Wall Coverings in Roll Form - Vocabulary and Symbols

IS 15401: Scope - Key Specifications & Tables

Scope Summary: IS 15401 covers vocabulary and symbols related to wall coverings in roll form, defining categories, designations, and performance characteristics.

Key Tables & Designation Characters (Clause 9.5.2, Table 9.6)

IS 15401 - References: Key Tables & Specifications

This standard provides classification symbols and designation characters for wall coverings and related products.

Key Tables from IS 15401:

Notes:

• Symbols combined use "+" sign (e.g., 5.1 + 5.2).
• Dimensions for pattern matching are added after symbols (e.g., ++ 50 cm).
• BIS controls copyrights; free use allowed for implementation details.

Contact & BIS Offices:

• Headquarters: Manak Bhavan, New Delhi
• Regional offices in Central, Eastern, Northern, Southern, Western India.

This classification aids in specifying wall covering properties clearly for design and quality control.

IS 15401: Terms and Definitions for Wall Coverings in Roll Form

This standard defines key terms for wall coverings applied by adhesive over the entire interface with the substrate.

Key Categories, Symbols & Designation Characters

Notes:

• Symbols like +, ++, and Roman numerals denote specific performance or application methods.
• Dimensions for pattern matching are expressed in cm, e.g., "50" or "50/25" for offset.
• This vocabulary standardizes communication for product specification, testing, and quality.

graph TD
    A[Wall Coverings] --> B[Spongeability (A)]
    A

IS 15401 primarily defines vocabulary, symbols, and generic types of wall coverings in roll form. Key points related to Types of Wall Coverings:

4 Generic Types of Wall Covering (Clause 8.1)

• Strippable Wall Covering: Designed to be removed without damaging the substrate.
• Other types (implied but not detailed in your context) typically include:
  • Washable
  • Scrubbable
  • Non-strippable (permanent)

Symbols (Clause 3.8.2)

• Symbol 7.1 (Table 1): Indicates advice for overlap and double cut during installation.

Typical Specifications (from general knowledge):

Installation Notes:

• Overlap and double cut ensure seamless joints (refer to Symbol 7.1).
• Thickness and backing vary by type; check manufacturer specs.

flowchart LR
    A[Wall Coverings] --> B(Strippable)
    A --> C(Washable)
    A --> D(Scrubbable)
    A --> E(Non-strippable)
    B --> F[Easy Removal]
    C --> G[Water Cleaning]
    D --> H[Scrubbing Resistance]
    E --> I[Permanent Adhesion]

For detailed physical properties and installation, refer to manufacturer data or related IS codes on wall finishes.

IS 15401 mainly defines terminology and symbols for wall coverings in roll form but does not detail sub-types or technical specifications.

Key Points on Wall Coverings (from IS 15401 context):

• Generic types: Paper, vinyl, plastic-based wall coverings.
• Symbols: For installation advice like overlap and double cut, use Symbol 7.1 (from Table 1).
• No specific formulas or tables for sub-types are provided in this standard.

Common Sub-types of Wall Coverings (General Engineering Knowledge):

Installation Note:

• Overlap and double cut are essential for seamless joints, indicated by Symbol 7.1 in IS 15401.

flowchart LR
    A[Wall Coverings] --> B[Paper-based]
    A --> C[Vinyl-coated]
    A --> D[Fabric-backed]
    A --> E[Foil-backed]

For detailed specs on durability, thickness, or adhesive types, refer to product-specific standards or manufacturer datasheets.

IS 15401: Cleanability Terms & Specifications

Key Cleanability Definitions (Clause 6)

• Finished Wall Covering of Superior Cleanability (6.4.1):

  • Dirt & most domestic water-based stains removable with sponge/soft brush + mild detergent/abrasive.
  • Oils, fats, solvent stains removable if cleaned immediately.

• Extra-Scrubbable Wall Covering (6.5):

  • All domestic water-based stains removable by intensive scrubbing with sponge/soft brush + mild detergent/abrasive.
  • Oils, fats, solvent stains removable if tackled immediately.

Designation Characters for Cleanability & Related Properties (Table 9.6)

Pattern Matching & Application (Summary)

• Pattern Matching Types:

  • Free match (no repeat)
  • Straight match (++ with repeat dimension, e.g., 50 cm)
  • Offset match (repeat/distance offset, e.g., 50/25 cm)

• Means of Application:

  • Adhesive on wall covering (G, J)
  • Adhesive on support (H)
  • Prepasted (K)

• Method of Removal:

  • Strippable (IV, 1)
  • Peelable (Ik, 2)
  • Wet removable (R, 3)

Summary Diagram of Cleanability Levels

graph LR
A[Finished Wall Covering] --> B[Superior Cleanability]
B --> C[Dirt & water stains removable]
B --> D

IS 15401 Key Symbols & Specifications: Pattern Matching and Miscellaneous Symbols

Pattern Matching Symbols (Clause 7.5.2 & 7.4.2)

• Offset Match (Serial 4.3, Table 1):
  Symbol followed by:

  • Design repeat dimension (cm)
  • Distance offset (cm)
    Format example: Symbol 50x70 cm, offset 10 cm

• Straight Match (Serial 4.2, Table 1):
  Symbol followed by:

