absorb excess moisture essentially disappear).
- Not washable – unlike washable wallpaper or glossy paint, liquid wallpaper in its original state is not suitable for wet cleaning. They cannot be wiped with a damp cloth or cleaned with household chemicals – they become soggy from water. Any stains will have to be either carefully scraped off with a blade after drying or repaired locally. This problem can be partially solved by covering the walls with a layer of transparent varnish – then the wallpaper can be gently washed, but the varnished surface does not “breathe.”
- Requirements for the base – for liquid wallpaper to adhere well, the walls must be properly prepared. The main requirement is a solid, clean, and primed surface. If the mixture is applied to old whitewash or crumbling plaster, there is a risk of peeling and cracking of the coating. Also, due to dirt or stains on the wall, yellow streaks may appear on the liquid wallpaper. Therefore, before application, it is necessary to completely remove old chalky whitewash, remnants of wallpaper, stains, and definitely treat the walls with a primer.
- Limited palette and patterns – although liquid wallpaper comes in various colors and textures, there are no ready-made patterns or ornaments like those on roll wallpaper. A printed pattern cannot be obtained directly from the mixture – it must be “painted” by hand or using a stencil, which is quite labor-intensive. Also, the color range of ready-made mixtures is smaller than the variety that can be achieved by painting walls. For example, there are no bright photo prints or complex narrative images – for this, it will be necessary to combine wallpaper with photo wallpaper or other materials.
- Higher price – the cost of liquid wallpaper depends on their composition and manufacturer. Budget cellulose mixtures cost about 25 UAH per m², while premium silk wallpapers can be several times more expensive. On average, this type of finishing is more expensive than painting walls with water-based paint and is comparable to or slightly exceeds the costs of applying quality vinyl wallpaper. When planning repairs, this price difference for the material should be taken into account.
As we can see, the advantages of liquid wallpaper significantly outweigh the disadvantages – especially considering their unique appearance and the possibility of easy repair. For living rooms, hallways, and offices, this material is an excellent choice, while in areas with constant moisture, it is better to choose another solution or additionally protect the coating with varnish. Next, we will look at how liquid wallpaper compares to other popular wall materials.
Comparison with other materials (paint, wallpaper, plaster)
How do liquid wallpapers differ from traditional roll wallpapers, painting, or decorative plaster? Below is a comparative table of characteristics that will help assess the advantages and disadvantages of each type of finishing:
| Characteristic | Liquid wallpaper | Vinyl wallpaper | Wall painting | Decorative plaster |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seamless coating | Yes (continuous layer) | No (there are joints between the canvases) | Yes (paint is applied without seams) | Yes (continuous layer) |
| Concealing irregularities | Yes, hides minor wall defects | Partially (dense wallpaper can hide small cracks, but the wall’s relief is felt) | No, paint emphasizes all irregularities | Yes, the texture of the plaster levels minor surface flaws |
| Vapor permeability (“breathable” walls) | Yes, high | No, vinyl creates a vapor-proof film | Depends on the paint (most acrylic paints are moderately vapor-permeable) | Yes (mineral plaster “breathes”; acrylic – less) |
| Application complexity | Medium: applied with a spatula, requires uniformity, but no pattern matching (can be done independently) | Medium: requires gluing canvases, matching patterns, smoothing without bubbles (can be done independently with experience) | Low: just a roller and brush are needed, the main thing is even walls and neatness when painting | High: skills in applying plaster are needed, it is advisable to involve a master for quality texture |
| Repairability | Excellent: local damage is easy to fix by soaking and reapplying the material | Low: when wallpaper is damaged, the entire strip must be re-glued, and the seams of the new canvas may differ | Excellent: you can simply repaint the damaged area | Low: spot repair is difficult, a new layer is noticeable against the old |
| Moisture resistance and washability | No: without special varnish, the material becomes soggy, not washable | Partially: many vinyl wallpapers are moisture-resistant, they can be wiped, but the seams are vulnerable; they do not withstand direct streams of water | Yes: washing is possible (modern interior paints mostly withstand wet cleaning) | Yes: plaster is not afraid of moisture, walls can be washed (acrylic decorative plasters are water-resistant) |
| Decorative possibilities | Various textures and colors, patterns can be created by hand; but there are no ready-made patterns/ornaments | Very high: a huge selection of designs – from monochromatic to complex patterns, photo prints, various surface reliefs | Limited: solid color or combination of 2–3 colors; the wall texture is smooth (unless special effects are applied) | High: various textures (marble, Venetian, structural, etc.), can be colored in any color; but reproducing a given artistic pattern is difficult |
| Service life | 10–15 years or more (does not fade, does not crack); if necessary, the coating can be partially updated | 5–10 years on average: may fade in the sun, seams peel over time; replacing wallpaper is recommended when worn or for a new design | 5–10 years until repainting: over time, paint may get dirty or lose freshness, but it is easily updated with repainting | 15–20 years or more: very durable surface, almost monolithic; may require cosmetic touch-ups of the texture after many years |
| Removal/demolition | Relatively easy: soak with warm water and scrape off with a spatula (the coating is removed, can be reused) | Medium: quality wallpaper adheres firmly, needs to be steamed or moistened, removed layer by layer; sometimes comes off with chunks of plaster | Easy: just sand down the irregularities and you can paint another color or glue wallpaper on top | Very difficult: hardened plaster is hard to remove, usually it is not demolished, but plastered over or knocked off with a perforator during major repairs |
| Approximate price (material) | Medium/high: ~25–100 UAH/m² (cellulose is cheaper, silk is more expensive) | Low/medium: ~10–80 UAH/m² (from cheap paper to expensive imported vinyl) | Low: ~5–30 UAH/m² (from simple water-based to quality acrylic paint) | Medium/high: ~50–150 UAH/m² (depends on the type of plaster and the required qualifications of the master) |
Note: the prices listed are approximate and may vary depending on the region and manufacturer.
