You've fallen in love with a wallpaperThe color matches your living room, the pattern looks fantastic with your furniture… but as soon as you look at the label on the roll, you're met with a row of tiny icons: suns, waves, brushes, arrows, letters, and even strange codes. If this sounds familiar, you're not the only one who's stared at the label as if it were an Egyptian hieroglyphic. To help you decide, always check before you buy. choose the wallpaper suitable for your space.
Those small symbols are not there arbitrarily: They condense all the technical information about the wallpaper.How to install it, how to clean it, how long it withstands sunlight, whether it's easy to remove in the future, what adhesive to use, and even whether it meets fire safety or emissions standards. Understanding these factors before buying will help you understand them. you will choose the product betterYou'll calculate the necessary amount without surprises and avoid problems when installing or maintaining it.
Where are the symbols located and what information do they provide?
Normally, All the wallpaper pictograms are printed on the roll label.The label is located near the barcode and measurement information, or sometimes on the back of the roll itself. It's best not to throw this label away until you've finished wallpapering (and even keep it if you think you'll need more rolls), because it also indicates the dye lot or "batch" number, which is key to ensuring all the rolls are exactly the same shade.
Overall, wallpaper symbols typically convey:
- Colorfastness to light (suns with different stripes).
- Washing capacity and scrub resistance (waves, sponges and brushes).
- Type of report or caseThat is, how the drawing is repeated and aligned.
- Gluing method: glue on the wall, on the paper or pre-glued.
- How to remove the paper: dry-peelable, wet-peelable.
- Recommended support and adhesive typeespecially for non-woven papers or textiles.
- Safety, emissions and sustainability certificates (CE marking, fire resistance, eco-labels, etc.).
In addition to the symbol, a rapport number usually appears (for example, "64 / 32") which indicates how often the design repeats in centimeters and the offset between strips. This information is vital for calculate paper waste and therefore how many rolls you will need.
Symbols indicating washability and scrub resistance
For real life (children, pets, scrapes, kitchen splashes…), The symbols related to wallpaper cleaning are among the most importantThey are represented with water waves, sometimes accompanied by brushes, and mark everything from extremely delicate surfaces to almost battle-proof papers.
Sponge
When the label indicates that a paper is spongyThis means it can only be cleaned extremely gently with a slightly damp sponge, without detergents or chemicals, and without soaking the material. It is designed, above all, for remove glue residue during placementnot for frequent cleaning once installed.
This level of washability is the lowest and It is usually found in very delicate decorative papersThese include options that incorporate pearls, natural fibers, flocking, or special glitter. They are perfect for adult bedrooms or formal living rooms where they barely touch the walls, but are not recommended for high-traffic areas, narrow hallways, or children's rooms.
Washable
If the symbol indicates that the paper is WashableYou can use a cloth or sponge slightly dampened with water and, in many cases, also with a little very mild, neutral soap, always without rubbing excessively. This allows you to remove dust, small marks, and light scuffs, but It is not designed for greasy stains or heavily ingrained dirt.because you could lift the decorative layer.
It's a good balance for spaces with moderate useBedrooms, offices, living areas where there isn't too much friction, and even wide hallways. It's not the best choice for a kitchen next to the stove or a bathroom where it will receive constant steam.
Super washable or very washable
When you see that the paper is classified as super washable or very washableThis indicates that it can tolerate much more frequent and thorough cleaning. It usually allows for cleaning with water and neutral soap using a well-wrung sponge or cloth, and it's possible to remove [the stain]. slightly deeper stains without easily damaging the surface.
This type of washability is the most common in vinyl wallpapersThese panels have a PVC or similar coating on their surface, making them more resistant to wear and tear, occasional moisture, and light impacts. They are ideal for dining rooms, children's rooms, areas near tables or desks, and even some kitchen or bathroom walls that are not in direct contact with water.
Scrubbable
The paper symbol scrubbable It indicates that the coating is designed to withstand vigorous cleaning with a sponge or soft brush and mild, specific detergents. It helps combat not only dust and fingerprints, but also More serious stains, traces of light grease, and miscellaneous dirtalways with some speed and without letting the stain dry for days.
This category fits perfectly into demanding areas: wallpaper in the kitchenBathrooms, hallways, bedrooms of very active children, playrooms, or even commercial premises, where traffic and wear are constant. However, although they are very resistant, they are still wallpaper: it is best to avoid metal scouring pads, highly abrasive products, strong bleach, or solvents that could discolor the design.
Super easy to clean
At the top of the scale is paper super easy to cleanThese models are designed for withstand the most intensive cleaningwith moderately hard brushes, stronger detergents and frequent cleanings, without the surface deteriorating easily.
