Here’s a secret most wallpaper printshops won’t tell you: many people are buying the wrong type for their application. They’re either overpaying for durability they don’t need, or underspecifying for environments that will take a costly hit on unsuitable materials.
The thing is, customers usually want a straightforward answer to the question “Which wallpaper material is right for me?”. As always, the answer is tied to the demands and expectations that come with your unique project. It’s not something that you can obtain from an online form or e-commerce application. It requires real human interaction and a high level of expertise.
The goal of this article is to share some of our knowledge with you so you can be equipped to make an informed purchasing decision when considering options for your next wallpaper project.
Wallpaper Standards to the Rescue
The wallcovering industry has created a classification system for just this purpose.
Type 1 and Type 2 wallcoverings are typically unpasted materials, where you must bring your own adhesive for installation. They are rated in various degrees for residential and commercial use.
Then there is peel & stick wallpaper which comes pre-applied with adhesive and a peelable backing for fast and easy installation. These materials are also repositionable and removable, for added flexibility.
Bottom Line Up Front: Type 2 wallcovering handles the most abuse, Type 1 works for moderate traffic, and peel & stick offers the ultimate agility. Your choice depends on traffic levels, budget, and whether your project fins value in permanence or adaptability.
Understanding the Classification System
The Type 1 and Type 2 designations are often perceived as marketing terms, but in truth they are rigorous classifications established by the Wallcoverings Association that determine how well your wallpaper will age after years of use.
These standards originated from Federal Specification CCC-W-408D and are now governed by the WA-101 quality standard for polymer coated fabric wallcoverings.
Think of it like automotive safety ratings. Just as cars undergo crash tests, wallcoverings endure a battery of durability assessments including scrub resistance, tear strength, stain resistance, and flame spread characteristics.
The Birth of Wallcovering Standards
The WA-101 standard replaced the previous CFFA-W-101D maintained by the Chemical Fabrics and Film Association, expanding coverage from just commercial wallcoverings to a broader range of polymer coatings, including vinyl alternatives. This was based on the recognition that modern environments demand more sophisticated wall solutions.
The classification system exists because a hotel corridor experiences different stresses than an executive conference room. A restaurant bathroom faces different challenges than a corporate lobby. The types give specifiers a common language for matching wallcovering durability to environmental demands.
Type 1 Wallcovering: The Strategic Middle Ground
Type 1 Wallpaper typically weighs 15-19 ounces per 54-inch linear yard and represents light-duty commercial grade material. To continue with the car analogy, picture it as the Honda Civic of wallcoverings — reliable, economical, and perfectly adequate for most applications.
Where Type 1 Excels
- Hotel guest rooms
- Private offices
- Conference rooms with controlled access
- Reception areas with moderate traffic
- Educational spaces with adult supervision
Type 1 typically costs less than Type 2, making it attractive for budget-conscious projects. However, the weight difference is noticeable when handling the material—Type 1 feels more pliable and less substantial than its heavier counterpart.
Type 1 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- ✓ Lower initial investment
- ✓ Easier to handle during installation
- ✓ Adequate durability for controlled environments
- ✓ Wide variety of design options available
Cons:
- ! Limited resistance to heavy wear
- ! May show damage sooner in high-traffic areas
- ! Less suitable for corridors and public spaces
- ! Industry trend shows Type 1 being phased out as manufacturers focus on Type 2 production
Type 2 Wallcovering: The Heavy-Duty Champion
Type 2 wallcoverings weigh exactly 20 ounces per 54-inch linear yard and represent the strongest readily available wall finish on the market. This is the Mack Truck of wall protection — built to withstand daily punishment from humans, furniture, and suitcases.
To qualify as Type 2, wallcovering must pass 12 rigorous physical tests including scrub resistance, tear strength, stain resistance, and flame spread characteristics under the WA-101 standard. These aren’t gentle laboratory conditions — they simulate years of real-world abuse.
Where Type 2 Dominates: - Hospital corridors and patient rooms - Hotel lobbies and public corridors - Educational hallways and classrooms - Restaurant dining areas - Corporate high-traffic zones - Backsplashes for Kitchens and Bathrooms
The Science Behind Type 2 Durability
Type 2 wallcoverings use fabric-backed vinyl construction that resists scratching, tearing, fading, and staining. The fabric backing prevents catastrophic failure—instead of ripping completely, keeping any damage localized. The vinyl face provides a protective barrier that can be cleaned repeatedly without degradation.
The weight requirement of 20 ounces per linear yard ensures sufficient material thickness to withstand abrasion. Extensive testing has proven that this weight threshold provides the durability commercial environments demand.
