Glass fibre wallpaper: everything you need to know

Two types of wallpaper that look alike. But aren't

You've heard it mentioned somewhere: glass fibre wallpaper. Or Renovlies. Or both. Online, the two get mixed up constantly: both give a smooth wall, both can be painted over, both work in new builds and renovations. But under the hood they are completely different. Those differences determine whether your walls are still looking sharp in five years or not.

We apply both products every day and see in practice when each one works. Below is the honest explanation, no marketing fluff.

What exactly is glass fibre wallpaper?

Glass fibre wallpaper is a wall covering based on glass fibre. It is made by converting molten sand into hair-thin glass threads, which are then pressed into a flat, even strip. The result is a light, thin wallpaper that:

• Bridges small cracks and fissures in the surface
• Provides a smooth, even base for latex paint
• Can be painted over in virtually any colour you want
• Is widely available in different weights and with or without a pattern

Glass fibre wallpaper is often confused with glass weave wallpaper. The latter is woven (not pressed), thicker and sturdier, and more commonly used in commercial spaces. Read our page different types of wallpaper for an overview of all options.

The difference between glass fibre, glass weave and Renovlies

For most homeowners, the choice comes down to three options. Here is the professional comparison:

Renovlies is made from cellulose and textile fibres. No glass. It is stronger and more impact-resistant than glass fibre wallpaper, bridges larger cracks and gives the most "plastered" end result. No prickly particles during application, so no itching for the wallpaper hangers or residents.

Glass fibre wallpaper is thinner and a bit cheaper. It evens out surfaces, bridges small cracks and is a great choice when your budget is tight. For larger imperfections it is less suitable.

Glass weave wallpaper is thicker and sturdier than glass fibre, woven, and very popular in offices, schools and hospitality venues because of its impact resistance. Downside: in residential homes, loose glass fibres can cause itching for the wallpaper hanger and residents.

Read our in-depth comparison Renovlies wallpaper versus glass fibre for the full details.

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When do you choose glass fibre wallpaper?

From practical experience: glass fibre wallpaper is a good option when:

• Your walls are already reasonably flat (minor maintenance or a new build with good preparation)
• You mainly want impact resistance without the walls being heavily loaded
• Budget matters and you don't expect shrinkage cracks
• You want a pattern: glass fibre is available in designs such as diamond, stripe and herringbone

When do you choose Renovlies?

Renovlies is the better choice when:

• You are in a new-build home where shrinkage cracks are still forming
• Your walls have larger imperfections that need to be bridged
• You want the end result to truly look like plastered work
• You don't want the risk of itch-causing glass particles
• You have a family with children or pets. Impact resistance counts extra

Still unsure about the right thickness? Read our guide Renovlies thicknesses: 120, 150, 180 or 200 grams?.

Glass fibre wallpaper in new builds. A note of caution

Many people read that glass fibre wallpaper is "suitable for new builds". That is partly true: it can be painted over, adheres well and gives a smooth finish. But with larger shrinkage cracks (and you often see those in new builds after 1 to 2 years) glass fibre is often too thin to hide them permanently. Renovlies (from 150 grams) is more durable in that situation.

If price is truly the deciding factor, glass fibre can be a fine compromise. But bear in mind that the difference in material cost per m² rarely makes up for what you'll spend on repairs later if cracks show through.

Our approach: one team for the entire job

Whether it ends up being glass fibre or Renovlies: at Renovlies.net one team does all the work. That means surface preparation (sanding, filling, removing concrete blemishes), applying the wallpaper and latex painting in your chosen colour. All done by the same people. No handovers, no "well, the plasterer should have levelled it better first", no blame games.

With our 100% coverage guarantee you know that shrinkage cracks in the wall won't show through to your final finish. A wall that looks perfect at handover will still look perfect five years later.

Ready for smooth walls?

Still unsure which product suits your situation? We'll come by free of charge, assess your walls with raking light and give you honest advice. Even if that means we recommend glass fibre instead of the slightly more expensive Renovlies.

Request a no-obligation quote and let us show you what a professional team can do for your home.