In practice, they are the safest option for High-traffic kitchens, hallways, lobbies, commercial premises, clinics, nurseries, or homes with children and petsEven so, oil stains, heavy grease, or solvent-based products should be removed immediately to prevent them from penetrating and leaving permanent marks. And even if they are very resistant, it's always advisable to test any new cleaning product in an inconspicuous area, especially in projects for children's rooms where durability is key.
Symbols of resistance to light
Another key group are the symbols that represent the lightfastness of wallpaperThese symbols, usually featuring a sun with stripes, indicate how the paper's colors will behave over time when exposed to UV radiation, whether the light is direct or diffuse and reflected.
The right choice will depend on the orientation of the room and the level of natural light that it receives throughout the day. An interior hallway is not the same as a living room with a south-facing window.
Moderate resistance
A piece of paper with moderate lightfastness It can withstand some light exposure without problems, but if it's exposed to strong sunlight for many hours a day, it will fade noticeably. It might be perfectly suitable for hallways, north-facing bedrooms, or rooms with soft lightwhere the sun does not shine directly or continuously.
Satisfactory resistance
La satisfactory resistance It indicates that the color will hold up reasonably well even with a good amount of natural light, as long as it's not scorching sunlight streaming through the window. It's a good option for living rooms with filtered light, dining rooms facing east or west, or rooms where the sun only enters for part of the day.
High resistance
If the symbol indicates high light resistanceThe paper is designed to withstand longer exposures without significant color changes. This is standard practice. quality papers from recognized brandswhich use pigments and supports prepared so as not to be easily affected by UV radiation.
It is especially recommended for very bright roomsDining rooms with large windows, offices with good natural light, or walls close to large windows.
Very high and excellent resistance
At the top level, very high and excellent resistance These are the categories designed for the most extreme lighting conditions. They are designed to maintain color intensity even in south-facing rooms with large glazed surfaces, interior terraces, atriums, glazed galleries or brightly lit commercial spaces.
Although these papers perform wonderfully, it's still normal for some aging or slight loss of intensity to be noticeable after many years, especially in very vibrant colors. But compared to others, they hold up much better.
Symbols on how to paste wallpaper
One of the points that causes the most headaches for those who are new to this is Where to apply the glue: on the wall, on the paper, or neither because it comes pre-gluedTo clarify, the label will contain symbols indicating the appropriate application system for the type of substrate.
Glue the paper
If the classic symbol appears glue the paperYou'll need to apply the adhesive paste to the back of each strip and, normally, let it sit for a few minutes (soaking time) before applying it to the wall. It's the traditional method, very common in papers with cellulose backing.
This system allows the glue to spread and penetrate evenly, preventing bubbles and subsequent peeling. However, care must be taken when handling wet strips, as damp paper can tear more easily. It is essential to use the adhesive recommended for that type of paper; Not all glues are the same for heavy papers, vinyl or textiles.
Glue the wall
When you see the symbol of glue the wallThe procedure changes: the paste is applied directly to the surface to be wallpapered, and the paper strips are placed dry, without prior wetting. This system is primarily intended for non-woven papers (TNT), including many modern vinyls, which do not expand or contract with humidity.
The big advantage is that It greatly simplifies the workYou can adjust, slightly reposition, or correct a strip without the stress of it breaking due to being soaked. Furthermore, it makes installation easier for one person and speeds up the process, which is why it's highly valued by both hobbyists and professionals.
Pre-glued paper
On some products, you will find a symbol indicating that the paper comes pre-glued factory-applied. In this case, the adhesive is already on the back of the wallpaper and only needs to be activated with water: usually, the strip is briefly submerged in a water channel or the back is moistened following the manufacturer's instructions.
This type of paper It greatly reduces the queue mess. And it makes the process cleaner and faster, ideal for small projects, specific rooms, or for beginners. However, the wall must also be... well prepared, smooth, dry and cleanbecause adhesion depends as much on the glue as on the substrate.
Symbols of rapport, pattern alignment, and installation
The rapport (or case) is the wallpaper pattern repetitionIt indicates how often the design repeats and how the strips should match up for a harmonious pattern. Ignoring these symbols can cause the flowers to misalign, the geometric shapes to appear "jumped," or result in wasted paper.
Types of rapport
The label, next to the pattern symbol, usually indicates the type of repeat and its measurement. The most common are:
Rapport free or without caseThe design doesn't require any specific alignment between strips. You can place them without worrying about matching the pattern, as there's no obvious pattern that needs to align. This is a typical case of plain papers, textured papers, or papers with very random designsAdvantage: there is almost no paper waste and installation is simpler.
Straight caseThe motif is always repeated at the same height in all strips, so that Each strip should be hung aligned at the same height than the previous one. This is common in papers with stripes, symmetrical geometric patterns or linear designsIt does generate some waste, but it's fairly intuitive to assemble.
