In today’s greening world, you have options on what substrates you target for your wallcovering applications.
Vinyl Wallcovering, types I and II
I’ve had the privilege to visit two of the largest vinyl wallcovering manufacturing sites in North America in Columbus, MS and Marietta, OH. These being home to OMNOVA Solutions, and RJF International, respectively. Manufacturing is a difficult process, and getting it right is an artform.
Vinyl wallcovering comes in either 15oz, or 20oz options (weight – judged type I and II, respectively), and is comprised of a layer of PVC vinyl covered over a cotton or synthetic fiber substrate. These subsrates can be either woven (in a pattern) or non-woven (a swirly glob of fabric). It is very strong, and is the type of material you would find covering the walls in your local bank, hotel, or other commercial building.
Unless you are looking to go Green, this is your best option.
Although rare, there CAN be variations in wallcovering:in two ways
- The thickness of the material
- This can change spray distance from your print heads.
- Affect the texture of the print.
- The color of the material – variations in product recipes at time of manufacture can affect the amount of Titanium Dioxide, or TI-O2, in the product. TIO2 is what affects the whiteness of the material.
Green Wallcovering
The last year has seen an explosion of green technologies throughout the world. It has also happened to the wallcovering world as well. There are two recent offerings in the marketplace that I would like to highlight. The first is the ECORE product from OMNOVA. An excerpt from the linked page is below.
ECORE Advanced Wall Technology.
Innovative, Eco-Friendly.
Introducing ECORE™ Advanced Wall Technology, the industry’s first “no-compromise” eco-friendly wallcovering platform — exclusively from OMNOVA Solutions. ECORE technology is based on a revolutionary construction that uses nano-structures to create an innovative, lightweight, non-PVC substrate. Large and small scale designs can be printed using the ECORE platform with the same clarity and precision as conventional wallcoverings.
ECORE technology is available in two new OMNOVA Commercial Wallcovering brands, Scion™ and Avant™. OMNOVA also plans to offer private-label manufacturing in late 2008.
Scion and Avant wallcoverings are the eco-friendly answer for designers looking for a non-PVC wallcovering construction, great design and color, solid performance, long life-cycle, low maintenance and a strong environmental profile.
Besides being an eco-friendly solution for interiors, wallcoverings featuring ECORE technology deliver Type II performance and durability, a Class A Fire Rating and low VOC emissions. They install using standard installation procedures — no special tooling or training is required. ECORE products are also 100% recyclable and feature a post-use reclamation program. Plus, they’re breathable. And beautiful.
The second product is Revolve™ from RJF International. An excerpt from their website is also below:
Revolve™ Environmental Wallcovering Media
Biodegradable · Breathable · Class A Fire-Rated · Chlorine Free
Contains FSC Certified Pulp · 20% Post Consumer Recycled contentRevolve™
Revolve Digital Media was specifically engineered for today’s wide-format digital printers and ink systems, and is perfect for light to moderate traffic applicationsRevolve Digital Media can be used in a wide variety of applications: Retail stores, restaurants, office interiors, hotel guest rooms.
Type I. Alternative wallcovering media
* 54” wide Type I wallcovering media
* Rolls are 60 yards / 180 lin. ft.
* Weight: 45 lbs.
* Compatible with solvent, eco-solvent and UV curable digital ink systems.
Wallpaper
I’ve never printed on wallpaper media, but I’ve seen it. After I was introduced to tough materials like vinyl wallcovering, I would never want to risk a semi-expensive print job on a media that can be torn so easily. This may be an inexpensive option for residential jobs – but not worth the hassle of an angry customer.
Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Vinyl
Big giant stickers. Using a certified decal installer, peel back the paper backing and press the vinyl to your target wall. Using this material, one overlaps edges together – and creates no double cut seam as in wallcovering.
Often times PSA vinyl allows for variation, dirt, and paint drips in a wall to be seen because of its thinness, and lack of texture. This type of product is great when you have complete control of the installation surface, but if its to be installed out in the field- a dangerous option.
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