Kitchen Materials: Wall Coverings and Paint
Wall Coverings
Printed and textural wall coverings are popular in kitchens and the range of choice is truly mind-boggling. Bear in mind when considering wallpaper or vinyl wall covering that they will be exposed to smoke, grease, steam and other corrosive elements that can cause them to fail or become dingy over time. Choose wall coverings that are easily cleaned and make sure that a professional installs them correctly. This often includes special wall preparation, use of professional quality pastes and minute attention to detail to ensure that edges stay down, patterns match and colors are true.
Overuse of patterned wall coverings, borders and chair rails can result in a visually confusing kitchen. Remember when considering wallpaper that a kitchen already has an abundance of color and textural elements. Often choosing a neutral solid color for walls brings these elements out more than a busy paper pattern.
Paint
Painting may be the last thing done in your kitchen but it is also usually the unifying element that brings the design scheme together. A quality paint job can make a basic kitchen look great while a poor job will give a sloppy look to an otherwise stellar design. The hallmarks of a good paint job are the choice of color, paint quality, preparation, the skill of the painter and attention to detail.
Paint comes in water or latex-based and oil or alkyd-based finishes. There is a trend towards the exclusive use of water finishes based on environmental considerations. Oil used to be the preferred finish for kitchens because of its sheen and durability and its ability to be cleaned without compromising those properties. Today, high quality latex and acrylic paints have replaced oil-based finishes and offer the same qualities without the smell and care required to apply them. Always insist that your painter use the highest quality paint available. Scrimping to save a few dollars per gallon will cost you later when it loses its look and color. Cheap paint often requires more coats, meaning a much higher labor cost.
