The question of whether vinyl wallpaper or paint is best for commercial properties is one that is asked frequently. Just as with everything, however, the answer mainly comes down to what your unique design goals are and just how big of an area that you are attempting to cover.
Here is a look at some of the main advantages and disadvantages of both vinyl wallpaper and paint for commercial properties:
Vinyl Wallpaper
One of the biggest advantages of wallpaper for commercial properties is that it is much easier to clean and maintain. There is a misconception that paint is actually much cheaper than wallpaper. The fact is, however, that vinyl wallpaper can be maintained much more efficiently than painted surfaces and is therefore generally considered to be a better long term option.
The main disadvantage of wallcovering is that it comes in so many different design types and prices that it can be a challenge to figure out the best option for an entire property. Since it is usually purchased by commercial properties in bulk, it can limit your options as far as creativity goes. It is also much more difficult to remove if it ends up not being the right choice.
Paint
One of the main advantages of paint is that the short term cost is generally much less than wallpaper. While the long term costs will usually be more, high quality paint is much cheaper than high quality wallpaper. You can also be much more diverse with paint than you can with wallpaper. Your choices vary greatly because you have the opportunity to paint each room or area a different color based on the other features of that room.
The most obvious disadvantage associated with paint is that it usually needs to be changed or coated again every 2-3 years. This can be a major inconvenience and expense for commercial properties that have large wall areas to cover. It is generally accepted that you can save 30-40% over the long term by going with wallpaper.
The Final Word
As has been mentioned, your decision over whether to go with wallpaper or paint is going to come down to your unique needs. Since every property is different, your best bet is always to consult with a professional about which option is best for your situation. Experienced companies like WolfGordon can provide much more specific information about which option is best for you.