For most homeowners in Singapore, wallpaper is not necessarily the first option that comes to mind for wall coverings.
Decades of complaints about poor wallpaper installation, coupled with a strong Nippon Paint advertising campaign in the 90s (you know the one), have given many Singaporeans the impression that wallpaper is just not suitable for the local climate.
However, the truth is that wallpaper has come a long way. Many modern home designs, including BTOs and luxury properties, now incorporate wallpaper rather than typical wall paint.
As the leading wallpaper specialist in Singapore, we’re here to provide a definitive answer to the question of wallpaper’s suitability for use in Singapore, as well as what homeowners need to know about getting wallpaper installed to withstand the local humidity.
Is Wallpaper A Suitable Choice For Singapore Homes?
Wallpaper is a suitable choice for Singapore homes in spite of the year-round heat and humidity.
One of the most common arguments against wallpaper is that it does not last long in Singapore’s humid weather – this is a myth that has been untrue for a long time. Wallpaper now comes in materials that are resistant to humidity and moisture.
Examples of these are non-woven wallpaper and paper-backed vinyl wallpaper – both of which are non-absorbent and can even be washed and cleaned without moisture damage.
Moisture-resistant wallpaper can last a long time (up to 15 years). In many cases, wallpaper can perform just as well as paint in terms of longevity and cost-effectiveness.
Does Moisture Still Effect Wallpaper?
Yes, high exposure to moisture and humidity can still damage wallpaper and shorten lifespan.
Moisture can cause wallpaper to peel, bubble, and deform as air comes between the wallpaper and the surface of the wall. These pockets of air are not only unsightly, but can also cause mould to form when humidity is high.
That being said, these same issues are not exclusive to wallpaper – wall paint can also crack, peel, and bubble when exposed to high humidity.
As long as the home is kept in a reasonably dry environment, wallpaper will not degrade under Singapore’s natural humidity.
What Types of Wallpaper Are Suitable for Singapore’s Climate?
There are 3 main types of wallpaper – only two have sufficient resistance to last a long time in Singapore’s climate.
Regular wallpaper, which consists only of a paper layer, is not suitable for Singapore’s humidity. Paper-only wallpaper readily absorbs and retains moisture, making it extremely prone to the dreaded peeling and bubbling issues that give wallpaper a bad name.
Homeowners considering wallpaper as wall coverings in Singapore should choose either non-woven wallpaper or paper-backed vinyl wallpaper.
Non-Woven Wallpaper
Non-woven wallpaper is made from a synthetic or natural fibre blend instead of paper. This makes it more akin to a layer of breathable fabric over the wall.
The fibres in non-woven wallpaper allow the moisture to dry out from the surface of the wall rather than soaking into the wallpaper itself. Non-woven wallpaper is a good choice for areas of the house that are air-conditioned such as a bedroom or living room. Condensation that lands on the walls after using air conditioning can dry up quickly on non-woven wallpaper.
Non-woven wallpaper also does not stretch or shrink when exposed to moisture, allowing it to be cleaned with a damp cloth. However, non-woven wallpaper is not waterproof and should not be soaked.
Paper-Backed Vinyl Wallpaper
Paper backed vinyl wallpaper has a PVC coating on the front side that is laminated to a paper backing. The PVC vinyl on the surface is waterproof and completely impermeable to moisture.
Vinyl wallpaper is suitable for bathrooms, kitchens and high traffic areas such as hallways. The waterproof vinyl is effective in stopping steam, water vapour, and cooking grease from entering the wall surface.
The only consideration is to prevent water from entering behind the surface of the wall (like from a leaking pipe), as the moisture will be sealed into the paper backing. If mould starts growing, the wallpaper may need to be removed for cleaning.
Vinyl wallpaper is easy to clean – the waterproof surface can be washed and scrubbed to get rid of stains and scuff marks.
Craft Axis offers an extensive range of wallpaper designs in Singapore, available in both non-woven and paper-backed vinyl options. Get in touch with our team for a wallpaper design consultation or to create a custom wall mural for your home.
