You can determine the type of wallpaper, characteristics and specifics of working with it if you know how to decipher the symbols used by manufacturing companies.
Wet resistance
Resistant to moisture. Fresh stains from the surface can be removed with a damp sponge .
Materials washing type. They can be cleaned with a sponge and detergent, and wiped with a damp cloth. It is not recommended to use abrasive cleaning.
Super washable wallpaper. The material can be processed using detergent or laundry soap containing fatty acids in large quantities.
Wallpaper is resistant to mechanical damage. You can clean using a damp brush.
Resistant to wear, mechanical damage, and moisture. The material can be cleaned using alkaline compounds with a soft brush or sponge.
Dust, dirt and water-soluble stains are in most cases completely removed, fresh traces of solvent and greasy stains are partially removed.
Wallpaper with a sufficient degree of light resistance. In order to avoid fading of the design, it is recommended to shade the room.
They are characterized by relative light fastness. It is better not to use such finishing in a room whose windows face the sunny side. Prolonged exposure to direct sun rays may lead to partial loss of color.
Lightfast. Such materials can be glued to sunny side. Even with prolonged exposure to sunlight, the design does not fade.
Possess high degree protection against burnout.
Characterized by maximum resistance to fading.
Completely removable. During dismantling, the walls are completely removed from the surface. As a rule, duplex and simplex wallpapers are marked with this designation.
Partially removed. During the repair process, you should first remove upper layer(usually waterproof vinyl) and then dampen paper base and remove with a spatula or scraper.
The wallpaper is removed using a scraper in one layer.
The glue is not applied to the surface of the wallpaper, but directly to the wall.
First, the surface of the material is treated with glue, then the wall is coated.
Self-adhesive coatings. When the roll is wetted with warm water, the glue begins to exhibit its properties.
Wallpapering is done without alignment, because the pattern does not contain a pronounced rapport that needs joining.
Direct horizontal alignment. Alignment of the pattern on adjacent panels is required.
Step leveling. When gluing the next panel, the pattern should be located above half the height of the pattern of the adjacent panel.
The offset of the pattern is indicated in cm.
Pasting in the indicated direction.
Reversible gluing. Each subsequent panel is glued in the opposite direction (upside down).
Double-layer embossed wallpaper.
Material resistant to mechanical damage.
The panels are glued with an overlap, after which a cut is made.
Complete with suitable companion fabrics from the manufacturer's catalog.
Designations on wallpaper intended for wallpapering residential premises
For the corridor - BB, B, A, RV, PV, STL, PAGE.
For the living room - BB, B, A, PV, STL, STR, TKS.
For children - BB, B, STR, STL.
For the bedroom - BB, A, B, STR, STL, TKS.
For the kitchen - STR, PV, RV, BB, STL.
Ceiling – BB, STL, STR.
For the bathroom - STL, RV.
Designations on wallpaper intended for non-residential premises
For offices - STR, PV, BB, STL.
For kindergartens - BB, STR, B, STL.
For school - PV, BB, STL, PAGE.
For medical institutions - STL, PAGE.
For cafes - RV, PV, STL, STR.
Decoding abbreviations
TCS refers to the textile version, A - acrylic version, BB - foamed vinyl, STL - glass wallpaper, PV - flat vinyl, RV - embossed vinyl, STR - structural option for painting, B - paper type.
Has it ever happened to you that, having bought a new dress or suit, you discovered that caring for it at home is impossible? Manufacturers go to great lengths to reduce the cost of production processes and materials, or to attract the buyer with a new texture, diverting his attention from the essence.
This situation is possible when we choose clothes for our home. The first thing we pay attention to is the labeling of the wallpaper. Deciphering these mysterious symbols will save you time, money and nerves if glued new decor you are going yourself.
