Film and fabric stretch ceilings have their own advantages and disadvantages. The most important thing when choosing is to take into account the peculiarities of the operation of the room in which they will be installed. Our recommendations will help you understand the issue of choosing a suitable canvas. Today the market offers a variety of models of stretch ceilings. They differ in price, quality, material, color, texture and many other criteria. It is sometimes very difficult to understand the varieties. In general, all canvases are made of fabric or PVC (polyvinyl chloride). To decide which type is more suitable for the ceiling, you need to take into account, first of all, the specifics and functionality of the room, as well as design wishes.
Assortment of film and fabric stretch fabrics
A wide variety of colors and textures allows the use of stretch fabrics for the embodiment of original ideas. Taking into account some of the features of the material will help you decide which stretch ceiling to choose - PVC or fabric.
The variety of textures and colors, of course, is greater in film than in fabric. PVC canvases are matte, glossy, lacquered, perforated, mother-of-pearl, satin. In addition, manufacturers produce a translucent film, which, in combination with properly organized lighting, can visually expand the space of the room. Images can be applied to PVC canvases using a photo printer.
The fabric is slightly inferior in this regard. These ceilings can only be matte. But their advantage lies in the possibility of reusable staining. Using acrylic compounds, you can change the color of the coating every year. Transfer of photographic images is also possible on fabric stretch ceilings.
When designing a room, pay attention to the following information:
- A matte solid color pastel film and fabric coating is considered a classic and can serve as a backdrop for bright accents. It is successfully used for interior decoration in ethnic and country style.
- The glossy surface of the PVC film visually adds volume to the room. Such ceilings are mounted, equipping a room in high-tech or minimalist style.
- The satin film ceiling has an iridescent and silky texture. Often used for oriental or classic designs. Such ceilings look great in light overall rooms with large windows.
- Kitchen ceiling finishes are best done with materials that are easy to clean. For this, PVC cloth is suitable.
- In the bedroom, the best option is a fabric stretch ceiling of a pastel shade. It fits well with classic interior design.
- The bathroom has an original solution - a marbled film coating that will harmoniously combine with the tiles.
- If you want to give an original look to the fabric stretch fabric, then you can paint it with acrylic paints. This can only be done after installing the ceiling.
- When creating complex stretch shapes on the ceiling, it is impossible to use a fabric cloth. For these purposes, you should choose PVC material.
- Before giving preference to one type, think about combining the ceiling with the rest of the interior items and decor elements.
There is no definite answer to the question of which stretch ceiling is better - fabric or PVC. It all depends on the place, features and purpose of the room in which it is supposed to be installed. If you are planning equipment on the ceiling of a multi-level original structure of a complex shape, then fabric ceilings will not work. For these purposes, it is recommended to use only PVC cloth. As a last resort, you can combine film and fabric by setting different materials at different levels.
Technical characteristics of PVC and fabric stretch ceilings
Before making a choice in favor of a certain variety, you need to carefully study the features, advantages and disadvantages of each type of ceiling sheet. If you plan to install it yourself, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the installation methods for a stretch ceiling - PVC and fabric. Consider the technical characteristics of the canvases.
Heat resistance of stretch ceilings
PVC fabric deforms when exposed to high temperatures. For this reason, even the choice of lamps must be approached responsibly. Otherwise, the material will darken and lose its shape. When the temperature drops to +5 degrees and below, the film cracks, so PVC stretch ceilings can only be installed in heated rooms. For city apartments, this is a great solution.
The fabric is more resistant to temperature changes. It is ideally suited for installation in unheated or partially heated premises - offices, restaurants, terraces, summer cottages. Special impregnations increase the fire safety of the fabric, and therefore it is also not afraid of high temperatures.
Moisture resistance of stretch fabric
PVC ceilings are suitable for bathroom installations. They do not absorb moisture at all. And if you are flooded by neighbors, the film will even be able to retain water, simply by deforming and taking on its original shape after pumping out the liquid.
Fabric ceilings allow moisture to pass through, however, they can deform when flooded from the upper floor, they are difficult to restore. The fabric can not be installed in rooms with high humidity. Despite the fact that high-quality fabrics are impregnated with special chemical compounds, mold and mildew can form on them if the room is too humid.
