Studijo waterproof wallpaper as an alternative to ceramic tiles
Every Studijo wallpaper, in addition to the standard DeluxWall material, can also be made in a waterproof HydraWall variant. As a result, wallpapers and the art they print find their place in rooms that were previously reserved exclusively for ceramic tiles.
Waterproof wallpaper made of fiberglass
Waterproof wallpapers are made of fiberglass, a material that contains glass fibers interconnected by synthetic resin. Due to its good mechanical properties (strength and elasticity) and resistance to chemical influences, fiberglass is used in many production branches such as shipbuilding and construction – as a substitute for wood, glass or metal.
Accordingly, wallpapers made on fiberglass are resistant to external stimuli of weather changes – moisture and temperature, they guarantee resistance to liquid penetration and high resistance to mechanical wear, wiping and abrasion on the surface and cleaning agents. They do not swell, have stable dimensions and are resistant to rotting, and their structure protects the substrate from mechanical stress and bridges cracks caused by shrinkage and drying. In addition to all of the above, they are also characterized by excellent color fastness to light.
According to Euroclass, they are classified as non-flammable or limited combustible material (Euro class B-s1, d0).
They are intended for installation in residential and business premises; they are suitable for showers, toilets, saunas, spas and kitchen areas. To install waterproof wallpaper, it is necessary to prepare the base beforehand. The substrate must be flat and smooth, otherwise every unevenness on the wallpaper will be outlined.
In the bathrooms, the wallpaper is installed directly on the waterproofing or over the already existing tiles with prior leveling of the walls. For leveling the wall, we recommend a waterproofing compound (smooth) that goes on top of the plaster to get a flat, smooth surface.
In addition to bathrooms, the waterproof system can also be installed in kitchens (walls next to the sink and stove) and in all areas exposed to a large amount of moisture. The maximum width of fiberglass panels is 95 cm, so we often make kitchen areas (between elements) from one piece (horizontal) so that there are no joints. Installation of waterproof wallpaper takes place in several stages:
Phase 1
Coating the wall with a primer, which should dry before the next step
Phase 2
Applying the adhesive to the wall
Phase 3
Installing the wallpaper: Extruding the air towards the ends and cutting the excess with a scalpel
Phase 4
Applying a protective coating in 2-3 layers (leave the layers to dry between applications)
For more information, see our guide to installing HydraWall wallpaper.
The protective coating that is applied to the wallpaper after installation is easy to apply, it is colorless and hydrophobic, which makes liquid droplets slide on the vertical wall. In addition, it improves the wallpaper’s resistance to wear and scratches, it is resistant to UV rays (not yellow), and its ability to repel dirt allows for simpler and easier maintenance.
As for maintenance – Studijo waterproof wallpaper has the characteristics of a ceramic tile, so it can be washed and wiped without any problems. After applying the protective coating, they can be washed with a brush and cleaning agents, just as you would wash ceramics.
