Stretch ceiling: types of fabric, features, pros and cons
- 07.02.2023
Quickly and without dust, the ceiling is decorated with stretch fabrics. They create an original design - a glossy sheen and reflection or a gentle shimmer of light on the surface. A rich palette of colors is available and it is possible to apply a beautiful pattern to the ceiling. What are the types of stretch ceilings?
Types of stretch ceilings and their features
Stretch ceilings are differentiated by the type of material:
- PVC - a polymer material that can stretch when heated by a heat gun and spread evenly on the frame.
- Synthetic fabric in a fine mesh with a special polymer impregnation during installation is not heated. Installation is an hour or two longer than PVC canvas, because the cloth needs to be fixed more accurately on the profiles. This is necessary so as not to deform the pattern and evenly stretch it.
PVC film differs in texture:
- Glossy - the surface reflects surrounding objects, shiny. Visually increases the space. However, the reflection of the room overhead is not comfortable for everyone.
- Matte - does not give a glow. The texture resembles acrylic paint. Suitable for fans of classic coatings.
- Satin - reminiscent of satin fabric with a light glow and a characteristic fine texture. The middle between matte and glossy cloth.
The peculiarity of PVC-film is that it can be stretched over any shape of frame: square, round or shaped. This gives great opportunities to create an original ceiling design.
Types of PVC stretch ceilings by decorative design:
- Carved stretch ceilings are arranged in such a way that the upper fabric has holes, and the lower fabric is a contrasting color. So on the surface of the ceiling is a pattern.
- Stretch ceilings with a photo print. On the canvas canvas applied a pattern from a catalog or on the sample of the customer.
- Seamless PVC stretch ceilings without seams are much more expensive than standard fabric. It can be used in large rooms, if you want to apply a pattern or drawing on the surface.
Pros and cons of stretch ceilings
Pros of stretch ceilings:
- Easy and quick installation. The stretch ceiling is installed in a few hours.
- No need to remove furniture, carpets. You only need to remove flowers from the room and anything that can be spoiled by the temperature, which heats the PVC film.
- Under the canvas you can hide electrical wiring and ventilation shafts.
- Stretch ceilings are guaranteed to retain their attractive appearance and durability for 10 years or longer.
- PVC-floors can be removed and reinstalled without loss of quality.
- There is no need to repair stretch ceilings and no special care. As necessary, it is wiped with a soapy solution or a damp cloth. A peculiarity in the cleaning of fabric canvases - only dry cleaning with a vacuum cleaner is suitable.
Cons of stretch ceilings:
- Classic ceiling finishing with putty and painting is cheaper than the installation of stretch ceilings. Given the durability of PVC canvas, the costs pay off.
- At first it may seem that the product is unreliable. The PVC material is very thin - about 0.18 mm. However, the canvas is so strong that it can not be torn by hand, but only cut with a sharp knife.
- On a PVC stretch ceiling, if you look very closely, you can see the technological seam from the gluing of the panels. If you do not like such a feature categorically, you can install a fabric stretch ceiling. There are no seams on the material, because the width of the cloth is about 5 m, which is enough for the room.
In case the neighbors from above flood, PVC-film can save property from getting wet, and the water will not penetrate to the neighbors from below. It is able to stretch and withstand a lot of weight. When the water is pumped out, the canvas is heated and takes its original shape, spreading evenly over the frame.