  • Design repeat dimension (cm)
    Format example: Symbol 50x70 cm

Miscellaneous Symbols (Table 1, Clause 7)

Combination of Symbols (Clause 5.1 & 3.7.2)

• When multiple symbols apply (e.g., means of application 5.1 and 5.2), combine using a + sign of equivalent size:
  Example: 5.1 + 5.2

Summary Diagram

flowchart TD
    A[Pattern Matching] --> B[Straight Match (4.2)]
    A --> C[Offset Match (4.3)]
    B --> D[Add Design Repeat (cm)]
    C --> E[Add Design Repeat (cm) + Offset (cm)]
    F[Miscellaneous Symbols] --> G[Overlap & Double Cut (₸)]
    F --> H[Duplex Embossed (?)]
    F --> I[Impact Resistant (K)]
    J[Combined Symbols] --> K[Symbol1 + Symbol2]

Note: Use exact dimensions in cm after the symbol for clarity as per IS 15401.

IS 15401: Removal Terms Key Points

1. Removal Method Symbols (Clause 8.3.2 & Table 1)

• Wet removable wall coverings require moisture for removal.
• Symbol R (serial 6.3 in Table 1) indicates wet removal.

2. Visual Inspection (Clause 7.9)

• Check all rolls are same shade before hanging to avoid appearance variation.

3. Additional Related Categories (from Table 1)

Summary Diagram: Removal Methods

graph TD
    A[Wall Covering Removal Methods]
    A --> B[Strippable (IV, 1)]
    A --> C[Peelable (Ik, 2)]
    A --> D[Wet Removable (R, 3)]

Use symbol "R" for wet removable wall coverings per IS 15401 Table 1, Clause 8.3.2.

IS 15401: Colour Fastness to Light - Key Points

• Colour Fastness Ratings (Clause 9.2.1 & 9.4.1):

  • Moderate fastness: Rating 3
  • High fastness: Rating 5
  • Test method: As per Annex D of IS 15418

• Marking Symbols (Clause 9.6.2):

  • Use symbol from Serial 3.5 of Table 1 for colour fastness to light claims.

Summary Table: Colour Fastness Ratings

Symbol for Colour Fastness to Light (from Table 1, Serial 3.5)

• Typically a sun symbol or light bulb icon indicating resistance to fading under light exposure.

Additional Notes:

• Colour fastness to light is crucial for durability of coloured materials exposed to sunlight.
• Numerical ratings range from 1 (poor) to 8 (excellent) per IS 15418.
• Testing involves exposing samples to controlled light sources and evaluating colour change.

flowchart LR
    A[Sample Preparation] --> B[Exposure to Light (Annex D, IS 15418)]
    B --> C[Evaluate Colour Change]
    C --> D{Numerical Rating}
    D -->|3| E[Moderate Fastness]
    D -->|5| F[High Fastness]
    E & F --> G[Mark with Symbol (Table 1, Serial 3.5)]

This concise framework aligns with IS 15401 requirements for colour fastness to light.

IS 15401: Symbols and Designation Characters Summary

Key Points from Table 1 (Symbols & Designation Characters):

Important Notes:

• Combination of Symbols: When multiple means of application or properties apply, combine symbols separated by a + sign of the same size (e.g., 5.1 + 5.2).
• Designation Characters are used for concise representation in documentation or marking.
• Symbols are graphical representations for easy

IS 15401 — Application Methods (Clause 3.7 & Table 1)

Key Points on Means of Application:

• Clause 3.7.1: Defines the method of attaching wall covering by applying adhesive either on the wall covering or the support (wall).

• Clause 3.7.2: Symbols for means of application are from serials 5.1 to 5.3 of Table 1. If combined methods are used, symbols are joined by a (+) sign.

Table 1 Extract: Means of Application Symbols

Usage Example:

• Adhesive on wall covering + adhesive on support → Symbols: G + H
• Prepasted → Symbol: K

Summary:

• Means of application indicate where adhesive is applied.
• Use symbols 5.1 to 5.3 from Table 1.
• Combine symbols with "+" if multiple methods apply.

flowchart LR
    A[Wall Covering] -->|Adhesive applied| B[Wall Covering Surface]:::method1
    C[Wall] -->|Adhesive applied| D[Wall Surface]:::method2
    E[Prepasted Wall Covering]:::method3

    classDef method1 fill:#f9f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px;
    classDef method2 fill:#bbf,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px;
    classDef method3 fill:#bfb,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px;

This clarifies the application method per IS 15401 for proper wall covering installation.

IS 15401: Quality & Inspection Guidelines - Key Specifications

Symbols & Designation Characters (Clause 5.1 & 9.5.2)

Usage Notes:

• Symbols combined with "+" sign indicate combined properties (e.g., 5.1 + 5.2).
• Pattern matching dimensions (e.g., 50 cm repeat) must be specified with symbols.
• Designation characters are used for marking and certification.

Summary Table Example (Symbols & Characters)

| Property                | Symbol(s) | Designation Character |
|-------------------------|-----------|----------------------|
| Spongeability           | —         | A                    |
| Washable                | —         | B                    |
| Extra-scrubbable        | —         | E                    |
| Colour Fastness Excellent| —         | 7                    |
| Adhesive on wall        | —         |