Type II ( pronounced as "type two") is a terminology to define a certain class of commercial wallcovering.   There is also a TYPE I, and even a TYPE III.    Dreamscape offers product options in each of the 3 commercial classes.  


At a very basic level,  the purpose of these classifications is to equate wallcovering products with varying levels of durability and safety.    These TYPE standards were created, defined,  and are maintained by the Wallcoverings Association. 

   

TYPE 1 represents lighter weight products,  most commonly found in lower to mid level traffic areas,  where a higher level of durability is not necessarily required so a lower cost product is more suitable.   For example: A common commercial area to find a TYPE I product could be hotel bathrooms and sometimes even hotel guest room walls.  This product is strong and durable but represents the lower level of commercial durability.   TYPE I products can also be found in residential properties because of their versatility and long lasting performance.    Products in this class are generally in a range of 12 to 15 ounces per 54" linear yard.


TYPE 2 represents mid to heavyweight products,  most commonly found in mid to higher level traffic areas.  TYPE II in comparison to lower level products would be thicker and more durable, and is very often the most commonly specified for use in commercial projects.  For example:  A common commercial area to find a TYPE II product could be hotel corridors, lobbies, or banquet areas.   Products in this class are generally in a range of 18 to 22 ounces per 54" linear yard.  


TYPE 3 represents very heavy and thick products, most often used in areas where extreme durability / longevity is required. Very often TYPE III is specified for areas where wall damage is possible from impact. For example: A common commercial area to find a TYPE III product could be hospital corridors and rooms - these areas are subject to impact from moving machinery and gurneys. Products in this class are generally in a range of 30 to 35 ounces per 54" linear yard.  


So what does TYPE 2 mean then?


The exact definition has changed throughout the years.   Luckily there is a recognized governing body who maintains these standards,  called the WA or Wallcovering Association.   Recently the WA published a new definition of TYPE 2 called the WA-101.   Along with the new definition is a Sustainability Standard called the NSF-342.    DreamScape products follow these modern standards.   

More information on WA-101 and the NSF-342 can be found here.


Contained within the WA-101 is a large list of tests.  There are several durability tests, such as scrub, tear, and stain.  There is also a safety component which limits the flammability of the product as well as limits the amount of smoke which should be released during a fire.  

TYPE 2 products are also defined as "polymer" based,  and have a weight requirement of 20 ounces per 54" linear yard.  


Can a product be called TYPE 2 if it is under the 20oz weight? 


Recently a new standard was created for lighter weight materials that are able to pass the physical requirements of a TYPE II commercial wallcovering.   WA-102 is for non "polymer" based materials,  and does not define a weight requirement.   This allows for vinyl alternative materials to be specified on commercial jobs as long as they can pass all of the other durability and safety tests ( with out considering weight).   


What about digital inks? I have been told that digital prints can't pass TYPE 2 without a protective coating?


The answer here unfortunately is - it depends...   DreamScape tests and warrants that our TYPE 2 products will meet or exceed the standards set forth in the WA-101 and NSF-342.   Because there are several dozen major inkjet printer manufacturers,  and several dozen more 3rd party ink companies,  it is impractical for a media manufacturer to test all materials in combination with all of the different machines / inks.   For this reason our warranty is based on the suitability of the base wallcovering material that we sell. 


Going beyond our standard warranty,  Dreamscape has tested several well known OEM digital printing systems to see how they perform.   We have found some that can pass,  and some that do not.   Not all digital inks are the same.   Some have better durability characteristics than others.   And even the most durable inks can vary from job to job depending on the type of print, amount of ink used,  level of curing, texture of surface, etc.   The ability to pass depends on many factors.  If you are uncertain and are required to provide a commercial product for high traffic areas,  the safe play would be to use a liquid coating, such as our DreamGuard


But I have seen marketing from a company that claims their product is the only TYPE 2 for digital without a topcoat?


This is misleading marketing and untrue.  They are not the ONLY, and they are not the first.   DreamScape technical has conducted many tests throughout the years and can refute this claim quite easily with passing results from our own products.   



What can I do to find out if my digital system is producing wallcovering that will pass TYPE 2?


The battery of tests involved in WA-101 is time consuming, rigorous, and very expensive.  Very few digital printing companies have gone to the added expense of testing their own products.  If you require test results for your business you should contact Dreamscape tech support to discuss some available options.