The History of Wallpaper Manufacturing
The unitary pasteboards, used by the Chinese for the embellishment of their doors and interior walls, is considered by many as the prototype of modern-day wallpaper. This early practice of decorating walls had reached Europe through the East India Company around the 16th century. The French invented block printing of wallpaper in 1675 to keep up with the huge demand, which revolutionized wallpaper production, making it more accessible and affordable for the masses. Later on, the English introduced cylinder printing in the 18th century, which is still used in manufacturing wallpaper.
Wallpaper Manufacturing Processes
Wallpapers can be classified into three categories: hand-printed, machine-printed, and textile. The process of wallpaper manufacturing does not vary much from these categories, following a few basic steps that produce variations in texture, quality, and print:
Paper-making
The base component of wallpaper is paper. Initially, papers are produced with special finishes to serve as wallpaper base. The finished papers are made from multiple plies which make the paper sturdy enough to withstand various processing stages. The additional plies serve as added bulks to fill any minor imperfections in the walls.
Preparing the Paste
The paste added to wallpaper serves as a bonding agent for better adhesion to the wall while allowing enough drying time to avoid unclean wallpaper seams. Most wallpaper paste is made using cellulose or starch, to which various additives such as fungicides, antifoaming agents, and preservatives can be added.
Applying the Paste
After the paste is prepared, it is applied to the paper to act as an adhesive. Paste can be applied either manually or through machines. The manually printed wallpapers are done one piece at a time, making sure that paste is spread to every corner of the paper. Machine-printed wallpaper is coated with a paste layer on repeat, making sure that the paste is evenly distributed throughout the paper.
Printing
Printing techniques can differ across the industry, but the most common classes of wallpaper printing are Relief, Surface, Gravure, Flexography, and Digital. Relief and surface printing involve printing directly onto the paper with the help of engraved rollers. Gravure and Digital printing use cylinders and modern machinery, respectively, to produce more intricate patterns on the wallpapers. Each type of printing process can be combined with an added finish to produce results that match the customers’ needs.
Finishing
Wallpapers are required to have a protective layer to prevent discoloration, dirt, and other forms of wear and tear. The addition of a protective layer makes the wallpaper last longer, making it more cost-efficient and practical. It is recommended to employ UV light resistance in wallpaper to avoid the possibility of fading and discoloration due to the sunlight exposure. Textural additions such as embossing, polishing, or flocking enhance the aesthetics and artistry of the wallpaper.
Conclusion
In conclusion, wallpaper manufacturing is an intricate process that involves multiple stages of production. The artful impressions and patterns, coupled with the use of quality papers and pastes, result in the creation of masterpieces that adorn our walls. Technological advancements and improvements in printing machinery have made it possible to produce intricate designs at a lesser cost. One can only imagine what innovative advancements await in the world of wallpaper manufacturing. Improve your educational journey by visiting this suggested external site. There, you’ll find additional and interesting information about the subject covered in this article. carta da parati design per soggiorno https://www.cartadaparati.it/carta-da-parati-arte-e-design/4499-carta-da-parati-soggiorno-0243-9145380112569.html!
Deepen your knowledge by visiting the related posts we recommend. Learn more: