"Washi" is a traditional craft that has flourished in Japan since ancient times.
When you think of washi paper used in interior design, you may think of fusuma paper and shoji paper, but did you know that it is also used as interior material for your home, or in other words, as wallpaper?
In recent years, it has attracted attention as an eco-friendly material that is ideal for creating sustainable interiors.
The washi wallpaper we are introducing this time is Kurotani's Maru-Daki Washi , which has been arranged to be used as an accent piece in interior design.
Its warm texture and gentle touch have the unique charm of natural materials, making it an item you'll want to use to create a relaxing space.
There are advantages and precautions that are different from regular wallpaper, so be sure to keep these points in mind beforehand.
What is Kurotani's round-printed washi paper?
Kurotani Washi, a traditional Kyoto craft
Marudaki washi has its roots in Kurotani washi, a traditional craft with a long history in Kyoto.
Kurotani, located in the northern part of Ayabe City, Kyoto Prefecture, has flourished as a paper-making region for about 800 years.
Washi paper, which is carefully hand-made one by one by craftsmen using techniques that have been cultivated over many years, is known for being extremely durable, strong, and long-lasting.
Because it can withstand long-term preservation, it has been used in Kyoto's cultural properties, such as the shoji screens at Nijo Castle, which was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1994.
In addition to being used for overseas works of art, it is also used as restoration paper at the Louvre Museum in France, and has received high acclaim around the world.
Kurotani's round-roasted washi paper makes the most of the texture of the raw materials
Marudaki Washi was made by omitting part of the Kurotani Washi process.
This is an original Japanese paper wallpaper commissioned by Wallpaper Shop Honpo.
Basket selection
The essential processes for making white washi include ``kagozoroe'' and ``midashi.''
``Kagozoroe'' is the process of removing unnecessary parts of the bark of ``kozo'', which is the raw material for Kuroya washi paper.
"Midashi" is the process of removing fine dust that remains after "basket arranging".
Marudaki washi is a paper that intentionally omitted this tremendous work.
This paper is ``cooked whole'' even the parts that would normally be removed, so we named it ``marudaki washi.''
"Kurotani Washi" made by removing unnecessary parts of the paper mulberry
"Kurotani Marudaki Washi" uses even the unnecessary parts of the kozo plant
By using the entire bark of the kozo tree, we were able to create a washi wallpaper that brings out the natural look of the material.
The rustic colors and rough texture of the fibers will accent your interior and create a tasteful atmosphere.
Eco-friendly material "Kouzo"
Kozo, the raw material for washi paper, is a plant that grows quickly, and if you cut off its growing branches, the branches will grow back to the same length the following year.
Because the raw material can be obtained repeatedly without killing the trees, it is attracting attention as an eco-friendly material that can be produced without destroying the environment.
Paper mulberry field
Marudaki washi uses even the parts that would normally be thrown away as raw materials, and since it is 100% plant-based, it is carbon neutral even if it is incinerated when disposed of.
It does not produce any harmful substances.
Merits and points to note about round-printed washi paper
Vinyl wallpaper, which is widely popular in Japan, and marudaki washi paper, which is made from natural materials, have very different characteristics as interior materials.
Marudaki washi differs from regular washi wallpaper in some ways, so be aware of the advantages and precautions when using it.
◎ Advantages of round-printed washi paper
◎ Advantage 1｜Natural materials with no harmful substances
Vinyl wallpaper is a composite product made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film and pulp. Composite products are difficult to recycle, and many of them are currently discarded.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is also a material that has been pointed out as a major cause of chemical sensitivity.
On the other hand, Marudaki Washi, which is made from 100% natural materials, does not generate harmful substances such as formaldehyde, which causes sick building syndrome, and returns to the soil in the natural environment.
This wallpaper is not only environmentally friendly, but also kind to our bodies.
◎Advantage Part 2｜Gentle texture of natural materials
The randomly arranged fibers of Japanese paper diffusely reflect light, reducing the stimulation of light that enters your eyes.
It is ideal for creating a soft, warm space that cannot be expressed with other interior materials.
◎ Benefits Part 3｜Humidity control effect
Washi paper is a material with excellent moisture-regulating properties.
It absorbs moisture in the air and keeps the humidity in the room constant.
Points to note when making round-printed washi paper
Precautions - Part 1｜Stains, dirt, and odors are difficult to remove
Marudaki washi paper, which is unbleached and retains the color of the raw material, has a beige color and a fibrous feel.
Compared to general washi wallpaper, dirt is less noticeable on this item.
Although it is strong and durable, it is still an uncoated "paper material."
Splashing with water may cause peeling or staining, so it is not suitable for areas that are exposed to direct water, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Additionally, due to the characteristics of washi paper, stains and odors such as food pigments and oils tend to stick to the paper, and once they stick, it is difficult to wipe them off.
It is best to refrain from using it in areas where dirt and odors are a concern, such as near the dining table, the bathroom, and rooms where you spend time with pets and children.
Notes, Part 2｜Differences in color and texture due to handmade production
Marudaki washi is handmade washi made from natural materials, so there may be differences in the finished color and texture.
This handmade taste is one of the advantages of marudaki washi, but you need to be careful if you want to finish the entire wall with a uniform color and texture.
Precautions/Part 3｜Color change due to ultraviolet rays
Vinyl wallpaper can also get sunburned, but marudaki washi paper, which originally has a deep color, has the characteristic of becoming whitish and fading under the influence of ultraviolet rays.
