Comparing two popular wall finishes
Glass fibre wallpaper and renovlies look similar, but they are not the same. Both are fleece-like materials that are applied to walls and then painted, but there are clear technical and practical differences. In this article we place them side by side.
What is glass fibre wallpaper?
Glass fibre wallpaper, also called glass weave wallpaper, consists of woven glass fibres. It is a stiff, robust material that is very strong and highly resistant to damage. Glass fibre wallpaper originated as an industrial product, but has also been used in homes for many years.
The material is slightly heavier and stiffer than renovlies and has a more distinct woven structure that can remain faintly visible after painting. This gives the wall a subtle texture that many people experience as luxurious.
What is renovlies, again?
Renovlies is a non-woven fibre fabric, unlike glass fibre wallpaper, which is woven. It is lighter, more flexible and easier to install. After painting, renovlies becomes completely invisible: the wall looks like a smooth painted or plastered surface.
The main differences at a glance
Strength and crack resistance: Glass fibre wallpaper is stronger than renovlies. It can absorb larger cracks in the substrate more effectively. On walls with existing cracks larger than 2 mm or in older constructions, glass fibre wallpaper is the better choice.
Visibility after painting: Renovlies becomes completely invisible after painting, ideal if you want a smooth, clean wall. Glass fibre wallpaper keeps a slight woven texture that remains subtly visible.
Ease of installation: Renovlies is easier to work with, especially on ceilings and in corners. Glass fibre wallpaper is stiffer and requires more experience for joining strips and working around obstacles.
Price: Glass fibre wallpaper is more expensive than renovlies. The higher material cost and slightly longer labour time mean it usually costs EUR 3 to EUR 7 more per m2.
Service life: Both materials last a very long time. Glass fibre wallpaper has a slight edge in wear resistance, especially in high-traffic areas such as hallways and stairwells.
When should you choose renovlies?
- New-build home younger than 3 years
- Walls without major existing cracks
- You want a completely smooth wall finish without texture
- Budget matters
When should you choose glass fibre wallpaper?
- Existing home with visible cracks or uneven walls
- High-traffic spaces such as hallways, staircases or offices
- You want a slight wall texture as a decorative element
- You want maximum long-term protection
Our recommendation
For most new-build homes, renovlies in 150 gr is the excellent standard choice. In that situation, glass fibre wallpaper adds limited value compared with the higher cost. For existing homes or special applications, however, glass fibre wallpaper can be worth the investment.
At Bouwcons we offer both options. Not sure which one fits your home? During the intake, we are happy to review your situation and advise you without any obligation.