Printable Wallcovering: What It Is and How to Choose the Right Type

Thanks to modern print technology and a wide variety of compatible substrates, custom wall graphics are more versatile, durable, and design-forward than ever.

But with so many options — from vinyl to non-woven, textile to mylar — how do you choose the right one for your application?

Here’s everything you need to know about printable wallcoverings and how to select the perfect material for performance, style, and environment.

What Is a Printable Wallcovering?

A printable wallcovering is any wall-applied surface designed to receive ink from digital printers. These materials are engineered for compatibility with UV, latex, or solvent ink systems and can be applied with:

• Paste-the-wall or paste-the-paper methods

• Peel-and-stick self-adhesives

• Professional installation (e.g., with overlap seams or tensioned frames)

They’re used for:

• Full-wall murals

• Branded environments

• Wayfinding graphics

• Hospitality and healthcare decor

• Pop-up and retail fit-outs

Common Types of Printable Wallcovering Materials

Each wallcovering type offers different benefits in terms of aesthetics, performance, installation, and sustainability:

• 1. Printable Non-Woven Wallcovering

  • Blend of natural and synthetic fibers

  • Strong tear resistance and dimensional stability

  • Paste-the-wall application, easy to remove

  • Available with smooth or lightly textured finishes

  Best for: Residential interiors

2. Printable Mylar Wallcovering

• Metallic polyester face with high-end visual impact

• Compatible with white ink layering for design flexibility

• Reflective, luminous finish — popular in luxury environments

Best for: Hospitality, feature walls, high-end brand spaces

3. Printable Vinyl Wallcovering

• Durable, scrubbable, and highly resistant to wear

• Compatible with textured embossing (e.g., linen, leather, stone)

• Available with fire-retardant and GREENGUARD certifications

Best for: High-traffic areas, public spaces, commercial interiors

4. Printable Textile Wallcovering

• Woven or non-woven polyester and natural fiber blends

• Soft, seamless appearance

• Sound-absorbing, wrinkle-resistant, and flame retardant options available

Best for: Offices, residential, wellness and hospitality interiors

5. P

rintable Glassfibre Wallcovering

•  

• Extremely durable, breathable, and paintable

• Often used in healthcare and institutional settings

• Ideal for high-humidity areas or rough walls

Best for: Hospitals, kitchens, bathrooms, heavy-duty environments

6. Printable Natural Wallcovering

• Made from eco-materials like cork, bamboo, or grasscloth

• Offers unique texture and sustainable appeal

• Usually inkjet-compatible with some limitations

Best for: Eco-conscious projects, boutique interiors, artistic features

Key Considerations When Choosing a Printable Wallcovering

• Ink Compatibility: Is it tested for UV, latex, or solvent inks?

• Fire Ratings: EN13501-1, ASTM E84 — especially for commercial interiors

• Installation Method: Peel-and-stick? Paste-the-wall? 

• Durability Needs: Will it be in a high-traffic or wipe-down area?

• Environmental Goals: Look for PVC-free, GREENGUARD, FSC® certifications

• Surface Finish: Smooth, textured, metallic, or matte?

Use tools like Substrate Bank to filter by performance specs and application type.

Conclusion: The Right Wallcovering Transforms the Surface — and the Space

Printable wallcoverings give designers and brands the ability to fully own the environment — but success depends on choosing the right substrate for the setting. From functional to luxurious, from eco-conscious to ultra-durable, there’s a wallcovering for every vision.

Because in interior graphics, the wall isn’t just a background — it’s the message.