(MS) -- When it comes to tackling a home's interior, opinions often abound. Whether you're a couple living together for the first time, a pair of polar opposite roommates, or living alone for the first time, eventually you're going to have to make some decor decisions.One of those decisions is whether or not to choose paint or wallpaper for your new pad. While apartment dwellers might not be able to make this call per the terms of their lease, homeowners will likely want to redo the walls of their new place, and the choice isn't as easy as it might seem.
To Paint or Not to Paint?
If the decision to paint or wallpaper is one based largely on finances, then painting is the best way to go initially, as it is the more affordable of the two options. In addition to cost, paint also has other advantages.
One such advantage is the degree of difficulty. Painting is far easier than hanging wallpaper, and that relative ease makes it possible to give a room an entirely new look pretty quickly. Part of what makes painting so easy is that it requires much less preparation time to paint a room, especially when compared to wallpapering a room, which takes lots of preparation and skill.
Another reason to choose paint is that it's easier to cover up mistakes when painting. Especially for someone making their first foray into decor, there's going to be some mistakes made. If you make a faux pas when painting (such as choosing the wrong color), you can simply go over the paint. While you can always paint over wallpaper, there's a strong chance it will show through. Also, if you plan on removing wallpaper, that can be a difficult process, especially if the wallpaper has already been painted over.
One disadvantage to paint is that oil-based paints, which are considered to be more durable and more rich in color, are also more difficult to apply. In general, it's best to have a professional apply oil-based paint because they tend to run, which can make it difficult for a weekend warrior to get the best possible result. In addition, oil-based paints take a long time to dry between coats, which can be problematic for amateurs who are looking to get the job done as soon as possible.
Will I Wallpaper or Not?
Perhaps the biggest advantage to going with wallpaper is the aesthetic appeal. Wallpaper can supply a number of looks and contribute to a room's character in ways that simply painting the walls cannot.
Another advantage to wallpaper is its durability. Most of today's wallpapers are built to last up to 15 years, whereas paint usually needs to be redone every few years. As mentioned earlier, the cost of painting is often more affordable initially. However, the durability of wallpaper often makes it the more economical choice in the long run.
Like paint, wallpaper does come with disadvantages. In especially humid climates, glue can loosen and result in wallpaper peeling off the wall. Also, wallpaper can easily succumb to dirt or damage, and unless you have extra rolls lying around, finding the same color or pattern again, particularly if the wallpaper is older, can be difficult. And even if you do have spare rolls lying around, the new wallpaper can make the older appear faded or worn out, which happens over time due to sun exposure.
When it comes to decorating your domicile, paint versus wallpaper is just one of the many decisions you'll have to make.
CAPTION: Choosing between paint and wallpaper should involve careful consideration of the pros and cons of each option.
Keywords: home interior wallpaper paint decor homeowner painting paint room oil-based paints wall painting
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