Please see the image below.
(Left) is original round Japanese paper, (Right) was pasted on a sunny window for about 2 months. Round Japanese paper.
(Left) Original Maru-yaki washi paper / (Right) Faded Maru-yaki washi paper
You can see the fading that has occurred after just a few months.
Some people may prefer the color after it has faded, and some may even enjoy the color change as a flavor.
However, it is important to note that the color may fade in a short period of time in a sunny location.
By understanding the characteristics and precautions of rounded washi paper, you can avoid regrets and troubles after installation.
Examples of Marudaki Washi installations? Compatible spaces and materials?
We will introduce examples of construction to see what kind of spaces and interior items go well with Kurotani's rounded Japanese paper.
For the bedroom or living room
Kurotani's round Japanese paper is recommended for wallpaper in bedrooms, living rooms, and other spaces where you want to relax.
The simple and soft texture of 100% natural materials will help you create a space where time can flow slowly.
Great compatibility with natural materials
Naturally, Japanese paper wallpaper and natural items such as plants and wood grain go well together.
This wallpaper goes well with stone-grain materials such as bamboo, rattan, and mortar.
As an art panel
In addition to using it as wallpaper, we also recommend using it as an art panel.
Because this washi paper has a strong presence, just displaying one piece in a corner will add depth to your room.
How to apply round-printed washi paper
Required construction tools
- bucket
- sponge
- dust cloth
- Poteguru (powdered glue)
- Kurotani round-printed washi paper
*We also have a convenient glue application set (original paint set) and a 7-piece wallpaper installation tool set .
About the size and seams of Marudaki Washi paper
Size of round washi paper
Although it is large in size, it is not large enough to cover the ceiling with just one piece, so we will install it by piecing it together like a patchwork.
Due to the nature of handmade products, there may be a dimensional error of approximately ±2cm.
Joints during construction
Cut the washi paper to your desired size and stick it on the wall.
If you want to create a gentle seam, use a water cutter, and if you want a sharp seam, use a cutter.
- When cut with a colander
This method involves wetting the folds of the washi paper with water, letting it soak in water, and then pulling it apart by hand.
The cut edges are frayed, resulting in a soft, blurred seam.
※For detailed instructions , click here >>
- When cut with a cutter
Cut with a cutter using a ruler etc. as a guide. Since it contains large fibers, fold the cutter blade frequently to keep it easy to cut.
The result is crisp, sharp seams.
Of course, you can stick it on without cutting it, just in its original size.
Try arranging them according to the area and location you want to paste them.
Precautions when using Marudaki washi paper
- Although it can be removed for reapplying, it may leave fine fibers on the wall, so please refrain from using it in rental housing that needs to be completely restored to its original condition.
- Hard fibers of wood may be mixed in. Please be careful when stroking the Japanese paper with your bare hands.
- When applying with glue, stains may appear on the surface. If you are concerned, we recommend installing with double-sided tape.
Construction procedure
How to drain water
- Fold the washi paper.
- Wet the creases with a brush or sponge.
- Let it sit for about 2-3 minutes and then pull it to cut.
How to paste round washi paper
- Measure out the amount of water you need to make the glue.
- Wipe the walls clean.
- Apply glue to the back of the cut washi paper.
- Let the glue soak for about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Stick the tiles onto the wall from bottom to top. We recommend overlapping the tiles slightly at the seams.
- Use a smoothing bucket to remove any air bubbles as you apply the sticker.
\ Finish /
Check out the video on how to paste round washi paper!
You can also watch the video to learn how to paste round washi paper.
Precautions when removing
If you pasted round Japanese paper on top of vinyl wallpaper using the water-soluble adhesive ``Potegle'', you can remove it by moistening it with water.
- Use a spray bottle or a damp sponge to thoroughly moisten the surface with water.
- Leave it for about 5 to 10 minutes to soften the glue.
- Slowly peel it away from the seams.
If you apply Marudaki Washi paper on top of vinyl wallpaper using removable wallpaper glue, it can be removed using the steps above, but fine fibers may remain on the wall.
Please refrain from using it in rental housing etc. that need to be restored to its original condition.
Conclusion: Aiming for eco-friendly and sustainable interiors
We have entered an era where we cannot avoid the keywords SDGs and sustainable in all manufacturing and consumption activities.
Even though we say eco interior, there are many different directions and results.
The ``Kurotani Marudaki Washi'' that we introduced this time is a wallpaper whose ``materials themselves are kind to the earth'' by making use of natural materials, even parts that would otherwise be thrown away.
When we conducted an experiment by burying rolled Japanese paper on the grounds of a wallpaper store, it returned to earth in just one month.
The biodegradable plastic buried around the same time is still in its original form more than a year later. The results highlight how quickly natural materials decompose.
In addition to this, the possibilities for sustainability in interior materials are constantly evolving, such as wallpaper that is "reusable rather than disposable" and wall stickers that "drastically reduce the area of material" by making only the design part into a sticker.
If you're aiming for an eco-friendly and sustainable interior, you might find it hard to find items you like.
...I want the process of thinking about interior design and choosing items to be fun, no matter what the situation, rather than feeling like I'm stuck in this situation.
With this in mind, Kameya Honpo will continue to explore the possibilities of eco-friendly and sustainable interiors.