The primary task when choosing a new wall covering is to determine the composition. Here's what the letter icons on the wallpaper mean:
When choosing wallpaper, not only personal preferences are important, but also their intended purpose. Textile decor is appropriate in the living room, but for a nursery, an eco-friendly and easy-to-read option is a paper ornament. These factors have already been taken into account during production; we carefully read the designations on the wallpaper:
Eco-label: safety first
Single layer times paper wallpaper left far behind. In this regard, the buyer has a natural question: is the variety presented in stores safe for health? Vinyl covering on a non-woven base (PV) is distinguished by its unusual texture and attractive three-dimensional patterns. It is practical, but unsafe for humans and environment. The point is the production technology: foamed vinyl is applied to the top layer of the canvas. When burned, this composition releases formaldehyde, which has a negative effect on the human body.
However, you should not write off this harmful decor if you:
- confident in the manufacturer;
- choose a canvas for non-residential space with good ventilation.
To be sure that a product is safe, look for environmentally friendly signs on the wallpaper. Their decoding is simple: safe, environmentally friendly, tested.
Graphic symbols
Icons on the wallpaper can answer questions that arise at the stages of selecting and installing a decorative covering. Laconic pictograms will tell you about the degree light resistance and moisture resistance, the method of adjusting the pattern, methods of installation and subsequent removal.
Moisture resistance
- Moisture resistant - one wave means one wet cleaning. It is recommended to wipe such material with a damp soft sponge at most once, removing excess glue after installation.
- Washable - two waves assure that such wallpaper will withstand regular light cleaning.
- Washable, especially resistant - three waves will withstand both planned and spontaneous cleaning.
- Wear-resistant – highly resistant to moisture and friction. Will withstand the use of a fluffy brush.
- Particularly resistant to cleaning - can be washed using a fluffy brush and household chemicals.
Resistant to fading
Sunlight is important both in human life and in the interior. But if you have to not only wake up with the sun, but also spend the whole day, take this feature into account when choosing finishing materials. Legend light resistance will tell you which wallpapers will not show signs of fading.
- Average light fastness - this designation warns that such a material will not withstand contact with sunlight.
- Satisfactory light fastness - traces of fading may appear over time.
- Good light fastness - the material is resistant to sunlight in moderation.
- Very good light fastness - suitable for well-lit and long-sun rooms: attics and rooms with large windows.
- Excellent light fastness – maximum degree of UV resistance. This designation on the wallpaper indicates that there is no risk of fading for the walls.
Pattern: butt or overlap?
It is not enough to find the ideal color, texture or pattern; it is important to assess the complexity of the process of adjusting the chosen decor at the purchase stage. Beauty requires sacrifice. Complex designs and unusual textures will require more time and effort during installation. The number of rolls depends on the pattern. Look how the selection of patterns is indicated on the wallpaper:
- Zero means that the same amount of adjustment effort will be required. Free artist style.
- Arrows located opposite each other indicate symmetrical docking. The selection is simple.
- Offset arrows mean staggered joining with the blade shifted halfway up or down. The task becomes more difficult.
- Arrows drawn in opposite directions indicate what you have chosen rare view wallpaper Every second cut is glued upside down, rotated 180 degrees. This kind of installation is not easy.
Installation: quickly or delicately?
By selecting suitable wallpaper and having understood the drawing, study the symbols regarding installation.
- The classic method is to apply glue to the back of the canvas. It is recommended to fold the piece in half and wait 30 seconds for the glue to be evenly distributed along the length.
- A delicate method is to apply glue to the wall. This method will help avoid possible tears if the wallpaper is paper, for example. And it will ensure order in the workplace: no sticky stains on the floor.
- A quick method is to work with self-adhesive tape. To activate the adhesive, first wet the wallpaper with water.
Dismantling
To breathe into the living space new life, first you need to get rid of the old one. Do it better according to science. Look for recommendations online or contact the store where you purchased the wallpaper you are removing. It is better to photograph the markings of the new canvas and save them in your phone. After all, this renovation will probably not be the last.
- In the first notation we're talking about about dry removal using a spatula.
- The second case of encryption indicates that this is a two-layer wallpaper. Only the decorative upper level is removed.
- In the third option, the walls are moistened with water before dismantling.
Additional Information
- Duplicate two-layer wallpaper with an embossed surface.
- A symbol indicating that special adhesive is required for installation.
