Not every story about Renovlies is positive

You've read about Renovlies and you're excited: smooth walls, shrinkage cracks hidden, looks just like plaster. But you also come across critical comments: visible seams, creases in corners, a final result that isn't as neat as expected. Sometimes from DIYers, sometimes from plasterers who'd rather sell you a plaster job.

We apply Renovlies every day and we give you the honest considerations below. No marketing talk, just what you need to know before you decide.

Are there real disadvantages to Renovlies?

Yes. Every material has its caveats, and anyone who says Renovlies is "perfect for everyone" is selling you a story. The only question is: which disadvantages matter for your situation?

The biggest pitfalls we see in practice:

Poorly applied Renovlies produces visible seams or creases. This is by far the most common problem. The material is stiff and wide; in corners and around windows it takes experience. With DIYers or inexperienced wallpaper hangers, this is where things often go wrong.
Higher material costs than simple wallpaper. Renovlies costs more per m² than paper wallpaper or thin non-woven wallpaper. Compared to plastering, it is actually cheaper.
Limited flexibility on curved walls. On a straight wall, Renovlies is relatively straightforward. On a curved wall, in an arch or around columns, it really takes skill.
Quality depends on the brand. Cheap Renovlies can contain PVC and plasticisers that negatively affect the indoor climate. Not all Renovlies is the same.

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Empty bedroom in a new-build, fully ready for wallpapering and prepared for wall finishing.

Disadvantage 1: higher costs than simple wallpaper

This is factually correct. Simple paper wallpaper costs € 5-15 per m², while Renovlies including application and latex is around € 18-25 per m² with us (see Renovlies thicknesses for packages and prices).

But that is not a fair comparison. Paper wallpaper does not bridge shrinkage cracks and usually has to be replaced entirely when damaged. Renovlies stays looking good for years longer and can be repaired locally. Renovlies is also considerably cheaper than plastering while the end result is virtually the same. Read our comparison Renovlies or plastering.

In the long run, Renovlies is almost always more cost-effective, especially when you factor in maintenance and repairs.

Disadvantage 2: stiffness and flexibility

Renovlies does not stretch after it gets wet from the adhesive, unlike paper wallpaper which expands slightly. The upside: the material is dimensionally stable and strips can be cut to exact size for a seamless fit. The downside: on curved walls, in arches or around columns it behaves more rigidly and requires experience.

For a DIYer applying Renovlies to an entire living room for the first time: this is not the most forgiving job. Our experienced wallpaper hangers handle this every day with their knowledge of corner treatment. Small notches, the right adhesive feed, pressing at the right moment so creases don't set.

Disadvantage 3: requires skilled work

This is the most important honest point: Renovlies looks great when it is applied by a professional. Not otherwise. Poorly applied Renovlies results in:

Visible seams between strips
Small creases in corners
Lifting at edges
Cracks showing through because the strip was not glued down tightly

These are exactly the horror stories you read online. Almost always they involve DIYers or companies applying it without the right preparation. Read why choose a Renovlies specialist to find out what makes the difference.

Disadvantage 4: material quality varies

Not all Renovlies is the same. With cheap brands, the top layer sometimes consists of up to 60% PVC with plasticisers and heavy-metal compounds. These can pollute the indoor climate.

We work exclusively with PVC-free Renovlies without plasticisers, solvents or formaldehyde-releasing layers. So you don't need to worry about your health, as long as you choose a skilled party using good materials.

What about the advantages?

Alongside the caveats above, the advantages are substantial:

Smooth, seamless finish that looks like plaster
Shrinkage cracks in the wall stay hidden
Impact-resistant and durable
Lightfast and paintable in any RAL colour
Breathable, making it suitable for new-builds where walls are still releasing moisture
Easy to clean (even better with wipeable latex on top, see our page on wipeable latex)
Long lifespan, locally repairable
No prickling particles during application (unlike fibreglass)

A full overview of the advantages can be found in Renovlies wallpaper: the perfect base.

How do you weigh it all up?

Our rule of thumb for customers who are unsure:

Low budget and an accent wall → simple non-woven wallpaper is fine.
Standard new-build home → Renovlies, almost always the right choice.
High-end finish with a large budget → plastering is an option, but weigh up the cracking risk.
High-traffic space (hallway, entrance, family with children) → Renovlies at 180 grams.

Also read our guide saving costs with Renovlies for smart planning.

Our guarantee

We provide a 100% coverage guarantee on the work we do. That means: if the wall we treated still shows shrinkage cracks or creases, we come back. No fine print, no denial, just professional integrity.

With one team for the entire process, preparation, hanging and latexing, there is no room for disputes over responsibility between contractors.

Ready for an honest conversation?

We tell you upfront exactly what Renovlies can and cannot do for your walls. No sales talk, just professional advice, even if that means we recommend something different for your situation.

Request a free quote and let us assess your walls under raking light.