How to protect walls from cat claws: a review of the best anti-vandal coatings

What is this?

Anti-vandal wallpaper is a finishing material of increased strength. There are several types of anti-vandal coatings, each of which has its own individual characteristics, namely increased resistance to certain influences. Despite the name, wallpaper will not be able to protect against any damage; vandal-proof wallpaper is only provided with greater density and a protective coating, unlike conventional paper or non-woven fabrics.

How to fix loose joints on wallpaper

The next problem is loose or poorly joined seams. The defect is formed after gluing paper wallpaper, which can stretch slightly under the influence of moisture. After drying, such stretched canvases shrink, leaving a gap between the joints.

Even small gaps are clearly visible on bright or dark wallpaper if the base plaster is gray or white. Experienced craftsmen prefer to paint the joints with paint that matches the color of the rolls being prepared for gluing.

Joints can be corrected using putty and color when complete masking of unsuccessful joints is achieved:

• select a color that is close in tone to the glued canvases;
• tinting the putty;
• apply it to the joints;
• Even before drying, remove the residue using cleaning materials.

After drying, the joints can be visually noticeable only from a very close distance, but are absolutely indistinguishable from afar.

Features of anti-vandal wallpaper

Anti-vandal wallpaper has a number of features that can be decisive when choosing a finishing material. Not every species has all the criteria listed below; some may combine only a few features.

• Resistant to temperature changes,
• the material has a high density, more than that of conventional wallpaper,
• high degree of fire resistance,
• resistant to mechanical damage,
• resistant to fats and household acids.

Types and their description

Contract (commercial)

This type of finishing is used more often for public spaces such as hospitals, departments, retail spaces and office spaces. Contract anti-vandal wallpaper is made in two ways: with a vinyl or textile base. The top layer is the same; it is pressed vinyl. For regular vinyl wallpaper, foamed vinyl coating is used.

Thanks to the pressing method, a high density of the material is obtained, which gives greater strength; it starts from 300 g/m². Each layer is treated with antibacterial and antistatic substances; this stage increases strength and will prevent the appearance of mold in the future.

Contract wallpaper is not afraid of sunlight. This advantage is obtained due to deep coloring of the layers. The coating can also be washed with detergents using sponges and brushes. The canvases are made with a width of 130 cm; working with them requires a certain skill and, if you have it, the process is greatly simplified. The possibility of coloring allows you to diversify the already large selection.

Non-woven fabrics for painting

The material is not as dense as contract and fiberglass wallpaper, however, it is also considered vandal-proof and has increased strength. In the production of canvases, the method of hot stamping and laser heat treatment is used. It is these processes that increase the strength of the fabric.

An important quality can be considered resistance to temperature changes. Non-woven wallpaper allows air to pass through well; the material is suitable for decorating a nursery or bedroom. Canvases will help disguise small unevenness on the walls.

Anti-vandal wallpaper for painting is easy to maintain and, if necessary, you can easily change the color by repainting it or remove the canvas from the wall by wetting it. Will withstand up to 8 stains. Although the surface is durable, it still cannot protect it from damage when scratched by animals.

Fiberglass wallpaper (fiberglass)

The most durable anti-vandal cloth is made from glass blanks, from which fibers are drawn under high temperature. These are subsequently used to create a woven fabric. The material is completely environmentally friendly and has high strength indicators. It is resistant to mechanical damage, high humidity and does not absorb odors.

In addition, the wallpaper has high fire-resistant properties, while allowing air to pass through well. Fiberglass wallpaper is suitable for finishing a house where there are animals; they are not afraid of damage from the claws of cats and small breed dogs.

The material can withstand repeated staining. It is made with both standard and unique textured patterns to order. The cost of glass wallpaper is higher than other coatings, but this is compensated by all of the above qualities.

Laminated

The material is not highly durable; the anti-vandal fabric is ordinary wallpaper on a paper or non-woven basis, coated with polyvinyl chloride. Polyvinyl chloride provides additional protection; it will not protect against animals and other mechanical damage, but it is easily washed off from felt-tip pens and other household stains. For these qualities, wallpaper is called anti-marker.

This type of anti-vandal wallpaper is perfect for decorating an apartment where small children live; you don’t have to be afraid that the next “masterpiece” will force you to do the renovation again.

Laminated wallpaper has a wide range of colors, and is also produced in the format of photo wallpaper, which means the surface is not suitable for painting, but allows you to bring any design idea to life.

Video material

Many lovers of “our little brothers” are at a loss and are looking for an answer to the question of what to do if a cat tears up wallpaper on the walls or damages other furniture. There are several options for action. The main thing is not to give up, not to hit your pet and look for an appropriate answer. In this article, you will definitely find the best option for yourself and your pet, which will not cause damage to your wallet, nervous system and will satisfy all the “cat’s” needs. You can also find anti-claw reviews on the Internet and get your own practical advice.