- Symbol in retro style. Denotes the obsolete method of overlapping stickers with further removal of the wallpaper seam. Modern manufacturers do not use this designation and do not recommend the installation method that is hidden behind it.
- Anti-vandal wallpaper. They are not afraid of any rearrangements of furniture, but they will have to make an effort to remove them.
These pictograms are rare. In order not to think for a long time later about what these symbols on the wallpaper could mean, it is better to find out about their existence now. Forewarned is forearmed.
Indicating various characteristics on wallpaper in the form of icons is not a waste of time for both the manufacturer and the buyer. Manufacturers would write essays about their product themselves, but internationally there are different abbreviation standards. You just need to know about them.
Hang wallpaper and have fun! And for family union There is no better test of strength than making repairs together. Well, will you take the risk?
To mark wallpaper, manufacturers use the following letter designations:
A - acrylic
B - paper
BB - foamed vinyl
PV - flat vinyl
RV - embossed vinyl
TKS - textile wallpaper
STR - structural wallpaper for painting
STL - glass wallpaper
Designations on wallpaper for residential premises:
Entrance hall, corridor - B, A, BB, PV, RV, STR, STL
Living room - B, A, BB. PV, TKS, STR, STL
Bedroom - B, A, BB, PV, TKS, STR, STL
Children's - B, VV, STR, STL
Kitchen - VV, PV, RV, STR, STL
Bathroom - RV, STL
Ceiling - VV, STR, STL
Designations on the wallpaper for Non-residential premises:
Cafe - PV, RV, STR, STL
Office - VV, PV, STR, STL
School - VV, PV, STR, STL
Kindergarten- B, BB, STR, STL
Medical institution - STR, STL
Wallpaper icons
When choosing wallpaper, pay attention to the icons that manufacturers put to indicate the type of wallpaper, the method of gluing it and caring for it:
Waterproof during processing. You can wipe the wallpaper with a sponge while gluing it. Fresh glue stains can be removed with a damp sponge.
Resistant to wet processing. Small stains can be removed from the wallpaper using a wet sponge.
Highly resistant to wet processing. You can wash wallpaper using detergents
Resistant to mechanical stress. Wallpaper can be washed using detergents and a brush
Highly resistant to mechanical stress wallpaper
Sufficient light fastness
Good light fastness
Very good light fastness
Excellent light fastness
Wallpaper does not need to be adjusted according to the design
Straight pattern, horizontal position
Shifting pattern, diagonal arrangement
Glue each subsequent strip of wallpaper in the opposite direction.
The height of the pattern in centimeters, when gluing the wallpaper, shift it by half the height
Wallpaper is pasted overlapping
Glue is applied to the wall surface
Wallpaper with an adhesive coating already applied
Glue is applied to the wallpaper
Wallpaper can be easily removed
When repairing, wallpaper can be removed from the wall dry without leaving any residue.
Wallpaper is removed after preliminary wetting
Removed in layers. Lower paper layer wallpaper remains on the wall.
Wallpaper duplicated with an embossed top layer
Impact-resistant wallpaper
Fabrics and curtains that match the design are available for this wallpaper.
Home design for happy life, or How to create the ideal space for the emotional well-being of the whole family
The book describes a step-by-step algorithm for creating a home interior design with your own hands.
It contains everything key points important for design - from coming up with ideas and choosing colors, to arranging furniture.
This book is about how to create an atmosphere of warmth and comfort through design.
It contains practical advice from a designer and art therapist on arranging comfortable housing for a fulfilling life.
Simple step-by-step algorithms for selecting colors and furniture will help solve all issues related to interior design. You will know exactly how to choose colors and arrange furniture so that the whole family can live well in the house.
Probably each of us has experience self-repair started with . So my first meeting with repairs took place with wallpaper, in my 1st year at university. I remember standing and looking at all the wallpaper, at all the symbols on the wallpaper and really couldn’t understand what to buy?! Advice from a consultant is, of course, good, but you need to be able to read these same icons. And what is the probability that the consultant will not confuse something?
Let me try to tell you in detail what each sign means. Since all the signs are standardized, this will be easy!
