INTD 503- Materials Topic: Wall Coverings Prepared by: Dr. Mamdouh I. Zaky. University of Nizwa, Sultanate of Oman.

Wall coverings Paints Ceramic wall tiles Wood paneling Vinyl wall coverings Fabric wall coverings Wall papers Gypsum boards

Paints An inexpensive finish that is easily applied and creates various textures. Comes in two options: Latex (water based) Oil (solvent based) Paint is produced in four basic sheens: Flat or matte finish- produces the least glare but also least durable. Applied in low traffic areas. Satin or Eggshell finish- light sheen and is more durable than the flat finish. Semi-gloss finish- good sheen and is even more durable. Applied to areas that require frequent cleaning such as kitchen, bathrooms, door trims and moldings. Gloss finish- shiny appearance and is very durable. Difficult to apply a new finish over the gloss finish.

Paints Primer is a preparatory coating applied on materials before painting. ensures better adhesion of paint to the surface increases paint durability provides additional protection for the material being painted. block and seal stains Emulsion paint is a water based paint used for both exterior and interior applications. Varnish and shellac provide protective coating without color. Lacquer is a fast-drying solvent-based paint or varnish that produces a hard and durable finish. Enamel paint dries to a hard, usually glossy finish. It sometimes contain glass powder or tiny metal flake fragments instead of the color pigments found in standard oil-based paints.

Paints Glaze is an additive used with paint to slow the drying time and increase translucency as in Art Painting. Finger paint is a kind of paint intended to be applied with the fingers; it typically comes in pots. Anti fouling paint, or bottom paint, prevents marine organisms from adhering to the hulls of ships. Roof coating has elastic properties that allows it to stretch and return to their original shape without damage. It provides UV protection to polyurethane foam and is widely used as part of a roof restoration system.

Ceramic wall tiles Comes in a wide range of options. Glazed or unglazed for surfacing walls. Wall tiles have low impact resistance and is typically glazed. Ceramic tile from floor to ceiling is preferred on wet walls like shower areas, and wainscot height behind lavatories and toilets.

Wood paneling Expensive wall treatment and usually applied only to upscale spaces. Wood veneer wall coverings can substitute wood panels to give expensive looks in lower prices. Wood veneer can be installed finished or unfinished on a smooth substrate. Exposed edges of wood paneling should be finished with wood trim moldings.

Vinyl wall coverings Available as fabric backed and paper backed wall coverings. Fabric backed are the most durable. Vinyl wall coverings come in 3 types- type 1, type 2 and type 3. Type 1 is less durable therefore used in lower traffic areas. Type 2 is used in heavier traffic areas such as corridors and public spaces. Type 3 is least used due to its high cost but is excellent for walls that take extreme abuse. Less fire rating and deterioration in humid conditions are the major disadvantages. Edging should be provided for exposed outside corners.

Fabric Wall covering Fabric wall coverings are typically used in upscale places with low traffic. Eg: Conference rooms and areas that require speech privacy or in residential areas. Barkcloth, grasscloth, linen, jute, strings, rattan, silk, cotton etc are normally used for wall coverings. Fixed using glues, Velcro or clipped to the frame. Come with paper or latex backing for stability and protection from glues seeping through.

Fabric Wall covering Upholstered wall covering are field installed where the fabric covers a frame that is attached to the wall. Nylon, rayon and viscose are avoided due to sagging. Available in wide range of colors, textures and pattern. Maintenance and inflammability are the disadvantages.

Fabric Wall covering

Wall papers Typically used for residential projects or in low traffic areas due to its limited resistance to wear and high maintenance. Normally sold in rolls and applied using wall paper paste. Available as Plain( that can be painted), textured or printed patterned. The most economical wall paper is pre-pasted vinyl coated paper.

Gypsum board Gypsum board is also known as wallboard, sheet rock and drywall. Installed as wall substrate in most commercial interior projects. Type ‘X’ gypsum board is used when fire rating is required. Other types of gypsum boards are green board or moisture resistant board; foil backed used as vapor barriers, blue boards used as substrate for veneer plaster and pre finished gypsum board with a decorative vinyl or fabric finish.