Matt stretch ceiling: a fast and attractive way to decorate your interior

Until recently, this method of decorating a room was considered expensive and inaccessible. At present, thanks to modern technologies and great competition, the price of stretch fabrics has become available to almost every consumer. Matte stretch ceiling is one of the most popular options for surface decoration, as it is considered universal for any type of interior. It does not require maintenance and does not have a mirror shine, which many do not like.

Matte stretch ceiling is one of the most popular types of stretch ceilings

Features of matte ceilings: photos of attractive interiors

A stretch ceiling is a structure consisting of a metal or plastic profile and a special PVC film. Installing matte stretch ceilings is considered a classic design option, because the surface looks like an ordinary painted drywall or just a neatly leveled ceiling. An important advantage is its perfectly smooth surface and uniform structure.

It takes a professional team about three hours on average to install a matte stretch ceiling

Useful advice! It is recommended to install stretch ceilings at the final stage of repair work. It is permissible to carry out fasteners in the room after the repair has been carried out, because the work is not accompanied by dusty or dirty actions, you do not have to take out furniture or free the room from other objects.

Due to its neutral appearance, the matte ceiling is suitable for any interior and rooms for any purpose:

• children's;
• bedrooms;
• kitchens;
• living room;
• bathroom;
• hallway and corridor.

If you properly fix the canvas on a pre-installed frame, the ceiling will not sag and form a flat surface without bends or creases, which will make the room always look neat and attractive.

Matte stretch ceilings can be installed in rooms with high humidity and not be afraid of the consequences of flooding from above

In addition, the advantage can be called a relatively fast installation and costs acceptable to many. Most companies do not spend more than a day on installation.A significant plus is the fact that the installation does not require preliminary surface preparation, which saves the family budget for putty, priming or dismantling the old base.

Unlike other types of surfaces, the choice of matte stretch ceiling color is limited. Considering that a canvas without shine is used more often for organizing classic interiors that prefer a limited number of shades, this will not be a big problem. Technical characteristics of matte canvases:

• most matte ceilings have seams every 130-200 cm, the maximum roll width is 230-320 cm;
• for installation, it is imperative to use a heat gun, which heats the canvas to 70 ° C;
• the standard blade thickness is 0.18 mm, although German and Chinese manufacturers offer denser options with a thickness of 0.3-0.4 mm;
• the maximum load that a matte canvas can withstand usually does not exceed 170 kg / m²;
• the optimal temperature range that allows using the ceiling without changing its properties is 5-50 ° С;
• stretch fabric weight - 230 g / m²;
• The warranty period depends on the manufacturer, but generally it is 10-12 years, although in practice this number is at least twice as high.

Matte ceilings cannot be installed in rooms with low temperatures

Advantages and disadvantages of matte stretch ceilings: photo of design options

The matt stretch fabric belongs to the group of polyvinyl chloride materials, since the main element is PVC film, which has a granular structure, thanks to which the coating got its name. The most common film is considered to be 1.3 mm thick, the maximum roll width does not exceed 320 cm.

An important advantage is that, despite the insignificant thickness of the material, matte ceilings are distinguished by their exceptional strength. The maximum tensile strength is 1.7 MPa, which allows the ceiling to reliably protect the apartment and below the living neighbors in case of flooding by neighbors from above. On the web, you can find a large number of videos showing how the canvas can withstand the weight of water of 500 or 1000 liters, while it simply stretches, but does not lose its integrity.

The reliability of the ceilings will primarily depend on the installation method. In addition to the fact that you need to properly warm up the canvas, you should also pay attention to the method of fixing the material to the previously prepared frame. There are 3 main methods:

1. Harpoon. The most reliable option, but also the most expensive.
2. Shtapikovy. Many experts call this method of fastening disposable, because the fastening does not last long.
3. Wedge. Slightly worse in quality than harpoon, but nevertheless it is considered the best option in terms of price and quality.