Division of wallpaper by type of material
The very first designation on the wallpaper is the type of material from which it is made; there are 8 types in total:- A - acrylic wallpaper;
- B - paper-based wallpaper;
- BB - foamed vinyl;
- PV - flat vinyl (smooth);
- RV - relief vinyl (textured vinyl);
- TKS - textile wallpaper (based on fabric);
- STR - structural wallpaper;
- STL – glass wallpaper.
Information signs on wallpaper
Well, now the most important thing. Icons on a wallpaper label. Before going to the store, be sure to read this list so that you can already imagine what the wallpaper label that suits you looks like.Water resistant. This wallpaper can be wiped with a sponge or rag while gluing. You can also remove excess glue without fear of it getting wet.
Resistant to wet processing. Such wallpaper can be wiped with a damp sponge or rag after it has dried, for example, to remove dirt.
High degree of moisture resistance. Such wallpaper can be soap solution or non-aggressive cleaning agents. You can't rub!
Wallpaper allows mechanical impact. Like the previous type, only they can also be rubbed. The main thing is to rub without fanaticism, because you can ruin it.
Highly resistant wallpaper, both to mechanical stress. and moisture. Such wallpaper can even be washed with a comet, but will it benefit them?
Poor light fastness. This will mean that when exposed to large quantity sunlight can cause wallpaper to fade, and quite quickly! Those. This sign is for non-sunny rooms.
Normal light fastness.
Good light fastness.
Maximum light fastness. By choosing wallpaper of this type and the next, you don’t have to worry about the safety of the colors and materials of the wallpaper, even if they are exposed to direct sunlight every day.
The wallpaper is not customizable. There is no need to adjust the drawing, i.e. waste time on unnecessary measurements and cutting off wallpaper. For those new to home renovation, this sign is a must.
Straight drawing, i.e. When adjusting, only the horizontal position of the pattern is taken into account. The pattern is repeated in horizontal rows.
Offset drawing. Adjusting such wallpaper will require a lot of work, because the pattern is adjusted horizontally, but has a diagonal repetition.
Reverse bias. The strips are glued one after another in the opposite direction. Those. glued wallpaper from below - top, and above - bottom. The next stripe is bottom-bottom, top-top.
Height of the picture. By dividing this value in half, you can understand how much you will have to shift the strip to adjust the pattern.
Overlapping gluing. Each subsequent strip is glued overlapping the previous one.
When purchasing wallpaper, it is not enough to take into account only the data contained on the price tag, price list or catalogue. To prevent sellers from misleading you, it is useful to know everything about wallpaper labeling. Each number, letter or image has its own unique meaning.
Letters on a roll
Letter designations talk about the type of material and its qualities. So, “A” means that acrylic foam is applied to the paper base. Plain paper without any additional coatings is designated by the letter “B”, which can refer to duplex, simplex, and washable wallpaper. “A+” - these are only those wallpapers that are intended for pasting ceilings; it is not advisable to glue them to walls.
Vinyl coverings have three different options:
BB– their production used the foaming method;
PV– an additional pressing operation was used. This type of wallpaper is considered flat;
- RV– on the contrary, it has a pronounced relief and a non-woven base.
The abbreviation TKS means the presence of fabric (textiles). Selecting wallpaper for painting is quite simple; you need to rely on the abbreviations STP (structural) or STL (glass wallpaper).
Decoding will allow you to choose perfect wallpaper for a specific room. In hallways and corridors you can glue anything (except TKS), but in children's rooms only B, STR, BB or STL. Only RV and STL are acceptable for the bathroom; paper wallpaper is allowed in the bedroom.
If you want to wallpaper a cafe, the acceptable markings are PV, STR, RV and STL. Interestingly, the set of options suitable for the office is the same that can be used in schools - BB, PV, STR and STL.
Numbers
The numbers mean a lot: the one in the red circle is the article, and the one in the green circle is the serial number of the batch. Be sure to make sure that they match, otherwise there is a risk of encountering differences in shades, colors and patterns. The two-digit number in the square frame is the centimeters of the height of the drawings.
