When you use a vinyl wallcovering in a commercial facility, you can better understand its quality when you learn a little bit how it is made. Most of the Type I, II and II ASTM-certified vinyl wallcoverings that we feature here at Wolf-Gordon are made up of a decorative layer, intermediate layer or “ground” and a backing or substrate.
A natural or vinyl wallcovering then is generally made of three layers. The decorative layer is the thinnest of the layers in most instances. This layer supports the color and design of a product. It is made using such artistic methods as flexography, screen-printing or gravure. This top layer may also be coated with a protective polymer so it can supply additional performance characteristics.
The Second or Intermediate Layer of the Wall Covering
The intermediate layer for a natural or vinyl wallcovering supplies surface area for the decorative layer. It also features the background for the print and pattern for a vinyl wallcovering or textured wall product. While it can be colorized in a variety of colors, it frequently is white. This particular layer can range from one one-thousandths of an inch to 20 mils in thickness.
The Substrate
The substrate or backing is the layer that is actually attached to the wall. Substrates are created from a broad range of materials. The trend now seems to be turning toward the use of non-woven and woven fabrics.
Types of Backings
Backings for vinyl wallcovering products include paper backings, woven fabric backings (known as osnaburg or scrim), non-woven fabric backings ad latex acrylic backings.
Paper backings are used on various vinyl wallcovering products, particularly on paperback vinyl and vinyl coated papers. The woven fabric backs, which are often known as osnaburg or scrim, are frequently used in heavy-use or medium-use areas. Therefore, they are incorporated frequently in such heavy traffic areas as business corridors.
Woven fabric backings come in various grades and are noted for their ability to withstand tears.
Latex acrylic backings are used on wallcoverings made of textile-based designs to enhance hanging qualities and improve stability.
As you can see, a number of components comprise the design and manufacture of a wall covering. The layers and backings all must underscore the overall quality and classification of the material. We at Gordon-Wolf like to showcase wall coverings that meet all the elements of design as well as quality.
Take a close look at our commercial wall covering products as well as the wall coverings we feature with natural and sustainable materials .Either way, both kinds of products allow you to make an improvement in your home or office that is not only aesthetic but of a high grade.