Modern matte stretch ceilings do not emit harmful substances into the air

Like all similar materials, it has a matte stretch ceiling, pros and cons, so before buying, you should study all the characteristics so that after installation there are no unpleasant surprises. So, the main advantages of canvases are:

1. Possibility of installation in a new building. Due to its ductility, the material does not undergo cracks or other disturbances that usually occur on surfaces during the shrinkage of the house, which in most cases takes at least one year.
2. Attractive appearance. The stretch ceiling hides all the unevenness of the main surface without the use of additional materials. This does not require special preparation of the base.
3. Fast installation. The installation time of a 20 m² plasterboard ceiling without plaster is at least 2-4 days, if painting is required - 4-6 days. A stretch fabric of the same area, depending on the surface configuration, is mounted within a maximum of 6-10 hours.
4. Simple operation.The stretch ceiling does not crumble and does not require maintenance. All that is recommended is to wipe the dust with a dry cloth every one and a half to two years.
5. Acceptable price. Professional painters have long noticed that the total cost of installing a matte stretch fabric is cheaper than installing a plasterboard ceiling (including materials, additional parts and installation costs).
6. High consumer qualities and safety. The canvas has anti-dust properties and does not condense moisture, prevents the spread of mold. This allows you to maintain a pleasant indoor climate, which is especially important in kitchens and bathrooms.

Other advantages that characterize the matte stretch ceiling and some disadvantages

Safety is one of the main advantages of matte ceilings. The materials do not contain harmful substances, do not cause allergies, do not absorb odors and are absolutely safe for health. The structural advantages of stretch ceilings include low weight, which provides a unique opportunity to implement various design ideas and create complex ceiling structures: multilevel ceilings, arches. In short, the greatest advantages of matte ceilings are:

• creating the effect of a flat surface;

Even for a small area, be it a corridor, a bathroom, a kitchen or an office, a matte stretch ceiling is the best fit

• hiding cracks, scratches and communication systems;
• long-term preservation of an attractive appearance;
• high moisture resistance;
• affordable cost;
• high quality;
• lack of excessive shine and mirror reflection;
• fire safety;
• good sound and heat insulation properties;
• high aesthetic qualities.

Helpful advice! The matte texture does not cause emotional stress, which sometimes occurs when using gloss. Unlike a satin or glossy ceiling, a matte canvas does not have any sheen or reflection, which allows you to relax faster. Dirty footprints are less visible on a rough surface.

One of the main disadvantages of installing a matte structure is the high probability of damage to the blade by cutting objects. Even the thickest material will not withstand the impact of an object with sharp edges, which is highly likely to lead to a violation of the integrity of the surface.

Matt stretch ceilings are available in standard widths up to 3 m

Many craftsmen focus on the fact that with minor damage it is easy to restore integrity on your own using glue and patches from PVC film samples. The advantage of this particular type of material is that both violations and the results of restoration work are less visible on the surface.

Another disadvantage of matte PVC film is that it cannot be installed indoors without heating. This is due to the fact that the minimum temperature at which the web does not change its performance is +5 ° C. If you plan to install the ceiling in a colder room, it is better to install a fabric structure.

Due to the fact that the maximum roll width is within 3.2 m, in a large room you will have to use glued cloth, although the seam on the matte structure remains invisible. As evidenced by numerous reviews, matte or glossy stretch ceilings are characterized by the presence of a specific smell, but in most cases it disappears a few days after installation.

The production of matte stretch ceilings is carried out from high quality PVC film, which is resistant to moisture and fire

Which is the best stretch ceiling, matte or glossy: reviews professionals and consumers

To understand which stretch ceiling is better - matte or glossy, it is required to conduct a comparative description of materials and weigh all the advantages and disadvantages, take into account not only personal needs, but also the configuration features, dimensions and purpose of the room.

To understand which is better - matte or glossy stretch ceilings, the study of the effect of perception, advantages and disadvantages will help. An important point is that both types of canvases have a smooth surface, and if properly installed, the base will not have bends or folds that spoil the attractive aesthetic appearance.

By and large, a matte and glossy canvas is made using the same base - polyvinyl chloride, which determines the positive qualities of the films. Modern technologies make it possible to embody any structure or special pattern on a stretch ceiling, for example, a photographic print, thanks to which you can create any visual effect or add a special mood to the interior of a particular room.

If we talk about the ease of maintenance of stretch ceilings, then glossy surfaces noticeably lose to matte

Some people use both types of canvases to decorate an individualized interior in the same room. In a multi-level design, each element favorably emphasizes each other. The combined multi-level glossy and matte stretch ceiling with illumination will look especially beautiful. To decide for yourself which ceiling is better - matte or glossy, you need to know the features of each material.

