What Do the Symbols on a Wallpaper Label Mean?

The symbols on a wallpaper label tell you how well the paper can be cleaned, whether it will fade in sunlight, how the pattern is matched, where the paste goes and how the paper comes off later. Checking these five marks before you buy saves you from choosing the wrong product.

Wave symbol: washability

One wave means only fresh paste can be wiped off with a damp sponge. Two waves mean washable, three waves extra washable. If a brush appears under the wave, the surface can be scrubbed as well; look for this mark for kitchens, hallways and children's rooms.

Sun symbol: light fastness

A half sun stands for moderate and a full sun for good light fastness. A plus sign next to the sun, or two suns, means the colours stay stable for a long time even in sunny rooms.

Arrow and brush symbols: pattern match, paste and removal

• Two arrows facing each other: straight match.
• Two offset arrows: offset match; each strip shifts by half a repeat, so there is more waste.
• Arrow and zero: free match, no pattern matching needed.
• Brush pointing at the wall: paste the wall (non-woven papers).
• Strip peeling off the wall: the paper can be stripped dry.

Are the symbols the same for every brand?

Yes. These marks are defined by European standards, so they mean the same on Italian, German and Turkish labels; you only need to learn them once.

The label also shows the roll size and the batch number; all rolls for one wall should carry the same batch number. You will find these details on the product pages at ithalduvarkagit.com, and you can ask Erdağ Yapı about any symbol you are unsure of.