Wallpaper vs. Painting: Which is Better?

One of the most significant decisions when redecorating or remodeling your home is using wallpaper or paint. Both can be expensive, but which one lasts longer? To get the most out of your investment, it's important to know all the facts before deciding. 

The truth is, there are good reasons to go with either, depending on the look you're going for and the cost factors involved. However, The big question is, which of these artistry lasts longer? It depends on how it's installed, maintained, and cared for (more on that later). This post will help you decide if Painting or using wallpaper is the right choice for your space.

WHICH REQUIRES THE MOST PREPARATION?

Preparing the walls before decoration is significantly important, whether you intend to wallpaper or paint the wall. If the walls are not smooth enough, we recommend smooth and rough pickle areas and holes to get the best result. However, Painting requires some degree of technicality; for example, unevenness that results from the intersection of joints may appear obvious when painted.

When using wallpaper, it is important to check the color on the wall and ensure the wallpaper and wall have two different colors. If you're going for light wallpaper, it is important to repaint the wall if it was wallpapered or painted in a darker color. 

Pros of Wallpapering Over Painting

It's easy to think that wallpaper is the best option for decorating your home. It can be installed in minutes, with no need for paint or taping off the walls, and you can change it at any time. Below are some of the benefits when using wallpaper. 

• Advantages of wallpapering overpainting include a relatively low cost and ease of removal and reuse. The wallpaper can simply be peeled off and saved, repurposed for a future project, or given to a friend or family member who may also want to use it. 
• It also adds minimal weight to your home, which makes it easier to move from one place to another if you have to relocate for any reason. 
• Papered walls are more inviting than painted ones because wallpaper is designed to complement walls rather than overpower them; they appear lighter and fairer than paint-covered walls. 
• Additionally, If you decide that you do not like your choice of paper or that its style is out of date, removing it will only take an afternoon—sometimes, that's not always true with paintings.
• It lasts longer. It's been known to last up to 20 years before you need to replace it—unlike paint, which typically lasts for five years. 
• Wallpaper reduces maintenance costs down the road by significantly reducing the need for repainting and repairs. 

Pros of Painting Over Wallpaper

While it may seem clear that wallpapering beats painting in terms of longevity, there are some situations where Painting can prove a better choice. If you're unsure whether or not to paint or paper, consider a few factors before making your final decision. 

• For example, if you will be moving soon and plan on selling your home within a year or two, repainting might be a viable option as buyers typically want colorful walls. In contrast, wallpaper is difficult to remove from walls and has been known to damage surfaces beneath due to adhesive residue. 
• Another reason for repainting over papering will be if you plan on painting over the top (or under) wallpaper at a later date. This way, you won't need to worry about removing old wallpaper first; just apply new paint over the top! 

Factors to Consider Between Wallpaper vs. Painting

If you're looking to decorate your home, one of the first decisions you have to make is whether you want to go with wallpaper or painting. While both seem like they can do the same job, there are quite a few factors to consider when deciding between the two so that you can find out which one is right for your space.

Color

Selecting a color is one of, if not THE most important decision you'll make when it comes to decorating your home. Color will set the tone and vibe of your space, which can either boost or ruin its appeal. While certain colors work better in some rooms than others (red is fantastic in a dining room but likely disastrous in a bedroom), there are general color considerations you should be aware of before choosing paints or paper for your walls.

Texture

A paper wall covering can have many different textures—embossed, pebbled, or even flat—but no matter what texture it has, it will almost always feel different than traditional wallpapers on smooth walls. If you're looking for a textured look for your room but don't want something as permanent as paint, wallpaper might be a good option.

Material

Consider what kind of surface you're going to use it on and what kind of texture. For example, if your wall is a smooth plaster or a wallpapered wall, a finely-textured wallpaper will be ideal, while a flat paint may work better on textured walls with cracks and crevices. Wallpaper also comes in different material weights, from lightweight vinyl to thick natural fiber paper that's hard-wearing and stands up to moisture.

Budget

It's important to consider your budget before making a purchase decision of any kind, and wall coverings are no exception. A high-quality vinyl product can cost around $5 per square foot, and a good paper will run you about $3 per square foot; it's important to take that into account when planning your project —it could end up saving you money in the long run!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to paint or wallpaper? 

When you're looking to create a fresh look for your home, it may seem that Painting or wallpapering are the options. However, wallpaper lasts longer than paint; this reduces the costs of future investment. You can take it down easily and even save it to be used again in the future or on a different area of the home's interior or exterior.

Is it cheaper to paint or do wallpaper? 

While you might think that interior painting is cheaper than wallpaper, it can be more expensive if you do not know what you are doing. It is important to know how much paint and supplies will cost and how long it will take to paint a space. On top of that, with wallpaper, there is no drying time. You can remove your paper and start applying decorations immediately.

Does wallpaper last longer than paint? 

Well, it depends on what you mean by 'longer.' If you ask any wallpaper manufacturer, they'll tell you that paper lasts forever and paint doesn't. But in practical terms, both last about ten years before they need to be replaced. 

However, paint tends to chip away much more quickly than wallpaper does, though if you never touch up your walls or constantly put holes in them with doorknobs, then Painting may last longer! Another issue is fading—paint fades over time due to exposure to sunlight while wallpaper stands strong against UV rays.

The bottom line

Wall finishes can be personalized to your preference. There is no right or wrong way when it comes to decorating the walls of your home. With paintable wallpaper, you get all of the benefits you need without any commitment, and with paint, there are so many more colors than just white on the market today! 

It's up to you which wall finish best suits your style, but whichever one you choose will bring character into your space that only a personal touch could provide. Which type of wall finishing do you prefer? For the appeal of both, you can try paintable wallpaper or stick with paint or wallpaper. The option is yours, and that's why home decorating is so exciting!