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Surface print cylinder
La Palma Wallpaper colour Coral by Catherine Martin by Mokum | Offset pattern match
Papillon colour Parchment by Mokum | Straight match
Pattern repeat vs pattern match
A common misconception in wallpapering is that the terms ‘pattern repeat’ and ‘pattern match’ describe the same thing by different names. This is not the case, and the distinction is particularly relevant when calculating how much wallpaper is required and how much extra should be allowed for on each drop of paper, because the amount of waste to be added to a hung length can never be greater than the pattern repeat indicated.
PATTERN REPEAT
PATTERN REPEAT
The pattern repeat is identified by a written figure (e.g. 26cm, 52cm, etc.) and is the distance measured before the same part of the design repeats itself along the length of the wallpaper. This distance can vary and is dependent upon how many times the design is engraved onto the circumference of the print cylinder or screen.
As an example, we will assume that the circumference of a print cylinder is 60cm.
If the same part of the design was engraved into the cylinder four times it would mean that the circumference of the cylinder (60 cm) is divisible by four, hence the design repeat would be every 15cm.
If the design repeats itself three times it will be 60cm divided by three, thus creating a pattern repeat of 20cm.
Alternatively, if the design only repeats itself once, the design will have a 60cm repeat.
PATTERN MATCH
PATTERN MATCH
The pattern match will generally be shown in one of three ways:
1. As a written direction – e.g. "half drop," "free match" etc.
2. As a symbol
3. Or as a combination of both
The purpose of the pattern match is to identify where the matching part of the design is in relation to the other side of the wallpaper (across the width). In most cases wallpapers are trimmed through the design for ease of matching when hanging.
Be aware that manufacturers may use the words ‘pattern match’ on the label but actually show the repeat against it, or vice versa, leading to confusion.
Four common pattern match descriptions
Four common pattern match descriptions
If the matching half of the design falls on the same horizontal plane as the other side, then it is a straight match. If, on the other hand, the matching part of the design falls somewhere between the two matching points in relation to the other side of the sheet, then it is an offset match or half drop.
Learn more about choosing and maintaining your wallpapers in our previous articles: How to choose your wallpaper and How to maintain and care for your wallcoverings.
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