Glass Textile Wallcovering (GTW) is a wallcovering system that combines the versatility of paint, from latex to epoxy, with the strength and benefits of woven glass textile yarns to meet the most demanding wall finish requirements. The glass textile yarns are made from all natural materials and are woven into various textures and patterns and treated with a natural starch binder for dimensional stability during the installation process. Glass textile wallcovering is available in many textures of timeless designs that are designed to be finished with a paint coating or decorative finish after installation. With its inherent characteristics, glass textile wallcovering is a natural choice where durability, safety and health are a concern. It will not shrink or stretch; exceeds Class A fire ratings and toxicity requirements; is highly breathable to reduce the risk of mold and mildew; environmentally friendly; highly durable and long lasting; can be renewed/repainted on the wall many times thereby reducing landfill waste; and paintability means color and finish options are virtually unlimited. With only minor preparation, glass textile wallcovering can be installed over a variety of surfaces such as wood paneling, block, brick, stucco, plaster, tile and dry wall. It also reinforces the substrate and protects the wall surface. It easily bridges cracks and hides roughness and minor imperfections. Glass textile wallcoverings have been the wallcovering of choice in European countries since 1960.

GTW can either be installed using a "dry hang" method which means the adhesive is applied directly to the wall surface or some patterns can be pulled through a pasting machine. Roll a generous amount of adhesive onto the wall, enough to hang one to two width's of the material at a time. Place the first width and butt join the next strip tight and repeat the process until complete. Once the adhesive has dried behind the material (at least by the next day depending on drying conditions), simply paint or finish the glass textile as specified. The unprimed patterns require a primer coat and final finish coat. The pre-primed series can be painted with final finish coat where a flat, eggshell or satin finish coat is specified.

For strippability, use a heavy duty clear equal adhesive. For hard to hang surfaces, uncertain surfaces, over other wallcovering (only under certain circumstances), or for a permanent installation, or in wet areas, a vinyl to vinyl is recommended. Use a 3/4" to 1" nap roller for best results.

Glass textile wallcovering is designed to be painted or finished with a variety of paints, coatings, stains, multicolor or faux finishing techniques. The pre-primed can be painted with a single coat of quality latex low luster, satin or eggshell enamel. The unprimed requires a primer coat of flat latex primer and then the final finish coat. For best results, tint the primer to match the top coat. Use epoxy coating in high traffic areas where additional durability is required. The paint finish over the glass textile will completely 'cure' in about 30 days. Paint application: Rolling is recommend to work the paint into the material for maximum bonding and durability of the system. The paint can be sprayed on, however, you must backroll the paint into the material. A 3/4" to 1" nap roller is recommended for best results.

Glass textile wallcovering is a breathable wallcovering system and has the highest breathability rating of any wallcovering system even after 2 coats of latex paint. To achieve the best breathability, a latex paint is recommended. For additional control of mold and mildew in high humidity areas, use an adhesive with an anti microbial additive that remains active for a long period of time in a dry film state. In addition, add an anti microbial additive to the primer and paint or use Zinsser Mold and Mildew Proof Commercial Wallcovering System.

All bolts are 39" wide (1 meter) by either 32 yards (29 meters) or 54 yards (50 meters) in length and contain either 318 s.f. or 538 s.f.. Each linear yard contains 9.75 s.f.

Adhesive: 3 to 4 gallons of adhesive per 538 s.f. Paint and primer consumption varies from pattern to pattern and ranges from 3 to 5 gallons per 538 s.f.

In wet areas like enclosed pool areas, install glass textile with a vinyl to vinyl adhesive and paint or coat the glass textile with an oil base paint or coating that will totally seal the surface. In bathrooms, Products like Zinsser Perma White Paint is a recommended paint coating over glass textile for walls and ceilings.

A 3/4" to 1" nap roller is recommended for adhesive and paint. Use a plastic smoother to smooth out the wallcovering on the wall. Some patterns can be pulled through a pasting machine. Never use a seam roller. A paint brush is recommended to cut in adhesive along edges of wall surface and also for cutting in edges of paint and primer on wallcovering. Use a sharp snap-off knife blade for cutting and trimming the glass textile wallcovering.

Glass textile is easy to repair by utilizing a double cut method. Cut out the area of the damaged material. Cut glass textile to size to fit over the damaged area allowing at least 1 1/2 to 2" extended from the edge of the damaged area. Place the new material over the damaged area and match the pattern as exact as possible. Tape the material securely in place. With a very sharp blade, cut through the two layers of glass textile following the design of the pattern and being careful not to cut through the sheet rock paper. Lift off the new patch and tape on the wall to assure the proper placement. Take out the old material and prepare the exposed wall surface for installation in the same manner as for new installation and apply the adhesive. Place the patch in the area and carefully match the pattern. If necessary, use a little caulking to match the seams of the patch to the existing wallcovering. Allow the patch to dry, then prime and paint as necessary to match the existing surface.

Glass textile is easy to maintain. Use paint manufacturer's cleaning guidelines. The glasstextile is not affected by harsh chemicals. Flat latex is not as easily cleaned and may require more frequent paint touchups. For a more cleanable surface a low luster finish such as eggshell, satin, or semigloss work best. An epoxy coating will provide an even higher degree of cleanability, as will specially formulated washable paints. The heavier textures and patterns can be painted 8-10 times without losing the texture depending on the thickness of the paint application. For redecorating, simply paint with a new color. Because the glasstextile has a long life cycle, at least 30 years or more, glass textile wallcovering can save a redecorating budget thousands of dollars.

Glass textile is still on the walls in places in Europe for over 30 years. Because it will not shrink, stretch or deteriorate and can be painted and repaired easily, you can expect a very long life cycle. It can also be installed permanently as it will form a new, highly durable wall surface.