Use the following as you see fit for your newsletter article...these
are my own thoughts on the subject, I've done both projects many
times.
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Both wallpapering and Painting require preparation. Both projects
will add to the appearance of the room. Both can usually be
accomplished in a weekend. However, painting allows more room for
error than does wallpapering...and the frustration factor is much
lower with painting.
Wallpapering:
Unless you are a pro, matching patterns, covering switchplates and
electrical outlet covers, and ending up with a good result is not
guaranteed. It will usually take several tries to get the finishing
touches just right. If you're not detail-oriented, you may end up
with a less than desirable appearance. Wallpapering is also more
expensive than painting in most cases. Preparation may include the
extra step of sizing, if the wall to be treated has a lot of
texture--this adds several hours to the project. And, as stated in a
previous comment, redecorating after wallpapering is a nightmare.
Removal takes a lot of time and energy. Maintenance of a wallpapered
surface is also more difficult. Tears are difficult to cover up,
seams will buckle over time, and if you have a cat who likes to
sharpen his claws on the wall, forget about it. Also, wallpaper
patterns that are at the height of home fashion today will look tired
and tacky within a few years most of the time. Think back to the '70s
when metallic wallpapers with day-glo colored flowers were the in
thing. Walking into a room papered with such a design in the early
'80's sent many a homeowner into convulsions--including me.
Wallpapering is an extremely sticky & messy project. The glue will
get on your hands, in your hair, and on your clothes. More than one
person is definitely required, as cutting, wetting, and placing a 10
foot strip of paper on a wall is not easy.
As for the pros, if selected and installed properly, wallpaper can add
a distinct appearance to a room--a more tailored look than paint
alone. Be careful to select patterns with the right size and scale for
the space. Don't paper a cavernous room with a tiny flowered pattern,
and don't choose a pattern with huge flowers for a miniscule bathroom.
Compared to the installation of wallpaper, painting a wall is much
easier for the novice do-it-yourselfer. With the exception of edging,
where the painted surface meets a ceiling or piece of trim, painting a
room with a solid color can be accomplished quickly, and mistakes are
easily covered up. Keep in mind that working with latex paints
requires less skill than oil-based paints like those used on wood
trim. ALWAYS USE A DROP CLOTH!!! If painting includes faux finishes,
there are lots of techniques that are easy to do with simple tools
like rags, plastic wrap, sponges, and mits that can be done by an
amateur. Many home-improvement stores also offer lessons in faux
finishes. Spending the time at the beginning of the project to
properly mask off the edges with masking tape, and making sure that
you have the right tools for the job will make the project go a lot
smoother. As with wallpaper, selection of the paint color(s) is key
to ending up with a good result. The best thing about painting is
that if you hate it when you're done, you just paint right over it
with another color.
Both projects can be great fun for the do-it-yourselfer, just don't
forget that a key tool for surviving either is a good sense of humor
and the ability to laugh at yourself with paint or wallpaper adhesive
stuck in your hair. |