The table shows that liquid wallpaper occupies an intermediate position between wallpaper and decorative plaster. They combine the advantages of both: applied without seams, partially level walls, and provide interesting decor. At the same time, they require protection from water, just like regular wallpaper. Compared to painting, liquid wallpaper offers a richer texture and thermal insulation, although they are more expensive and take longer to dry. And compared to vinyl wallpaper, they win with the absence of seams and the ability to repair without re-gluing, but lose in the ability to simply wipe the wall with a damp cloth. Regarding decorative plaster, liquid wallpaper falls short in durability and water resistance, but they are more elastic (more resistant to cracks in the base) and significantly easier to apply and repair. Thus, the choice of material depends on the specific room and requirements: for bedrooms or living rooms, liquid wallpaper is an excellent option, while for bathrooms, it is better to choose another covering or apply additional protective varnish.
Liquid wallpaper with glitter: effects and design
It is worth mentioning a specific variety, such as liquid wallpaper with glitter. Fine glitter is added to the regular wallpaper mixture. After application and drying, these glitters are embedded in the surface of the wall and shimmer under lighting. This technique allows for a very interesting decorative effect. Millions of tiny glitters create a unique play of light and color, giving the room a festive mood and special charm. The wall acquires a gentle shimmer that changes depending on the angle of light.
Liquid wallpaper with glitter is made from the same basic components (cellulose, silk, glue) as regular ones and has a long service life and resistance to external factors. Their main difference is the unique shiny design. Such wallpapers fit various interiors – from classic to modern styles. They can be used on all walls of a room or selectively to create an accent wall or decorative panels. For example, it is common to decorate one wall in the living room or the headboard in the bedroom with glitter to add expressiveness to the interior.
There is a wide selection of glitter colors. The most popular are silver and gold, but red, blue, green, and other shades are also available. Silver glitter gives a cool “shimmer,” adding modern elegance to the room and visually expanding the space. Gold glitter creates a warmer, luxurious glow – the interior gains notes of classic sophistication. Colored glitter (red, blue, green) brings dynamism and expressiveness – red sparkles add energy, blue is associated with freshness, and green with nature. Some manufacturers also offer holographic glitter, which shimmers in different colors at different angles, creating the impression of multiple shades and depth. It is important not to overdo it: if there is too much shine, the interior may look overloaded.
Can liquid wallpaper be applied over whitewash?
A common question arises: can liquid wallpaper be applied over whitewash (lime or chalk whitewashed wall)? Experts unanimously agree – it is not possible to apply directly over old whitewash. It is categorically not recommended to dilute the mixture and cover whitewashed walls without preparation for several reasons:
- Low adhesion. Whitewash (lime or chalk) creates a loose, fragile layer on the wall surface. Liquid wallpaper cannot reliably adhere to such a base, so there is a high probability that they will peel, crack, or fall off after drying.
- Chemical reaction. The lime contained in the whitewash can react with the components of the wallpaper mixture (glue, dyes). This leads to the appearance of yellow stains, color changes, or uneven tone of the coating. Light wallpapers suffer the most – after some time, yellowish streaks may appear.
- Uneven drying. The layer of whitewash hinders normal moisture absorption into the wall. As a result, liquid wallpaper may dry unevenly: in some places faster, in others – longer. This causes internal stresses in the coating and may lead to cracking or peeling in certain areas.
Therefore, if there is old whitewash on the walls, it must be removed before applying the wallpaper. Application “over white” is not allowed!
How to properly prepare walls with whitewash:
- Remove the layer of whitewash. Completely wash or scrape off the old whitewash from the walls using a wet sponge or brush, using a spatula for mechanical removal.
- Eliminate defects. Inspect the surface: if necessary, fill in cracks, dents, and chips. The old plaster should not be crumbling – all defects must be addressed.