Strength of stretch fabrics
PVC ceilings are very fragile. They can be easily damaged with a sharp object. Therefore, when using them, you need to be very careful, especially when repairing, removing cornices. It is impossible to repair the hole made in the film; in this case, you will have to change the entire coating. However, despite this, the material can withstand almost 100 liters of water per 10 m2 area.
Fabric ceilings are less susceptible to mechanical damage. This is especially true for those varieties that are impregnated with a polyurethane compound. But they also require careful handling.
Environmental friendliness of materials for stretch ceilings
There is an opinion that fabric ceilings are more environmentally friendly, since they are made from natural materials, and PVC canvases can be harmful to health. This is not true. Firstly, almost all fabric ceilings are treated with special impregnations that increase the strength, fire safety and moisture resistance of the material.
Secondly, modern technologies make it possible to use high-quality raw materials in the manufacture of stretch ceiling films, which do not emit odor and are absolutely harmless to health.
The main thing is, when buying a canvas, give preference to certified and high-quality products. It is made from environmentally friendly materials.
Manufacturers and cost of material for stretch ceilings
First you need to understand that a high-quality and durable canvas will not be cheap. However, it will last more than ten years, because the installation of a stretch ceiling is a promising and profitable solution.
It is important to pay attention to the manufacturer. For example, French ceilings are considered to be of the highest quality. Products from Italy and Germany are slightly inferior to them in quality. These are the three leaders in the production of reliable and durable blades. Their cost matches this. As for domestic counterparts, outwardly they practically do not differ and will cost much cheaper, but their service life will be shorter.
Fabric products are considered the most expensive due to the specifics of production. They are made by knitted weaving and impregnated with different compounds. The price for high-quality European fabrics starts at 300 rubles per square meter.
The cost of PVC canvases depends not only on the quality of raw materials, but also on the fastening method. If you plan to install using harpoon technology, then the material will cost more. The tape for the wedge fastening will be cheaper, but there will be cut off residues, for which you will also have to overpay. On average, a Chinese-made stretch ceiling film costs from 50 rubles per square meter. European manufacturers offer products more expensive - from 150 rubles per square meter.
Features of installation of film and fabric stretch ceilings
The main difference between fabric stretch ceilings and PVC is in the installation method. The film coating is fixed with a special heat gun. It heats up the room and the canvas, which is subsequently stretched to the surface. After the air temperature in the room has dropped, the PVC stretch ceiling will take on its final shape.
The fabric is fixed in a cold way, which does not involve the use of a fan heater or other special equipment. The material is simply fixed in the baguette using a special spatula. A regular building hair dryer is used to smooth the wrinkled coating.
Do-it-yourself fabric ceiling installation is much easier than fastening PVC canvas. But if you already decided to give preference to a film canvas, then you can rent a heat gun to save money.
If we characterize stretch ceilings in terms of the presence of seams, then by this criterion, fabric canvases certainly win. They can be produced in any size using seamless technology. As a result, the coating is complete and looks aesthetically pleasing. This is a great choice for large rooms.
As for PVC canvases, depending on the size, they may have a seam. However, manufacturers try to make it minimally noticeable. Therefore, it is very difficult to see it with the naked eye. As a rule, popular and high-quality German PVC canvases have a maximum width of 3 meters, and French ones - 2.2 meters.
Fabric ceilings cannot be reused after dismantling. The same applies to some types of PVC coatings. However, if the PVC material is fixed using harpoon technology, then it can be removed if necessary and then fixed again on the ceiling. This procedure is required for flooding. It is enough just to drain the water, dry the film and fix it back. It is often not recommended to do this in order not to spoil the material.
Care of fabric and film stretch fabrics
The film cover is much easier to clean as it does not collect dust. When cleaning, the cloth can be wiped with a damp soft sponge. This should be done carefully, since the film is rather fragile. One of the main advantages of PVC material is that it does not absorb odors. It can even be installed in the kitchen.
In no case should fabric ceilings be washed, because they will get wet. It is enough to just gently vacuum the canvas. The material absorbs odors well, therefore it is not recommended to install fabric ceilings in the kitchen and, moreover, in the bathroom.
Which stretch ceiling is better - watch the video:
Reviews of fabric and PVC stretch ceiling are different. The designs have their own advantages and disadvantages. But if you choose the right canvas in accordance with the purpose of the room, correctly fix it, install safe and suitable lighting, and also adhere to the rules of operation, then such a ceiling will last for many years without losing its aesthetic appearance.
