What Is Fabric-Backed Wallpaper? A Specifier's Guide
What fabric-backed vinyl wallcovering is, how it is made, Type I vs Type II, and where to specify it in Malaysian projects.
Fabric-backed wallpaper, also called fabric-backed vinyl or contract wallcovering, is a vinyl wear surface laminated to a fabric backing. The backing is usually a woven polyester-cotton scrim called Osnaburg. That fabric is what separates a commercial wallcovering from a residential one: it gives tear strength, holds the sheet stable when wet with adhesive and lets the wall survive impacts that would rip paper.
How it is made
A PVC compound is coated or calendered onto the fabric, then printed and embossed to create textures such as linen, silk, grasscloth, stone or plaster. A protective topcoat improves stain resistance and cleanability.
Type I vs Type II
Contract vinyls are graded by weight. Type I (light duty) is roughly 13 to 15 oz per linear yard and suits offices, guest rooms and low-traffic areas. Type II (medium duty) is around 20 oz and is used in corridors and public areas with constant contact. Most of our ranges are 15 oz (about 330 to 340 g/m²) on Osnaburg; Prime Walls and Connoisseur also come in 20 oz, and Nova Walls and Tex Gracia meet Type II physical standards.
Where to specify it
Hotel corridors and rooms, office receptions and meeting rooms, hospital wards and corridors, schools, F&B and lift lobbies. Anywhere walls are touched, knocked and cleaned.
What to put in your specification
Weight, backing, width and roll length, fire classification, cleanability, pattern match and hanging method. Our product pages list all of these, and the spec-clause tool writes the clause for you.
FAQ
Is fabric-backed wallpaper waterproof?
The vinyl face is water-resistant and washable, but it is not designed for wet areas such as showers.
Is it the same as textile wallpaper?
No. Textile wallcoverings have a real fabric face. Fabric-backed vinyl has a vinyl face on a fabric back, which makes it far easier to clean.
Specifying for a project? Order free samples or send your BOQ.