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April 17, 2001

The question that can drive you up a wall: Paper or paint?

By CINDY FOSTER GRACE
Special to the Record-Eagle
       One of the age-old decorating questions: paint or wallpaper? Unfortunately, there are no easy answers. It all boils down to your personal taste and the look you want to achieve.
      Long gone are the days when a few coats of white paint were all that was necessary to adorn interior walls. Today, paint companies offer a full spectrum of colors in tones from bold to pastel. Plus, with the popularization of faux paint techniques and products like glaze and crackle, even the most inexperienced painters can achieve designer results.
      Generally speaking, paint is less expensive than wallpaper and Pat DeYoung, owner of DeYoung's in downtown Traverse City, said that paint is an easy way to bring a fun new look to your walls. Paint is also less of a "commitment." If you get a color on your walls that you just can't live with it's easy enough to fix with a coat of fresh paint in a new color.
      DeYoung pointed out that paint generally lasts three to five years. The quality of paint you choose and the finish will determine how long the paint will look clean and fresh. Another key to durable painted walls is to properly prepare before painting. Like any job well-done, there are no shortcuts. It is a good idea to start with a coat of primer, especially if you are painting a light color over a dark color.
      "Clean the walls thoroughly with a little ammonia or a mild cleaner. Make sure that there is no wax residue on the walls where candles have been burned. Wax acts as a resist and will repel the paint," added DeYoung.
      Sue Fortier of The Home Depot in Traverse City said that recently, people have gotten bolder with the use of color when painting. Neutral colors are still current, but Fortier says stronger, brighter colors are gaining acceptance. For example, she said that lime green and violet is a very popular color combination, especially among young girls.
      Fortier also sees a lot of interest in some of the newer faux and dimensional looks. Faux techniques that mimic fabric from leather to denim and textured applications such as Venetian plaster all have stylish appeal.
      A perfect example of "everything that is old is new again," wallpaper has been around since the introduction of papermaking in the 15th century. Surprisingly, many of the techniques used to make wallpaper have not changed much in the last 400 years. Once reserved for the most formal of rooms, the design explosion of the 1960s brought wallpaper to every room in the house, including bathrooms and kitchens.
      Technology has had a strong influence on the wallpaper business with the introduction of self-adhesive and laser technology. New printing and engraving methods bring an added dimension with innovations such as in-register light-reflective wallcoverings, photo-realistic patterns and new faux design with the look of fabrics, tapestries, wood grains and other surfaces.
      For example, Fortier said that the Simply Color line by Graham and Brown and exclusive to Home Depot is revolutionary in that there are no dye lots and no patterns to match. The paper is exactly what its name says, simply color. The look mimics the effects of sponge painting, however, Fortier said, "it's more subtle."
      Not having a dye lot means that in several months if a customer needs to buy more of the paper, it is sure to match what is already on the walls.
      DeYoung says that while wallpaper is more of a commitment, it is extremely durable, saying that "most wallpapers will last 10 to 12 years."
      Because of its durability and the cost and labor involved, it is a good idea to be sure the wallpaper you pick is something that you are going to love on your walls. Check out wallpaper books and take them home to see the paper in different lights and if it really blends with your furniture and accessories.
      Hanging wallpaper is a bit of a trick and once again, proper preparation is essential for a good outcome. DeYoung said that if you are hanging wallpaper over a painted surface, you should be sure the paint has had at least three weeks to dry. She added that you should always put sizing on the walls where you are going to hang paper and never hang wallpaper directly onto drywall.
      If you are removing old wallpaper to hang new wallpaper, be sure the paper is completely stripped and all the paste has been removed. There are certain products designed to remove wallpaper that have enzymes that will help remove the paste. According to DeYoung, the best advice is to read the directions that come with the wallpaper. She adds that if you don't feel comfortable hanging the paper yourself, it's best to hire a reputable installer, someone with solid recommendations.
      Can't decide? When it comes to making a decision about paint or wallpaper, it doesn't have to be a "one or the other" decision. Many people are choosing to combine several techniques for a truly custom look. Fortier says chair rails, wainscoting, wallpaper borders, faux painting techniques, stenciling and wallpaper are all being used in many different combinations for truly unique walls.
      Mary Robinson, a "do-it-yourself" mom in Traverse City, combined several techniques for her son Ryan's bedroom walls. Ryan had picked out a sports theme border with very bright colors. Mary was afraid that painting the walls one of the bold colors in the border would be too dramatic so she painted the walls white and then did a faux technique using a feather duster to apply several of the bolder colors atop the white base coat. With paint, she achieved the look of wallpaper and then hung the wallpaper border around the room at chair rail height. The project was simple and the Robinsons were very pleased with the results.
      Fortier finds that most people have an idea about the look they want when they come to purchase paint and wallpaper. However, she says that if you are having a hard time deciding what you want to do with your walls, look through magazines for ideas and clip out the pictures that appeal to you. She also says that if you are stumped for a color, look through your closet.
      "You usually wear the colors you like the most," said Fortier.
      If the answer to the paint and wallpaper dilemma is still elusive, there is a profusion of information available on painting techniques and wallpaper. The Internet offers a multitude of helpful sites plus there are books and pamphlets on the subject. If all else fails, call your local paint and wallpaper store and ask about do-it-yourself classes.