Choosing Patton wallcoverings means you’re looking at a wide range of styles, from classic damasks to contemporary geometrics. Before you buy, consider the room’s function. High-traffic areas like hallways or kids’ rooms benefit from scrubbable, vinyl-coated options. These can withstand frequent cleaning without damage. For a more delicate touch in a master bedroom or formal living room, a non-woven or paper-based option might be suitable, offering intricate textures and sophisticated designs.
Understanding different material types for your walls
The material of your wallcovering significantly impacts its appearance, durability, and ease of installation. Patton offers several types:
- Vinyl: Excellent for kitchens, bathrooms, and playrooms due to its durability and washability. It’s resistant to moisture and stains. Look for heavy-duty vinyl for commercial applications or areas prone to heavy wear.
- Non-woven: Often called ‘paste-the-wall’ wallpaper, these are made from a blend of paper and synthetic fibers. They are breathable, easier to remove than traditional paper, and less prone to tearing during installation.
- Textured/Embossed: These wallcoverings add depth and dimension. They can be made from various materials, including vinyl or paper, with raised patterns that hide minor wall imperfections.
- Paper: The most traditional type, often the most budget-friendly. While beautiful, it’s less durable, susceptible to moisture damage, and can be trickier to remove. Best suited for low-traffic areas.
When evaluating options, check the manufacturer’s specifications. A product’s weight and thickness are good indicators of its quality and how well it will cover existing wall flaws. For instance, a heavier gauge vinyl wallpaper will generally offer better coverage and durability than a thin paper one.
Selecting the right pattern and scale
The scale and pattern of your chosen Patton wallcovering can dramatically alter the perception of your space. A large-scale pattern can make a small room feel more intimate, while a small, intricate pattern can add visual interest without overwhelming the space. Consider the following:
- Bold, large-scale prints: Work best in spacious rooms or as an accent wall. They can make a statement and draw attention.
- Subtle, small-scale patterns: Ideal for smaller rooms or for covering entire walls where you want a consistent look without a dominant design.
- Vertical stripes: Can make ceilings appear higher.
- Horizontal stripes: Can make a room appear wider.
Always order a sample to see how the pattern looks in your actual lighting conditions. Colors can vary significantly from screen to reality, and natural light can highlight or diminish certain aspects of the design. This is crucial before committing to purchasing enough rolls for your project.
Installation steps for Patton Wallcoverings
Proper installation is key to achieving a professional, lasting finish with Patton wallcoverings. While professional installation is recommended for complex patterns or large areas, many homeowners tackle this DIY project. Here’s a general guide:
1. Prepare the walls
This is the most critical step. Walls must be clean, dry, and smooth. Remove any old wallpaper, paint, or loose material. Fill holes and cracks with spackle, sand them smooth once dry, and prime the walls. A good primer ensures the adhesive sticks properly and allows for easier removal later. Ensure the surface is free of grease and dust.
2. Measure and cut
Unroll your wallpaper and carefully measure the height of your wall, adding 4-6 inches for trimming (2-3 inches at the top and bottom). Cut your panels, ensuring you match the pattern repeat if your design has one. It’s wise to cut a few extra panels for mistakes or future repairs. If you’re using a paste-the-wall product, you’ll apply the adhesive directly to the wall.
3. Apply adhesive (if needed)
For traditional wallpapers, apply an even coat of wallpaper adhesive to the back of the cut panel, working from the center outwards. Book the wallpaper by folding the pasted ends to meet in the middle, pattern side in, and let it rest for the time recommended by the adhesive manufacturer. This allows the paste to soak in and the paper to become pliable.
4. Hang the first strip
Start in a corner or at a prominent point, aligning the edge of the first strip vertically using a spirit level. This ensures the entire wallcovering will be straight. Smooth the wallpaper onto the wall using a wallpaper brush or smoothing tool, working from the center outwards to eliminate air bubbles. Overlap seams slightly if recommended by the manufacturer, or butt them tightly together.
5. Hang subsequent strips
Continue hanging strips, carefully matching the pattern repeat with each new panel. Use a seam roller to gently press down seams for a secure bond. Be careful not to press too hard, especially with textured papers, as this can crush the pattern.
6. Trim excess
Once a strip is in place and smoothed, use a sharp utility knife or a specialized wallpaper trimming tool to carefully trim the excess paper at the ceiling and baseboard. A sharp blade is essential to avoid tearing the paper.
7. Clean up
Wipe away any excess adhesive from the seams and surface with a damp sponge or cloth immediately. Allow the wallpaper to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Common installation mistakes to avoid
Even with careful planning, some mistakes can lead to frustrating results. Be aware of these common pitfalls:
- Improper wall preparation: Skipping cleaning, sanding, or priming leads to poor adhesion and premature peeling.
- Not matching the pattern repeat: This results in a disjointed and unprofessional look. Always check the pattern match before cutting and hanging.
- Over-handling the adhesive: Too much paste can cause the paper to become overly saturated and tear easily, while too little results in poor adhesion. Follow product instructions precisely.
- Using a dull blade for trimming: This will snag and tear the wallpaper, leaving ragged edges.
- Not using a level for the first strip: An unlevel first strip will throw off the entire installation, making subsequent strips difficult to align correctly.
- Ignoring manufacturer instructions: Each wallpaper product can have specific requirements for paste, soaking time, or application. Always consult the guide provided with your Patton wallcoverings.
For inspiration on how different wallcoverings can enhance a room, you might find it helpful to explore styles and applications. Discover the timeless elegance of York Wallcoverings or see how beautiful wallcoverings can add character to your space. Understanding the variety available, whether from Patton or other leading brands like York Wallcoverings, helps in making an informed decision for your home improvement project.
Caring for your Patton Wallcoverings
Once installed, maintaining your Patton wallcoverings is relatively simple, depending on the material. For vinyl and scrubbable surfaces, a damp cloth with mild soap is usually sufficient to remove most marks and stains. For textured or delicate wallpapers, dusting with a soft brush or using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment on a low setting is recommended. Always test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the finish or color.
When to call a professional
While DIY installation is achievable for many, there are scenarios where hiring a professional is the smarter choice. If your walls have significant imperfections, or if you are working with a very expensive, delicate, or intricate patterned wallpaper, a professional installer has the tools, experience, and precision to achieve a flawless finish. They can also handle complex layouts, such as around doors, windows, or in rooms with unusual angles. Considering the potential cost of redoing a botched job, professional installation can often be a worthwhile investment.
Exploring different brands and their offerings can provide a broader perspective on what’s available in the market. You can find inspiration by looking at options from York Wallcoverings or understanding their corporate presence at York Wallcoverings Inc. Corporate Office. This can help you appreciate the range of quality and design available, informing your final choice for your home.