PRESS-INFO
Tapety® glass fibre wall coverings by
Saint-Gobain Technical Fabrics:
22 million m2 of high-performance glass fibre coverings
Frankfurt, April 2007.Since it was first introduced in Sweden thirty years ago,
before expanding into other European countries, glass fibre has taken an
increasing share of the market compared with wallpapers and other types of
wall covering. Glass fibre is hygienic, rot and shock resistant, and also
protects the wall against dampness and wear. Its’ outstanding technical
properties are finding favour with a growing number of professional and DIY
users. Saint-Gobain Technical Fabrics’ Construction division has inherited
the company’s internationally recognised expertise in glass fibre, to develop
Tapety, a complete range of glass fibre wall coverings. The growing success
of Tapety glass fibre wall coverings has resulted in an annual production of
22 million m2 of glass fibre products, which corresponds to a 12 percent
share of a fast-growing European market estimated at 180 million m2 in 2004.
Tapety glass fibre wall coverings by Saint-Gobain Technical Fabrics are
extremely attractive and versatile, offering a high-performance solution for
the decoration of public buildings such as hotels, restaurants, shops and
hospitals, offices and residential buildings. They are suitable for both for new
construction work and renovations. Fast and easy to install, they are available
in natural or pre-painted versions, which require only a single coat of paint,
for increased time savings and an impeccable finish.
Outstanding technical properties
Glass fibre fabric consists of woven glass fibres coated in resins. It offers top
performances when applied to a wide range of surfaces, including concrete, plaster,
particle board and wood. Tapety glass fibre wall coverings are suitable for use on
walls, partitions, ceilings, doors, furniture and other indoor surfaces. Thanks to their
exceptional technical properties and range of decorative finishes, they have gained
considerable favour with professional building consultants, property managers and
plasterers as well as DIY users.
Tapety glass fibre wall coverings by Saint-Gobain Technical Fabrics are wear
resistant, rot-resistant and comply with strict quality standards. Non-flammable
glass fibres offer greater fire resistance, making them particularly suitable for use in
public buildings. They are also resistant to shock, wear and mechanical
deterioration. Furthermore, glass fibre wall coverings constitute a long-lasting
decorative solution as they will not shrink or stretch, and do not discolour with age.
Saint-Gobain – Tapety / page 1 of 3
Tapety: The hygienic solution
Glass fibre allows the walls to breathe naturally, in tune with current health
concerns. Because of it is of mineral origin, glass fibre creates no electrostatic
charge, and so does not attract mould, dust mites or bacteria, creating fewer allergy
risks. These essential qualities are complemented by easy maintenance and
impeccable hygiene standards, making it ideal for use in the health industry, as well
as office and residential buildings.
Glass fibre fabrics are also appreciated for their ability to improve the mechanical
performances of their support. Depending on the strength of fabric chosen, they are
also extremely water resistant, making them perfect for use in areas susceptible to
humidity.
Tapety: a range of contemporary decorative finishes
The Tapety range of glass fibre wall coverings is extremely popular for new
building applications, offering building consultants, plasterers and DIY’ers a vast
selection of structures and finishes.
A variety of finishes are available, including wickerweave, diamond pattern and
herringbone, for easy coordination with any décor. New designs also feature a
polka-dot pattern in plain or twill weave.
Tapety glass fibre wall coverings are available in natural or pre-painted versions.
The pre-painted wall coverings only require a single coat of paint for even faster
installation, offering further savings in labour and materials.
Fast and easy installation
In addition to the exceptional technical properties of glass fibre, users appreciate its
fast and easy installation. Glass fibre wall coverings can be applied directly onto a
clean, dry and superficially smoothed base, offering considerable time savings.
Glass fibre has also offers the advantage of masking surface imperfections and
micro-cracking.
After a water-based glue has been applied to the wall with a roller, the glass fibre is
applied from the top down, with each subsequent strip being fitted next to the
previous one. After the glass fibre has been mounted, any excess is cut from the
top and bottom. The walls can be painted as soon as the fibre is dry in
approximately 24 hours.
Tapety wall coverings also offer trouble-free maintenance and can be painted over
up to five times for touch-ups to the existing colour or even a complete colourchange. The Tapety range also features an extra-tough non-textured glass fibre
covering to ensure a perfect finish when renovating old or cracked ceilings.
Saint-Gobain – Tapety / page 2 of 3
Pictures:
photo 1:
Tapety glass fibre wall coverings by Saint-Gobain Technical Fabrics are extremely
attractive and versatile, offering a high-performance solution for the decoration.
photo 2:
Glass fibre wall coverings constitute a long-lasting decorative solution as they will
not shrink or stretch, and do not discolour with age.
Photos: Saint-Gobain Technical Fabrics
For all further details please contact:
2K Kreative Kommunikation GmbH,
Hanauer Landstraße 423a, D-60314 Frankfurt,
Tel.: +49 (0) 69 219 789 20, E-Mail: w.kropp@go-2k.de
or
Saint-Gobain Technical Fabrics UK
Pit Hey Place – Skelmersdale – Lancashire WN8 9PS – United Kingdom
Phone: +44 1695 723946 – E-mail: Martyn.Jones@saint-gobain.co
Saint-Gobain – Tapety / page 3 of 3