Skipped or alternating caseThe pattern is repeated diagonally, so Every second strip must be placed with a specific vertical offset (For example, a 64/32 repeat indicates a complete repetition every 64 cm and a 32 cm offset between strips.) It is the most complex to install and usually involves more waste, but it is necessary for Motifs such as flowers, jungles, or complex prints fit together seamlessly..
inverted case: For some papers, especially smooth ones with texture or slight variations, it is recommended reverse each strip with respect to the previous one (Turn it upside down compared to the previous one). This helps prevent the eye from perceiving differences in tone between strips and better conceals the seams. This advice is often accompanied by a symbol to reverse alternate strips.
Special installation symbols
In addition to the rapport, there are other icons that explain how the paper should be physically oriented during installation:
Straight Installation: Indicates that all strips must be placed in the same direction, something fundamental in patterns with clear orientation (for example, motifs of buildings, trees, or human figures). Accidentally turning a strip upside down can ruin the overall visual effect.
Invert alternate stripsWhen this symbol appears, it is advisable to assemble each new strip inverted with respect to the previous one, even in smooth papers or papers with an apparently uniform textureThis prevents small differences in fiber direction, pattern, or sheen from creating visible stripes.
Horizontal installationSome papers are designed to be placed horizontally instead of vertically, something that is becoming increasingly common in Panoramic murals, landscapes, horizontal stripes, or motifs designed to visually lengthen the wallIn these cases, the symbol makes it clear: placing it vertically would completely alter the design. If you're interested in ideas for working with this type of image, you can see examples of panoramic murals.
Overlap and double cutThis icon indicates that, during assembly, you will need to Slightly overlap two strips and make a double cut (with a sharp utility knife and ruler) to ensure a perfect seam, without steps or gaps. It is widely used in Thick papers, high-quality vinyls, or coverings that tend to shrink slightly when drying.
Double reliefSome papers have a special textured surface, even on both sides, which gives them greater body, decorative depth and ability to disguise small irregularities in the wallAlthough they may seem more complicated, with the right adhesive they can be installed without any problems.
Symbols indicating the type of paper and the recommended adhesive
The label may also include symbols that tell you about the type of wallpaper backing and suitable glueThis is key when working with heavy papers, vinyl, or textile-based materials.
Among the most common ones, we find indications such as “non-woven fabric (TNT)”which is usually linked to the recommendation to glue the wall, or specific signs of the adhesive:
- PVC-reinforced adhesive: designed for heavier papers, vinyl or with marked textures, where a glue with greater grip is needed.
- Machine-safe fabric adhesive: used when installing large rolls of wallpaper with wallpapering machines, typical in commercial projects or large-scale construction work.
- Textile adhesives with different percentages of dry matterA lower content is lighter and more flexible, ideal for delicate textile papers; a higher content provides more bonding strength for more robust textile bases.
- Specific adhesive for non-woven wallpaper: formulated to be applied to the wall and work with supports that do not expand, guaranteeing optimal fixation without deformations.
Choosing the correct tail according to the label It is as important as choosing a good paper: an unsuitable glue can cause bubbles, premature peeling, or even stains if it migrates to the surface.
Symbols indicating how to remove wallpaper
However beautiful the design, there comes a time when it's time to renew. The symbols associated with wallpaper removal will give you a heads-up. how easy or laborious that process will be in the futureIt's worth paying attention to them from the moment of purchase, especially if you tend to change the decor every few years.
Easy to dry start
The symbol of dry start This means that, when the day comes, you can pull the paper off and remove it in large sheets, without needing to soak it or use specific products, and leaving virtually no adhesive residue nor damage the wall (assuming the surface was properly prepared).
Peelable
When the role is considered peelableWhat is easily removed is the top decorative layerThe backing remains adhered to the wall. This backing can serve as a base for new wallpaper or, if you prefer, it can be dampened (with soapy water or wallpaper remover) and removed with a spatula.
Removable when wet
Finally, the papers detachable when wet They require thoroughly soaking the surface to soften the adhesive and lifting the coating with a spatula or scraper, removing both the decorative layer and the base. It is the most classic system and appears in Very sticky wallpapers, like some installed in kitchens and bathrooms or in older projects.
Although the process is more time-consuming, if done correctly—wetting the surface several times and allowing the water to work—it shouldn't be necessary to scrape aggressively or damage the wall. If you want to see detailed techniques and steps for remove wallpaperThat article explains it to you step by step.
Other common symbols: durability, compatibility with fabrics, and safety
In addition to all of the above, you can find symbols that indicate additional properties of wallpaperOne of them indicates that it is a “resistant” or heavy-duty paper, that is, designed for withstand impacts, scratches and frequent maintenance without losing its appearance. It is usually combined with high levels of washability and good lightfastness, making it very suitable for hallways, entrance halls, children's rooms, kitchens, or commercial spaces.
