There comes a time in every homeowner’s life when the walls demand a change. You might need to repair damage, recolor them to match new furniture, or simply redesign your space afresh. That inevitably leads to the question of whether to use paint or wallpaper. Each has its own pros and cons, so before you start buying materials, we’ll run through the advantages and disadvantages of both paint and wallpaper.
The Pros and Cons of Paint
Paint has long been a popular choice for walls. It’s often more affordable and easier to apply than wallpaper, even though improvements in wallpaper have narrowed the competitive field in recent years.
Application Time
Painting a room is typically faster than wallpapering, so you won’t have to spend a long time waiting for the space to become usable again. Primer usually takes about 24 hours to dry. After the primer, you’ll typically apply two to three color coats—the drying time for each one depends on the type of paint you’re using and the ventilation in the room.
Though paint is easier to apply, it can get messy quickly. To prevent splatters and drips, you’ll need to put old sheets or cloths down and cover surfaces you don’t want the paint to touch. You’ll also need to avoid making the brush strokes or roller lines visible, which can make the paint job feel less polished.
Flexibility
A proper paint job can last 10 to 15 years, but if you feel the urge to change colors, it’s easy—just add a coat of primer and a few layers of new color coat over the existing paint. The neutral tone of the primer will help if you’re painting a dark shade over a light one or vice versa. It’s also easy to convert other walls to paint or to switch to another medium from paint. Some kinds of wallpaper let you paint over them, and you can also strip paint from woodwork to stain it.
Environmental Concerns
Modern paint no longer has traces of lead, but there are still valid environmental concerns with some types of paint. The biggest is that some paint has high concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can release over time and harm your health. Research low- or no-VOC options to minimize risks.
Repairs
Paint is fairly fragile compared to wallpaper, and in high-traffic areas, it can scratch, chip, or discolor. Luckily, the fix is a simple touch-up over the damaged area. Hardware, home improvement, or paint stores can match the color from a sample chip almost exactly, though some brands won’t be a perfect match even for mixed colors.
Paint also performs well in areas where moisture is an issue. Bathrooms, for example, tend to be too humid for wallpaper which could lead to mold or other damage. Using a good exterior paint means the color will last for some time.
Versatility
You can find paint in a variety of matte, semi-gloss, and gloss finishes. The versatility of paint also extends beyond solid colors to allow for custom designs and themes. You can use it to create a mural in your child’s room or create bold accent walls.
Wallpapers with similar patterns are out there, but they lack the ability for you to make custom themes. They also limit color to the walls, where you can incorporate the ceiling into your theme with paint.
Paint also performs well in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, where wallpaper may be prone to damage. Using high-quality exterior paint in these spaces ensures a long-lasting color and protection against humidity.
The Pros and Cons of Wallpaper
Wallpaper was once highly popular, and it’s seen a resurgence in recent years. It’s now more affordable, more durable, and easier to apply than it ever has been. That said, it also comes with its own set of challenges.
Application Time
If you have limited time to prepare a room, wallpapering might not be the best option. Unlike paint, you don’t have to put on multiple coats of wallpaper. However, it comes in strips that must be lined up carefully to not bubble or wrinkle. That can get time-consuming, and any rips and damage are permanent. You’ll either need to replace the strip or try to hide the damage as best you can.
Flexibility
You can scrape away old wallpaper with stripping tools or other chemical solvents. That might damage your wall if you’re not careful. The wall must also be clean and dry before you attempt to paper it. Some papers require glue, while others have a dry glue backing that activates when wet. Applying paper to a painted wall doesn’t require additional preparation unless there are chips that would show through.
Environmental Concerns
Wallpaper, by itself, poses few environmental risks. However, the chemicals used to remove old wallpaper can be harmful both to your health and the environment. Research eco-friendly removal methods and keep the room you’re stripping wallpaper in well-ventilated.
Repairs
Wallpaper carries an average lifespan of 15 years (barring moisture damage). However, repairing it is far more difficult than repairing paint. Sometimes, you can fix damage by cutting both the damaged section and a matching section from a backup roll. However, even with a perfect fit, the patch may be visible if someone looks closely enough.
Another downside to wallpaper is that it’s harder to hide damage from nails, so you’ll need to carefully plan where and how you hang pictures.
Versatility
Wallpaper’s greatest strength lies in its vast array of patterns, colors, and textures. From solid colors to intricate designs, landscapes, and textured or glittery finishes, the options are nearly endless. This variety allows homeowners to create unique and sophisticated looks that might be difficult to achieve with paint alone.
However, wallpaper has limitations in certain environments. It doesn’t perform well in high-moisture areas like bathrooms or kitchens, and it may fade if exposed to excessive sunlight.
Using a Mix of Paint and Wallpaper
One popular option is to incorporate both paint and wallpaper into a single room. This is most often the case for special wallpapers such as landscapes or textures, but may even include basic colors. A common example of this is to paint all but one wall of the room and place a landscape wallpaper on the remaining wall to resemble a mural.