Type 2 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- ✓ Maximum durability for commercial applications
- ✓ Euroclass and British standard fire ratings for public spaces
- ✓ Superior stain and fade resistance
- ✓ 5-year manufacturer warranty against defects
- ✓ Easy maintenance and cleaning
Cons:
- ! Higher upfront material cost
- ! Heavier weight, more expensive shipping costs
- ! Stiffer material requires more installation skill
- ! Limited texture options compared to Type 1
- ! Overkill for low-traffic applications
Peel & Stick: The Revolutionary Alternative
Removable wallpaper was popularized in the market by Tempaper in 2008, invented by founders with set design backgrounds who were frustrated with traditional wallpaper removal on movie sets. Far beyond incremental improvement, this was complete paradigm disruption that changed the face of the industry.
The Invention That Changed Everything
The problem with traditional wallpaper for temporary applications was the commitment involved. Once installed, removal meant scraping, steaming, and potential wall damage. Set decorators burned through a lot of time and money chipping away at wallpaper, so Tempaper’s founders decided to formulate a solution. While peel and stick applications were nothing new, they are widely recognized as the first wallpaper printshop to mass produce this new category of wallcoverings.
Peel & stick wallpaper eliminates issues associated with conventional wallpaper including complicated application, need for special tools and glue, and permanent results that many people fear. It’s democratization of interior design, Suddenly, anyone could experiment with bold patterns and wall art without long-term consequences. Renters and temporary owners also had a viable alternative for wall decor without the lease-voiding aspects a permanent installation.
Dreamscape’s WallWrap Technology
Dreamscape’s WallWraps are permanently removable, self-adhesive wallcovering products featuring 13 unique textured vinyl surfaces with optimized white points for superior inkjet imaging. The “permanently removable” designation isn’t contradictory — it means long-term adhesion that still allows clean removal.
WallWraps can be repositioned with no adhesive residue on removal and adhere to almost any smooth surface including concrete, low-pile carpet, and hardwood floors. The adhesive maintains standard release characteristics for two years, after which bond strength may increase.
Available WallWrap Textures
Dreamscape offers multiple WallWrap textures including Classic (smooth), Caviar (textured with slip-resistant certification), and Ravello (textured with slip-resistant certification). Each texture serves different aesthetic and functional requirements.
- Brilliant WallWrap: Glossy surface finish for bright colors and crisp graphics
- Classic WallWrap: Smooth surface ideal for detailed graphics and photographic reproduction
- Caviar WallWrap: Slip-resistant certified under ANSI A137.1 & Pendulum DCOF standards
- Ravello WallWrap: Textured surface with slip resistance for floor applications
Peel & Stick Pros and Cons
Pros:
- ✓ Complete removal by simply peeling from top corner
- ✓ No special tools, paste, or professional installation required
- ✓ Repositionable during application for pattern alignment
- ✓ Ideal for rental properties and temporary installations
- ✓ Edge shrinkage limited to 1-2mm in first application period
Cons:
- ! Requires sealed drywall surfaces for optimal adhesion
- ! Not suitable for all wall textures
- ! May not achieve same longevity as traditional wallcoverings
- ! Limited to smooth, clean surfaces for best performance
Choosing the Right Solution: A Decision Matrix
The choice between Type 1, Type 2, and peel & stick is contingient on the specifications and environmental requirements of each project.
Traffic Analysis
Low Traffic (Private offices, guest rooms): Type 1 provides adequate protection at lower cost Medium Traffic (Reception areas, conference rooms): Type 1 or peel & stick depending on design flexibility needs High Traffic (Corridors, public spaces): Type 2 essential for longevity Variable Traffic (Temporary installations, rental properties): Peel & stick offers unmatched flexibility
Budget Considerations
Type 1 offers the lowest upfront cost but may require earlier replacement in demanding environments. Type 2 requires higher initial investment but provides superior lifecycle value in appropriate applications. Peel & stick falls between the two in material cost but eliminates installation labor expenses.*
NOTE: One of the benefits of Fine Print NYC is that we offer identical pricing for Type 1 and Type 2 wallcoverings. More on this later
Installation and Performance Considerations
Professional Installation vs. DIY
Type 1 and Type 2 wallcoverings require traditional paste application and professional installation skills. Adhesives and primers must be specifically designed for vinyl wallcoverings and contain mildew inhibitors. Improper installation voids manufacturer warranties and compromises performance.
Peel & stick applications are genuinely DIY-friendly but still require proper surface preparation and careful pattern alignment. Uncured paints and primers can result in poor adhesion, and variability in surfaces, sealers, and environmental conditions means users must test suitability before full application.
Maintenance Requirements
Type 2 wallcoverings feature anti-scuff resistant finishes and can be cleaned with standard commercial cleaning protocols. The vinyl face resists staining and allows wet cleaning when necessary.
Peel & stick wallpaper offers easy-to-clean surfaces but may have different maintenance requirements depending on the specific adhesive and face material combination.
Environmental and Safety Standards
Dreamscape wallcoverings meet NSF/ANSI 342 sustainability standards, California Indoor Air Quality CA-1350 requirements, and Federal certifications CCC-408-D. These standards help to ensure safe indoor air quality and responsible manufacturing practices.
Type 2 wallcoverings achieve Class A fire ratings with flame spread ratings of 0-25, the highest level of fire resistance available. In commercial environments where fire safety is paramount, this performance level is often required by building codes.