- Prime the walls. Apply a deep-penetrating primer to the cleaned surface to secure the top layer and ensure better adhesion of the liquid wallpaper. It is advisable to use a white primer, which will create a uniform light background. Allow the primer to dry completely.
Tip: If the wall is very smooth (for example, painted with oil paint or made of gypsum board), after the regular primer, apply a quartz primer with sand. It will create a rough surface for the wallpaper fibers to “grab onto.”
After fully completing these steps, you can proceed to mixing and applying the liquid wallpaper.
User reviews: pros and cons from real experience
Real reviews from owners who have already used liquid wallpaper are mostly positive. Many note that the result met their expectations: the walls look original and cozy, and minor surface imperfections have become inconspicuous. The material is pleasant to the touch – the wall feels not cold but as if covered with fabric. One user notes that the ease of application is a significant advantage – mixing and applying the mixture turned out to be even easier than gluing regular wallpaper. Another points out that the absence of seams creates a monolithic appearance of the walls, and the concealment of cracks and irregularities allows for the renewal of old surfaces.
Among the advantages, antistatic properties (the walls practically do not collect dust) and the durability of the coating, which, due to its elasticity, is harder to damage, are noted. However, there are also disadvantages: the main one is the inability to wash the walls, which can create certain difficulties in hallways or kitchens. Some users also point out insufficient water resistance: when used in wet areas, the coating may become soggy. Overall, most reviews confirm that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, and liquid wallpaper is an interesting and practical material for updating interiors.
Recommendations for choosing liquid wallpaper
How to choose the optimal liquid wallpaper for renovation? Here are a few tips:
- Choose a reliable brand. The market features both domestic and foreign manufacturers. It is recommended to choose products from trusted brands, as this affects the quality and safety of the material.
- Pay attention to the composition. The type of fibers affects the durability of the coating. Silk wallpapers are the most durable and lightfast, cotton ones create a cozy atmosphere, while cellulose ones are more affordable.
- Calculate the required amount. Measure the area of the walls and approximately calculate the material consumption, taking into account a reserve.
- Color and design. The choice of collection depends on the desired effect: monochromatic coating, textured with visible fibers, or with the addition of glitter for an eye-catching decor.
- Completeness. Usually, the package contains everything necessary for work, but do not forget about the primer and, if necessary, varnish for additional protection.
- Application conditions. Clarify the application technology: soaking time, amount of water, need for protective varnish.
- Testing. Before application, it is worth testing the material on a small area to determine the optimal layer thickness and working technique.
- Storage. Purchased packages should be stored in a dry place, and leftover mixture should be used for minor repairs.
Photos and videos for inspiration
To better visualize how liquid wallpaper looks in the interior and how the application process goes, it is recommended to view photo and video materials online. Many manufacturers and stores publish real examples of work, showing how the walls look after applying the wallpaper, as well as demonstrating the technique of application. For example, official manufacturer websites contain sections with galleries where you can view projects in various styles and familiarize yourself with the application process.
Useful videos on the topic
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about liquid wallpaper
Can liquid wallpaper be applied to all surfaces?
Yes, the material is quite versatile. Most often, wallpaper is applied to drywall, which holds the coating well. They can also be used on concrete walls, cement plaster, and wooden surfaces, provided they are primed beforehand. Brickwork can also be treated if the joints are not crumbling. The main thing is that the surface must be solid, clean, and dry.
How to remove liquid wallpaper from the wall (demolition)?
The simplest way is to soak the coating with warm water, wait 10–15 minutes, and then scrape it off with a spatula. If the layer is thick, several cycles of soaking and removal may be needed. To speed up the process, some use a steam generator or a construction hairdryer.
Are liquid wallpapers suitable for bathrooms or kitchens?
Without additional protection – not really. In rooms with high humidity, liquid wallpaper may become soggy. This coating does not tolerate direct water exposure. However, after drying, they can be protected with 1–2 layers of clear acrylic varnish, which will make them more water-resistant.
Can liquid wallpaper be painted (change their color)?
Yes, they can be painted. If after a few years you want to change the shade, you can apply water-based or acrylic paint. However, after painting, the wallpaper loses the ability for local repair due to soaking, so it is worth being sure of your decision.
Is priming the walls necessary before application?
Yes, priming is a mandatory step. It strengthens the base, ensures better adhesion of the coating, and prevents the appearance of stains. Use a deep-penetrating primer, and after that, a quartz primer to create a rough surface.
How eco-friendly and safe are liquid wallpapers?
Liquid wallpapers are considered eco-friendly materials, as their composition is primarily formed from natural components. They do not emit toxic vapors, are hypoallergenic, and do not contain harmful chemicals. Because of this, they are often recommended for residential premises, especially for allergy sufferers.
This article provides a complete overview of liquid wallpaper, their types, advantages and disadvantages, as well as practical recommendations for selection, application, and care. Use it as a guide for updating your interior, taking into account all the nuances of working with the material.