Advantages and disadvantages

When choosing a vandal-proof material for finishing, it is necessary to take into account all the nuances of the room for which it is intended. Some types of anti-vandal wallpaper are focused on maximum surface durability, others on variety of choice and ease of care. Taking into account the properties of the material and considering all the pros and cons, you can choose the best option for a particular room.

Photos in the interiors of the rooms

For kitchen

To decorate the kitchen, you should choose anti-vandal wallpaper that does not absorb odors and is easy to clean. Non-woven wallpaper for painting and laminated coverings will be a good option for finishing the dining area; greasy stains will not eat into the surface, and other contaminants can be easily washed off. For greater reliability, when finishing the apron area, it is better to use contract or glass wallpaper; they are maximally resistant to chemicals and mechanical damage.

Also in the kitchen you can combine different types of anti-vandal coatings, taking into account the peculiarities of use of different zones. For example, the dining area can be decorated with picturesque photo wallpaper with a laminated coating, and the work area can be decorated with tiles or contract wallpaper coated with moisture-resistant paint in the color of the photo wallpaper pattern.

For children's room

When decorating a children's room, the most important factor is the environmental friendliness and safety of the anti-vandal coating. It is also worth taking care of ease of maintenance, since children love to draw on the most unexpected surfaces.

A good choice would be non-woven wallpaper painted with washable paint or a laminated coating. The latter finishing option provides more opportunities for design implementation; the room can be decorated with colorful photo wallpapers.

For the hallway

For a hallway, it is important to be able to clean the surface from dirt and protect it from mechanical damage. Contract or fiberglass wallpaper can withstand maximum load. If there are animals in the house, then you don’t have to worry about scratched walls, and the possibility of painting will allow you to update the interior over time.

How to stop a cat from spoiling objects?

Most often, a cat uses a specific place to sharpen its claws. If this is a wall, then you can attach a special wall scratching post or a piece of carpet to it. You can use a straw mat or thick cardboard.

If your cat sharpens its claws on furniture, you can use special adhesive tape or double-sided tape. Secure with foil or polyethylene. Cats especially do not like bubble wrap. You can purchase special furniture covers that will protect not only from cat claws, but also from dirt.

If you catch your cat clawing at your favorite sofa or chair, you can clap your hands loudly, shout “No,” hiss, or rattle a baby rattle or a lemonade can with a few coins inside.

You can use an ultrasonic whistle for dogs, it is very unpleasant for cats. During your absence, you can simply not let your cat into the room where the furniture she likes is located. There are special sprays that repel cats.

Most often they include citrus essential oils: lemon, grapefruit, orange, tangerine, as well as eucalyptus essential oil and bitter pepper tincture. They need to be applied daily to prevent the smell from fading away.

Design ideas

Under the brick

Finishing with imitation brickwork is suitable for decorating a room in a modern, Scandinavian, Provence or loft style. As a rule, a brick wall decorates only one wall or part of it. The textured surface goes well with other types of finishes, such as plaster or other coatings. Anti-vandal wallpaper can be non-woven or varnished. These types of finishing materials offer a wide selection of colors and textures.

Geometry

Geometric patterns can be in the form of an ornament or a textured pattern. Geometric shapes will decorate modern, Scandinavian, minimalist or high-tech design. Patterns can be presented in one form or another on all types of anti-vandal wallpaper. In the interior it can be combined with plain coatings or liquid wallpaper.

Flowers

A floral print can decorate both a classic interior and a design with a modern stylistic direction. A colorful image of flowers on a varnished surface will decorate a living room, bedroom or children's room. Non-woven vandal-proof fabric for painting can have a pronounced texture with a floral pattern. A large floral pattern can highlight some areas in the interior, combining the covering with plain types of wallpaper.

Instructions for use

To protect your walls from cats yourself, you need to do the following:

1. You buy a sufficient amount of material, glue suitable for this type of wallpaper, a silicone spatula, a brush, a knife, a plumb line, and a tape measure.
2. A clean, moisture-free wall is covered with an adhesive base. It's better to use a roller. No need to putty.
3. Wallpaper is pasted on the wall. There is no need to add glue to the anti-vandula surface.
4. The gluing is done end-to-end.

It takes 24 hours for complete drying, during which the cats are isolated in another room. To make the interior look harmonious, a plinth is installed below and above. It is important to make sure there are no flaws, protruding or peeling pieces of wallpaper, otherwise the cat will be able to pick them up with its claw and scratch the walls.