The wallcovering market is still dominated by paper-based products, but nonwovens are growing in popularity. The new nonwoven is an environmentally friendly fabric made up of synthetic fiber, paper pulp, and a laytex resin binder -- it is a blend that is similar to those found in everyday items like tea bags and gauze. These nonwovens are effectively "green" products and are avoiding the negative press surrounding PVC-based wallcoverings. This special blend of natural materials is what makes the wallpaper washable and breathable. This breathable substrate is what prevents vapor lock, the main cause of common mold and mildew.

The stability and opacity of polyester nonwovens can also help disguise cracks and seams in an imperfect underlying wall. Because of the stability of nonwovens, which won't expand or shrink, wallpaper seams become nearly invisible.

Nonwoven-based wall coverings are quick to hang and easier to remove than many of the competing products currently available. The materials need only to be pasted and applied and not soaked like many other wall coverings. Additionally, the material is stable and without seam separation, giving the appearance of one continuous material rather than several strips. Any air bubbles that may appear after application will dissipate quickly due to the product?s breathability; and this product dries completely in hours, not days.

In addition, one of the biggest topics surrounding nonwovens is their ease of removal, and the fact that they don't cause damage to the underlying wall if it's been properly prepared prior to hanging.

When hung as recommended, a nonwoven may easily be removed from the wall without the use of special tools or chemicals. The long synthetic fibers that comprise the fabric of a nonwoven prevent the sheet from tearing, allowing entire sheets to be removed in a single sweep. You first lift the top corners of each strip and pull down from both sides until 4? to 5? of the top of the strip is off the wall. Then grab the strip firmly in both hands and pull straight down to remove the entire sheet. After all strips are removed, a sponge and clean, warm water can be used to remove any paste from the wall.