Graphic symbols
Anyone who has purchased wallpaper, chosen it or pasted it at least once, probably paid attention to the various designs used in the markings. Understanding them is quite simple and there is no need to be a professional builder or architect; you don’t even need thick reference books.
Icons can be divided into functional groups:
Showing how to glue wallpaper;
Reflecting resistance to fading in light;
Illustrating the dangers from water and friction, from sharp blows and scratches;
Explaining exactly how to remove wallpaper;
Dedicated to product safety.
On the label, graphic symbols most often come after the letters. With help wavy lines shows how moisture resistant the wallpaper is. If there is only one such line, then any contact with water after gluing and removing excess glue is unacceptable. When there are two lines, it is allowed to occasionally wipe the surface with slightly damp cloths or sponges without strong pressure. And the addition of another stripe indicates that you can use a soap solution for cleaning.
Washable wallpaper, which is marked not only with wavy lines, but also with a brush, can be cleaned using these same brushes; one line and brush imply light treatment with careful movements, and three – vigorous mechanical cleaning. In the latter case, the use of household chemicals and abrasives is allowed. This will remove even stubborn oil stains.
Sun drawing will show how great the destructive effect of direct sunlight on the canvas is. Please note that the wallpaper that is most susceptible to fading is not marked in any way, and the least resistant to light is shown as a half-filled circle. This means that such wallpaper cannot be glued where there will be daylight. A completely shaded sun tells the consumer that the canvas is suitable for normal use, but over time it will still lose the brightness of its colors. Increased resistance to light is shown by the symbol "+" on the surface of the sun, and exceptional (tropical) - by a pair of suns.
Very important characteristic– adjustment, because the required amount of wallpaper depends on whether it is there or not. When there is an up arrow to the left of the line and a zero to the right, this means there will be no fit. Two arrows separated by a strip indicate that the canvas needs to be adjusted horizontally, and if they are at different heights, vertically.
It is most difficult to work with wallpaper when the arrows point in opposite directions.
An overlap joint is shown by two parallel and one horizontal line (entering the top line at a right angle, like an inverted T), although this designation is only rarely encountered. When a fraction is entered into the marking, the numerator is the height of the pattern, and the denominator is the displacement distance of the joint. By dividing the numbers, you will know how much each stripe should be shifted relative to the nearest ones. Direct joining does not require moving the pattern. A shortened arrow with a horizontal line indicates that the canvas should be glued parallel to the floor.
Brush indicates that only the wall itself will have to be covered with glue. The bath in which the canvas was immersed suggests that the wallpaper was already covered with an adhesive layer at the factory. It is supposed to be pre-soaked. If the brush is painted along with the canvas, then you will need to coat it very carefully, in large portions. And finally, the equals sign on a piece of wallpaper will show you that you need to use only the adhesive specified by the manufacturer.
Finishing materials must not only be applied, but also removed after long use. If there icon with a wall and peeling wallpaper, this means that they will be easy to remove, you just need to wet them. The presence of an arrow indicates that the canvas will come off in a monolithic layer, and the spatula symbolizes the need for increased wetting. A wall and many layers of material indicate that you will need to remove them sequentially, and a hammer indicates that you will first have to mechanically damage the canvas, and only then will it begin to come off.
Important nuances
Signs on wallpaper can have other meanings. Non-woven coverings that have a layer of foamed vinyl are often marked with signs indicating the presence or absence of texture. Arrow pointing upward means that the pattern should be directed towards the ceiling (for the most part this applies to patterns that are difficult to perceive). A dark cloud with two parallel lines indicates that the collection includes not only wallpaper, but also curtains and other textiles.
When calculating the length of the walls, you do not need to take into account window and door openings, and with direct horizontal joining you need to control how high the pattern is. If its height is, for example, 70 centimeters, and the height of the wall is 300 cm, then in each strip there will be four full repetitions and one partial (20 centimeters). Always check each tube unless the sticker is even and straight, as otherwise the pattern may not line up.
When the marking includes only one brush (no wavy lines), this means dry cleaning is acceptable.