Wallcovering Basics.
Backings.
OMNOVA uses three types of woven fabric backings – Scrim, Osnaburg or Drill – in the construction of our commercial wallcoverings. A nonwoven fabric may also be used when a wallcovering requires a higher level of dimensional stability to insure a quality reproduction of its pattern design.
The type of fabric backing used is determined by the specification required of the finished wallcovering product. The selection of the woven or nonwoven is determined by print registration or distortion potential of the printed pattern.
The strength of each type of fabric backing is determined by the polyester content but, generally, the heavier the typical fabric weight, the stronger the fabric backing.
Type I Backings
Scrim
A general light weight, poly/cotton backing with a fabric weight of 1.2 ounces per square yard.
Nonwoven
A general lightweight polyester cellulosic backing with a fabric weight of 1.8 ounces per square yard. This construction provides better print registration than scrim while also offering limited pattern distortion.
Type II Backings
Osnaburg
A medium-weight backing. Available in both a poly/cotton and 100% polyester construction. The fabric weight is 2.0 ounces per square yard for the poly/cotton construction, and 2.4 ounces per square yard for the polyester construction. Both offer suitable protection for areas where normal traffic and abrasion is expected.
Nonwoven
A medium-weight backing with a fabric weight of 2.5 ounces per square yard. Offers suitable protection in areas where normal traffic and abrasion is expected. This construction provides a better print registration than a woven osnaburg while limiting pattern distortion.
Type III Backings
Drill
A heavy-weight, tear-resistant backing with a fabric weight of 3.9 ounces per square yard. A poly/cotton wallcovering construction that's suitable for use in heavy traffic areas where heavy abrasion and wear is expected.