Wall coverings for the ultimate in refinement
“Arte, a success story”

When Arte began, it had a passion for beautiful wall coverings for the most diverse interiors from the most sumptuous and traditional to the most austere and avant-garde.

Arte products represent quality and elegance and bear witness to good taste and Refinement. No wonder that you find Arte wall coverings around the world, in residential
Interior s as well as in a variety of project designs.

The company, which is based in the heart of Europe in Zonhoven, Belgium, has always sailed an international course. Today, Arte is active in more than 80 countries and its products are sold around the world through a network of distributors in the retail and project markets.

Arte wall coverings are created in-house. A team of experienced designers devise the loveliest and most original creations. The starting principle is that the end result must always be innovative and trend-setting. But that is not all. No detail is overlooked.Design and color are essential, of course, but just as much attention is given to the quality and the practicality of the material. It is therefore not surprising that the development of a new collection can take more than a year.

In addition to the creation, the production, too, is done in Arte’s own factory, where the most advanced printing and other technologies are used. The entire production process is carried out in an environmentally friendly way and results in high-quality products. A number of products are produced externally. Such production assignments are reserved for a precious few suppliers who have the same standards for quality and sustainability as Arte itself.

Arte’s products meet the strictest environmental standards.

All  Arte wallcoverings are certified by the Inter national  Association of Wallpaper Manufacturers.  This quality label confirms that the wallcoverings are safe for both consumers and the environment,  thanks to stringent restrictions on the use of formaldehyde, heavy metals and vinyl chloride during the production process.
Inspections are carried out by an independent inspection centre, the Wilhelm-Klauditz Institute (WKI) in  Raunschweig, Germany. 

What are the benefits of non-woven wallcoverings as opposed to wallpaper?

The greatest advantage of non-woven wall coverings is that they are so easy to use. In comparison to paper, which has been used to make wallpaper for centuries, non-woven fabric has only been discovered recently as a basic material, even though it has been around for many years. It is used in a variety of forms and applications. Just some examples are: lining of car roofs, nappies, disposable table cloths, etc.

Non-woven wall covering is made by pressing together high-quality cellulose, polyester and textile fibers. These fibers were chosen because they can fit into each other, like a Velcro fastening. They interlace in an exceptionally stable way. Polymer binding agents give the fibers extra adhesive strength.

Polyester fibers are another important ingredient of non-woven wall covering. One characteristic of these synthetic fibers is that unlike cellulose fibers, they do not absorb water and expand.

Paper-backed wallpaper is made from cellulose and therefore expands when it is pasted and shrinks during drying. This is why it is so important to follow the instructions regarding the soaking time when applying this type of wall covering. The paper must be allowed to expand to the maximum before being hung.

High-quality non-woven wall covering does not expand because of the presence of large quantities of polyester fibers. In other words, it’s dimensionally stable. The possibilities of non-woven wall covering are infinitely more varied. It is stronger and able to support much more weight. This makes it perfect for bridging small cracks in walls. Nonwoven wall coverings can also be used as carriers for an astounding variety of materials.

The fibers in the non-woven wall covering can also be used to give optical effects by playing with the size and characteristic features (such as sheen) of certain fibers. It is also possible to apply figures or lines in relief during the production process.

What are the characteristics of high-quality non-woven wall covering?

• Dimensional stability. Non-woven wall coverings do not require any soaking time and can therefore be placed dry against pasted walls. This characteristic makes it easy to cover ceilings, attach long panels or even to install horizontally. As it dries, there is no tension and this prevents open seams or intense pressure on the wall underneath. In some cases, non-woven wall covering can provide a solution for surfaces that are not absorbent enough or are sealed.
• No soaking time. This means that you can work faster. Using CLEARPRO, Arte’s special adhesive for non-woven wall coverings, will make your work even easier, thanks to the extended time that this adhesive can remain open.
• Non-woven wall covering is microporous and allows walls to breathe. Mould does not stand a chance, thanks to the breathability of non-woven wall covering; what’s more, it allows moisture from the adhesive to evaporate quickly and easily.
• Easy to remove (if not pasted with pure PVC adhesive)
• Environmentally friendly.
• Good heat resistance.
• Suitable (especially the heavier non-woven coverings) for bridging small cracks in the wall.

Why Choose Wall Covering?

Until the plaster in a new house has been covered with wall covering or a lick of paint, the walls will look bare, unfinished and messy. It’s amazing to see how you can transform a room completely with just a few rolls or meters of wall covering. People often hesitate when choosing between paint or wall coverings and this is not surprising as each option has specific advantages and disadvantages.

There is a practically unlimited range of wall coverings. This choice of material in combination with the variety of prints offers unprecedented opportunities. Just consider the materials used by Arte: paper, woven paper, metallic’s, non-woven, vinyl, silk, textile, linen, fil-à-fil, chenille, sisal, abaca, bamboo, suede, velour, wood, tree bark, leather, sand grains, etc. They give you endless possibilities and much more variety than paint. Advanced techniques ensure that wall coverings will look really elegant on your wall and moreover, wall coverings will improve the acoustics.