Another interesting symbol is the one that indicates that the paper is going matching the fabricThis means that there is a coordinated collection of Wallpaper and textiles (curtains, upholstery, cushions) with the same colors, patterns or textures, offering the possibility of achieving a fully integrated and balanced environment.
Fire resistance logos and regulations
In many models, especially those intended for public spaces, contract projects or areas where regulations require itReferences to fire safety standards appear. Although they may seem like convoluted codes, their function is to ensure that the paper meets certain safety requirements.
Some of the most common classification systems are:
- UNE EN 13501-1 (European Union): rates the reaction to fire of building materials with classes from A1 (non-combustible) to F, adding indicators of smoke and incandescent droplets (e.g., B s1 d0).
- DIN 4102-1 (Germany): classifies materials from non-combustible (A1, A2) to highly flammable (B3).
- NF P 92 503-507 (France): assigns classes from M0 (non-combustible) to M4 (highly flammable).
- ASTM E84 and NFPA 286 (USA): widely used in North America to measure flame spread and fire behavior on a large scale.
- CAN/ULC S102 (Canada), AS 5637.1:2015 and ISO 5660 (Australia and New Zealand), NR-23 (Brazil), which establish their own criteria for their respective markets.
If you are going to wallpaper common areas of a building, hotels, schools, clinics or public venuesIt's important that the chosen wallpaper has a fire reaction rating accepted by local regulations. In private homes, although not always mandatory, it also provides added peace of mind.
VOC/SVOC emissions labels and indoor air quality
Increasing attention is being paid to indoor air qualityWallpaper, like any other decorative product, can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs). That's why there are certifications that identify products with very low emissions, healthier for sensitive people, children or those who spend many hours in the wallpapered space.
Among the best-known labels are:
- VinylPlus (EU): a sustainability initiative for PVC that guarantees controlled materials and recycling targets.
- Blue Angel (Germany): official German eco-label, awards its label to products with low environmental impact and absence of particularly harmful substances.
- French indoor air emissions labelSince 2012, many products have been required to indicate their VOC emissions level (from A+ to C) according to French regulations.
- DICL (Denmark), M1 (Finland), SCS Indoor Air Quality, GREENGUARD and GREENGUARD Gold (USA): they all certify low emissions of volatile compounds and, in some cases, that the product is suitable for particularly sensitive environments such as schools or hospitals.
- Phthalate-free: indicates that the wallpaper phthalate-free in its composition, reducing the presence of potentially problematic plasticizers.
- LEEDMore than a product label, it is a building certification system that values, among other aspects, the use of low-emission materials.
If you're concerned about indoor health or are working on a project sustainable constructionIt is advisable to check what emissions certifications each wallpaper has.
Certificates of conformity, quality seals and sustainability
Along with the technical information, many rolls display logos that certify the compliance with general safety, health and environmental regulations or that guarantee that the product has been manufactured following sustainability and social responsibility standards.
Among the most relevant, we find:
- CE Marking (European Union) y UKCA (United Kingdom)They declare that the product meets the legal requirements of its market, including safety aspects and, in some cases, reaction to fire.
- UL-AU Mark (Australia and New Zealand): issued by Underwriters Laboratories, certifies compliance with local safety and performance standards.
- Ecolabel (EU), Nordic Swan (Nordic countries), EcoLogo (Canada), ABNT Ecolabel (Brazil), Green Label (Israel), GECA Label (Australia), ECNZ (New Zealand): various official or recognized ecological labels that assess the environmental impact of the product throughout its life cycle.
- FSC and PEFC (in 100%, Recycled or Mixed versions): guarantee that the wood or paper comes from responsibly managed forests and/or recycled materials.
- OEKO-TEX (Standard 100, Made in Green, Grünen Knopf)They ensure the absence of numerous harmful substances and responsible production conditions.
- NaturePlus, RAL, Imprim'Vert, IGICertifications focused on low emissions, good manufacturing practices and quality of the final product.
- B Corporation, Cradle to Cradle, Climate Neutral, EcoVadis, BREEAM, FACTSThey evaluate everything from corporate social responsibility to climate neutrality, efficient use of resources, and recyclability.
- Masters of LinenIn the case of linen papers, it guarantees a 100% European origin of the material and controlled production in Europe.
These labels are not only a plus for the planet, they also give you clues that You are buying wallpaper with stricter quality controlsThis is often noticeable in color stability, wallpapering behavior, and overall durability.
Ultimately, knowing and understanding all these symbols—from washability to dyeing batch, including repeat, sizing method, and ecological certifications—allows you Choose the wallpaper that truly fits your room, your lifestyle, and your values.Furthermore, it saves you headaches during installation, prevents you from buying too much due to miscalculating waste, and makes the removal process as simple as the label promised when you want to change it. When you turn over a roll again and see that row of icons, they won't seem like hieroglyphics anymore: they'll be the abbreviated instructions for a perfect makeover for your walls.