Making Your Decision
The wallcovering market has evolved beyond simple pattern selection. Today’s choices involve matching sophisticated material technologies to specific performance requirements. Type 1 wallcoverings provide reliable protection for controlled environments at economical cost. Type 2 wallcovering delivers maximum durability for demanding commercial applications. Peel & stick wallcovering offers unprecedented flexibility for dynamic environments and temporary installations.
Dreamscape tests and warrants that their Type 2 products meet or exceed WA-101 and NSF-342 standards, providing confidence in long-term performance. However, digital ink compatibility varies by printer and ink system, so testing remains essential for critical applications.
Your optimal choice depends on traffic patterns, budget parameters, design flexibility needs, and installation capabilities. The good news? With Dreamscape’s comprehensive product line, you’re not compromising—you’re optimizing for your specific requirements.
Comparison Table: At-a-Glance Specifications
| Feature | Type 1 | Type 2 | Peel & Stick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 15-19 oz/54” yard | 20 oz/54” yard | Varies by product |
| Durability | Light commercial | Heavy commercial | Variable |
| Installation | Professional paste | Professional paste | DIY friendly |
| Removability | Permanent | Permanent | Easily removable |
| Cost | Lowest | Highest | Medium |
| Fire Rating | Class A available | Class A standard | Varies |
| Traffic Suitability | Low-Medium | High | Low-Medium |
| Design Flexibility | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Maintenance | Standard commercial | Heavy-duty cleaning | Easy cleaning |
The choice is yours, but now you have the knowledge to choose wisely.
Why FinePrint NYC Is Different
Understanding wallcovering types is just the beginning. Executing your vision requires a printing partner who treats your project as more than a production run. Most print shops see wallpaper as just another substrate. We see it as the foundation of your design vision.
Material Flexibility Without Premium Pricing
As a family owned business of working-class craftsmen, we do our best to pass all savings to our clients.
With the exception of our metallic line of wallcoverings we keep material costs below $10 per square foot and don’t charge premiums for upgrading from Type 1 to Type 2. Our flat-rate pricing gives you complete flexibility to choose from Dreamscape’s entire texture library without budget penalties.
Why do other shops charge upgrade fees? Because they’re thinking like vendors, not partners. We recognize that material selection should be driven by performance requirements and aesthetic preferences, not pricing tiers that artificially limit your options.
Proofing That Actually Helps You Decide
Our proofing service goes beyond printing your artwork on one material. We’ll produce samples on multiple textures so you can evaluate how your design performs across different surfaces. Clients typically order 3-6 different materials before making their final selection.
Unsure which of our 36 Materials would work best for you? Our decades of experience in printing and restoration mean we can recommend which textures will best complement your specific design. We’ve seen how different patterns interact with various surface textures, which saves you time and prevents costly mistakes.
Project Management Beyond Printing
Far beyond your average print shop, we’re a team of project managers and creative consultants who help actualize your vision with the optimal material selection. We regularly join conference calls with property owners, contractors, and installers to coordinate every aspect of your project.
This accessibility and transparency sets us apart from shops that operate like order-taking services. When questions arise during installation, when timeline changes affect production schedules, when last-minute adjustments are needed — we’re directly involved in finding solutions.
Visualization Before Commitment
We also provide detailed schematic previews showing both close-up roll dimensions and full-scale pattern layouts so you know exactly what you’re receiving. On complex projects, we’ll even Photoshop your pattern into photographs of your actual space so you get a real sense of how your install will pan out.
This visualization process has led to important design refinements — scale adjustments, orientation changes, color modifications — that improved final results. It’s the benefit of working with a print shop that’s also a design firm with restoration expertise.
Our color matching capabilities are industry-leading, guided by an internal library of 20,000 colors covering Pantone, Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, Behr, Dunn Edwards, and other major standards. When your project demands precise color reproduction, we deliver it.
Ready to Get Started?
You won’t find another print shop like FinePrint NYC. Our specialized knowledge, devoted exclusively to wallpaper printing, makes us an invaluable asset for any wallpaper project requiring professional results.
Whether you’re in the market for Type 1 for controlled environments, Type 2 for high-traffic applications, or peel & stick for flexible installations, we have the expertise to guide your material selection and the capabilities to execute flawlessly.
Contact us today to discuss your project requirements and discover how our personalized approach to custom wallpaper printing can bring your vision to life. Call (212) 619-5446 and ask for Joseph, or just email me directly with your artwork and project specs. I will be happy to help you out personally.
Our Full List of Wallpaper Materials, Sorted by Type
About the Author
Joseph Gornail is a multimedia artist and fourth-generation print craftsman whose family has lived on the same block in SoHo for over 90 years. With an extensive background in photography, writing and creative direction, Joseph has a love of the arts and a proud New Yorker. When he’s not documenting city life or curating historic images for History101.nyc, he can likely be found sailing the New York harbor to enjoy his native city from a different perspective.