Benefits of a glossy finish:

1. Material reflection effect. The film works like a mirror inside the room, making the interior much brighter.
2. Visual enlargement of the room. After installing a bright mirror material, the room will visually "stretch" vertically, especially if you choose light shades.
3. This surface is easy to decorate. Glossy finishes can be decorated in a variety of ways: stickers, designs and other interesting options.

Helpful advice! To understand which material for the ceiling is more suitable for a particular interior, it is necessary to carefully study both options.

Features of matte finish:

• the ability to create a classic design;

Matte and glossy canvas is made using the same base

• does not oversaturate the room with light and does not create glare from street lamps and headlights;
• even a plain canvas looks beautiful and does not irritate the eyes;
• matte film belongs to the category of warm ones, bringing comfort and coziness to the room;
• suitable for all rooms.

A good solution is the partial inclusion of gloss in the design of the ceiling, which allows you to create an unobtrusive atmosphere in any room, clearly identifying a separate functional area of ​​the space. For example, using gloss, you can highlight a dining area, a place for cooking or for a wardrobe in the hallway. This option looks good in spacious rooms.

Related article:

Profiles for stretch ceilings: types, installation methods

Functional purpose, main types at the place of attachment and method of fixing the canvas. Typical profile sizes. Knauf products.

A brief comparative characteristic that will help determine the choice of the type of ceiling

To make it easier to decide which stretch ceiling (glossy or matte) to install in the room, you need to study their main differences. So, the surface of a glossy film requires more careful maintenance than a matte one. But in the first case, you can wipe the ceiling once a year, because it does not attract, but repels dust. Due to the roughness of the matte film, pollution is more difficult to remove, and if you rarely care, a damp sponge in this case is no longer enough.For the sake of fairness, it should be noted that it is also not easy to take care of gloss, because not every owner can properly wash stretch ceilings without streaks.

A significant advantage is the lower price of the matte ceiling. Of course, the difference is not too big, but nevertheless, with a large apartment area on all ceilings, you can save a decent amount.

Matte ceilings are classified as warm, bringing comfort and coziness to the room

A matte surface wins over a glossy one in the sense that if two canvases are welded together, a seam will not be visible on the surface, which appears at a certain viewing angle on the gloss. However, due to the greater width of the rolls, the need to solder glossy sheets occurs much less frequently.

A matte stretch ceiling in a bathroom is considered more profitable than a glossy one, because drops or splashes will not be visible on its surface. Although condensation does not form on either type of material. Due to the ingress of soap suds on a glossy canvas, a stain will most likely form on it, which will be conspicuous, and in the case of a matte surface, traces may not remain.

The main advantage of a glossy ceiling over a matte ceiling is the ability to create unusual lighting that is reflected from a mirror surface. Glossy coatings allow you to create something incredible using only spot and LED lighting. When installing a matte canvas, you will have to mount more powerful lamps, but the main thing is not to use powerful lighting equipment that heats up too much when it is on. The best option for a matte ceiling is LED lamps with a power of no more than 30 watts.

When soldering two matte sheets, the seam on the surface will not be visible

The design of both types of ceilings is quite diverse and allows you to choose the most suitable option for a particular interior style. When choosing a surface for a specific room, you should take into account the characteristics of the room and the desired ceiling design. So, two-level matte stretch ceilings do not look as attractive as multi-level glossy structures. When creating a classic style, a matte surface is the best option to highlight with the right lighting.

How to choose the color of a matte stretch ceiling: white, beige, gray, black and other canvases

The choice of color for the ceiling will depend on the characteristics of not only the use, but also the location of the room, because you need to pay attention to the amount of natural light. PVC canvases allow you to bring to life almost all ideas. These can be ceilings styled like leather, pearls, metal and even wood, regardless of the rich colors. A large number of various photos of stretch matte ceilings for a hall shows that a matte canvas does not have to be plain and boring.

It is interesting! To create attractive, multi-level, unusual designs for your drywall box cover, you can use matte ceiling paint to help create a cohesive look.

