Which stretch ceiling is better - fabric or PVC film?

The choice of material for stretch ceilings is not great - it can be a fabric or PVC film. Today, we will analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each type, and study the operational characteristics. Based on a detailed comparison, we’ll tell you how to make the right choice that is right for you and for your requirements.

26/01/2019 4784 0

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Comparison table of characteristics of ceiling materials
What is better fabric or PVC?
The main differences between fabric webs and PVC film
What to choose: results of material comparison
Video tips from experts

Comparison table of characteristics of ceiling materials

Repair is an expensive business where you need to think through all the nuances. It is necessary not only to find a highly qualified team that will perform the work in a short time, but also to find building materials that will be distinguished by the optimal price / quality ratio, durability and will be able to create a unique interior design. Considerable attention is given to the ceiling. Consider the main indicators and properties of stretch ceilings made of fabric and PVC.

Indicators for comparison	Material
Indicators for comparison	PVC	the cloth
Environmental friendliness	+	+
Seamless mix	Up to 5 mm	Clipso up to 4.1m, Descor up to 5.1m
Uniformity of paintings	You can see creases or stains	+
White	Several shades may stand out.	Full white saturated color
Odor	Passes a few days later	It disappears instantly, immediately after the deployment of the material
Antistatic	+	+
Air permeability	Completely waterproof	Includes micropores through which the canvases "breathe"
Moisture resistant	+	-
Mounting technology	With burner	Without special equipment
Care	It is cleaned with water and a soapy solution	Gentle care required without aggressive detergents
Stretching or sagging	Do not change the original appearance	Does not change shape
Permissible operating temperature	At high rates it stretches, at low - it crumbles	Does not respond to temperature changes
Strength	They are afraid of sharp objects	Increased
Treatment	It is carried out exclusively in production	You can make holes yourself. No edge reinforcement required
The ability to set the backlight	+	+

In the photo on the left is a roll with PVC film, on the right - fabric.

What is better fabric or PVC?

Consider the basic physical and operational properties of stretch ceilings made of fabric and PVC film.

Basic physical and operational characteristics	Film	Fabric
Frost resistance	-	+
Variety of design	+	-
Odor absorbency	-	+
Ease of care	+	-
Moisture resistant	+	-
Ability to "breathe"	-	+
Resistance to mechanical damage	-	+
Easy installation comparison	-	+
Seamlessness	-	+
Low price	+	-

As you can see, the advantage is on the side of fabric stretch ceilings. But the opinion is subjective, since it is necessary to take into account the features of the premises and the budget laid down for implementation.

In the photo on the left black film ceiling, on right white fabric.

The main differences between fabric webs and PVC film

Consider the difference between fabric and film ceiling coatings:

PVC film is made of polyvinyl chloride, a variety of plasticizers and additives on special equipment - calender processing lines. The fabric is a high-strength textile made of polyester yarn.
Film stretch ceilings are always on a smooth basis, characterized by a matte, glossy or satin surface. The texture of the fabric ceiling resembles the applied plaster, it can be exclusively matte.
PVC material is produced in any color, offering customers more than 200 tons of shades of each color.Ceilings can be pearlescent, with a lacquer sheen, translucent, tinted or mirrored. It is easy to apply 3D-drawing and any other images on them. The fabric does not differ in such variety and becomes original only by dyeing or manual drawing.
You can dye textile fabrics up to 4 times, while PVC is a one-time purchase.
Installation of a fabric ceiling occurs without heating the panels, in contrast to the analog PVC.
Another difference is the heat-insulating and sound-insulating features of the woven material, which film ceilings cannot boast.
The cost of a fabric stretch ceiling is several times more expensive than a film one.

What to choose: results of material comparison

Preference should be given to the budget allocated for repairs. If there is no money limit - you can choose a fabric ceiling for the room - it looks more solid and elegant.
In rooms with high humidity (kitchen and bathroom), it is worthwhile to prefer a stretch PVC ceiling that is resistant to water penetration and easy to clean. The settled fat, soot and dirt that appeared during the cooking process is easy to remove.
For small rooms, it is better to prefer classic glossy stretch PVC ceilings - they visually expand the space, reflecting light and objects.
Fabric ceilings are expensive, but a luxurious way to decorate a room. Such material is easy to mount, it is reliable, durable, not afraid of ultraviolet radiation, sudden changes in temperature, but requires some care.

Video tips from experts

The advantages of PVC suspended ceilings are more affordable prices, they are distinguished by a wide variety of color palette, resistance to dirt and moisture - which is very important for the design of rooms at home.