Paper-Back vs Fabric-Back vs Non-Woven: Choosing the Right Print Base

Every printed wallcovering is three layers: a backing, a surface or ground, and the ink. The backing decides how the wallcovering behaves on the wall: how it hangs, how it takes a knock, and how it comes off at the next refurbishment.

Paper-backed (Eco Smooth, Eco Tex, Eco Shine+)

A Korean paper backing with a coated decorative surface. Paper-backed wallcoverings hang well on prepared walls, give crisp detail, and come in three surfaces: smooth, fine texture and pearl shimmer. They need careful soaking (booking) so the backing relaxes before hanging; under-soaked paper shrinks at the seams. Best for residential and hospitality rooms. Print width is up to 39 in (990 mm).

Fabric-backed (Fabric Backed FR+, DuraFlex FR)

A woven fabric scrim laminated to a solid vinyl surface. This is the commercial standard: dimensionally stable, impact and tear resistant, scrubbable, and in VÉLLANO's case fire-rated to B-s1,d0 and Class A. Hang it with a heavy-duty ready-mixed adhesive. Print width is up to 51 in (1,295 mm).

Non-woven (the Luxe range)

A blend of cellulose and synthetic fibres that does not expand or contract when pasted. Non-wovens can be hung paste-the-wall, are easier to strip dry, and, most importantly, the Luxe range prints up to 124 in (3.15 m) wide. Most feature walls can be one seamless drop.

Canvas (Canvas HD+)

A woven canvas that gives an art-print quality to paintings and illustration, up to 57 in wide.

A quick rule

Start with the space. If it is public or fire-engineered, use fabric-backed. If it must be seamless and is wider than 1.3 m, use non-woven wide-width. If it is a room seen up close where finish matters most, choose by surface from the Eco range. The Material Finder asks you four questions and recommends the right one.