What is vinyl wallpaper?

There are several types of vinyl wallpapers available, including solid vinyl, vinyl-coated paper, and vinyl-coated non-woven wallpapers.

The most common type — and the majority of what we sell — is vinyl-coated wallpaper, designed to offer durability and washability while remaining easy to install.

This article explains what vinyl-coated wallpaper is and where it’s best used.

What is Vinyl-Coated Wallpaper?

• A wallpaper with a surface coating of vinyl (PVC) that protects the design underneath.
• It may have either a paper or non-woven backing depending on the product.
• The vinyl coating makes the wallpaper washable, more durable, and better able to handle moisture than plain paper wallpapers.

Pros:

• Washable, and often scrubbable — can be wiped or gently cleaned with a damp cloth or sponge
• More durable than standard paper wallpapers
• Resistant to grime and light moisture
• Available in a wide variety of styles, colours, and textures
• Easier to install than heavy solid vinyl wallpapers

Cons:

• Still not fully waterproof — not suitable for areas with direct water contact (like showers)
• Needs good ventilation if used in very humid rooms

Best for:

• Powder rooms and bathrooms with good ventilation
• Kitchens (away from sinks and cooktops)
• Children's rooms and high-traffic hallways
• Feature walls that need to be durable and easy to clean

How Can I Tell if a Wallpaper is Vinyl-Coated?

• Sometimes you can, but not always.
• Vinyl-coated wallpapers usually have a slightly smoother or satin-like surface compared to pure paper wallpapers.
• Look for care symbols — wallpapers rated as "extra washable" or "scrubbable" are often vinyl-coated.
• However, the only reliable way to know is by checking the product description or asking the retailer before you purchase.

Important Tips

• Always install in rooms with good ventilation to avoid moisture build-up behind the wallpaper.
• Use a strong adhesive designed for vinyl-coated papers, especially in humid rooms.
• Vinyl-coated wallpaper is not recommended for direct water exposure like inside showers or steam rooms.