The appearance of the white matte ceiling resembles a perfectly executed, plastered and painted surface, which is suitable for decorating any interior and room. White is considered a classic and versatile color. You can also pay attention to the fact that in the photo the white matte stretch ceiling balances well the situation in the interior with bright horizontal surfaces.

Externally, a white matte stretch ceiling looks like a perfectly smooth plaster

When choosing a ceiling, one should take into account not only the style of the room, but also its functionality. For example, in the photo of stretch matte ceilings for a bedroom, you can pay attention to a wide selection of pastel colors for surface finishing.In this case, matte canvases are more suitable because they help to create a cozy and softer interior. In the bedroom and nursery, a cream or beige matte stretch ceiling will look especially good, since such tones are considered warmer.

A matte gray stretch ceiling is a great option to complement modern interior styles such as fusion, loft or minimalism. In a high-tech kitchen, a simple silver rectangular ceiling will perfectly emphasize the features of the interior in gray and white tones.

As for the black matte stretch ceiling, its use is not very common. If the black gloss, thanks to the mirror surface, is not so difficult to beat, then the matte tone will look hard due to the lack of reflections. The only appropriate use of a matte black ceiling is the presence of very high ceilings (above 3.5 m) with a large room area. In this situation, the canvas will help remove excess volume and height.

Printed canvases, which will be combined with some accessory or other element in the room, will be a great addition to any interior. Popular execution of ceilings, which continue the idea of ​​decorating the surface of the walls. Multi-level multi-colored designs with bizarre imitations that are easy to perform due to the pliability of the material will look good in children's rooms.

The use of a black matte stretch ceiling is not very common

How to care for stretch matte ceilings: how and how to wash them correctly

Ceilings, unlike other surfaces, do not get dirty so often, but it is still recommended to clean them periodically to maintain their original appearance. In addition to the main dust, which in any case will appear on the surface after a while, other types of pollution occur in different rooms:

• kitchen - soot and greasy stains;
• bathroom - splashes of water, soap stains and streaks;
• nursery - stains from various children's toys, such as water pistols, paints, felt-tip pens or pencils;
• living room - traces formed as a result of an incorrectly opened bottle of champagne or soda water.

Before you wash the matte stretch ceiling, you need to know which tools and devices should not be used when leaving:

• abrasives and powders;
• acetone and other solvents;
• chlorine-containing reagents and acids;
• hard washcloths;

No streaks form on the matte ceiling

• hot water.

Matte canvases, in contrast to glossy ones, have a slightly grainy structure, which is slightly more difficult to wash, because dust can clog into microcracks. However, the process of surface care itself is easier, because it is much easier to wash a matte stretch ceiling without streaks because of the appearance of an uneven surface structure. If you just need to get rid of dust, then just use a vacuum cleaner in which you can adjust the power.

Helpful advice! If you are not sure about the softness of the vacuum cleaner brush, it is better not to touch the surface with it to avoid breaking the integrity of the web.

Before washing the matte stretch ceiling, you need to check for the following items:

• soft microfiber, suede fabric or sponge;
• soap solution;
• clean warm water;
• mops or stepladders if ceilings are high;
• wiper.

In order for the surface of the ceiling to look presentable, it is enough to wipe it from dust with an ordinary damp cloth

To wash the ceilings without streaks, it is necessary to wipe damp spots with a special lint-free cloth, which is used to care for mirrors and glass. Do not immediately moisten the entire surface; it is better to clean in small areas. If stubborn stains are found, they must first be covered with soapy water or glass cleaner.Do not rub the surface too actively so as not to deform or scratch the canvas - all actions must be carried out carefully.

You must also understand that it is much easier to care for the ceilings as they get dirty. If stains have been noticed in the kitchen or bathroom, cleaning should not be delayed too long to prevent the stains from penetrating deep into the canvas. It is much easier to remove stains immediately than after even a short period of time.

A few years ago, stretch ceilings were considered almost inaccessible to the common buyer. Besides the high costs, the technology itself was underdeveloped. There were very few specialists who could reliably mount ceilings. The situation has now changed dramatically. The advent of new materials and improved installation technologies have significantly reduced the price of matte stretch ceilings. The use of special tools has simplified the installation process by increasing the number of professionals able to efficiently install canvases. Quick installation and easy maintenance made the materials even more popular.