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GRASS CLOTH WALLPAPER

GRASS CLOTH WALLPAPER

 MINDTHEGAP Printed Grasscloth WallcoveringInternal Knowledge Base

1. Product overview

MINDTHEGAP printed grasscloth is a custom-produced natural wallcovering made from organic sisal fibres. Selected MINDTHEGAP designs can be adapted and digitally printed on the substrate following a project-specific technical and visual review.

Because the material is natural and handwoven, every installation will show organic variations in fibre, texture, colour and panel appearance. These variations are inherent characteristics of natural grasscloth and should not be considered manufacturing defects.

Grasscloth orders are managed exclusively by email because each project requires:

  • design suitability review;
  • project-specific scaling;
  • custom panel dimensions;
  • quantity calculation;
  • physical strike-off production;
  • written client approval;
  • substrate availability confirmation.
2. Technical specifications
Specification Details
Product type Grasscloth Organic Sisal
Composition 100% natural sisal fibres
Texture Natural, handwoven
Backing Non-woven
Weight 250 g/m²
Width 86 cm / 33.86 in
Printable width 86 cm / 33.86 in
Standard length Sold by the linear metre
Minimum order 3 linear metres
Packaging Custom-cut panels based on project requirements
Installation method Paste the wall
Booking time Not required
Number of substrate options One
Retail price $119 per linear metre
Trade discount Standard account-specific Trade discount applies

Nominal coverage

One linear metre measures:

  • 86 cm wide × 100 cm long;
  • approximately 33.86 in wide × 39.37 in long;
  • 0.86 m²;
  • approximately 9.26 sq ft.

The minimum order of three linear metres represents a nominal substrate area of:

  • 2.58 m²;
  • approximately 27.77 sq ft.

These figures represent substrate area only. They should not be used by customers to calculate the final order quantity because panel layout, wall dimensions, design scale, pattern positioning and production allowance must also be considered.

MINDTHEGAP will calculate the required quantity for each project.

3. Sustainability and composition

The grasscloth substrate is:

  • made from 100% plant-based fibres;
  • made from natural sisal;
  • PVC-free;
  • FSC certified;
  • backed with a non-woven material;
  • handwoven for an organic, artisanal appearance.

The product should not be described as vinyl or confused with MINDTHEGAP Type II Vinyl wallcoverings.

The technical information refers to “Type II properties,” but the product remains a natural sisal wallcovering. It should not be described as a certified Type II vinyl wallcovering.

4. Fire performance

The grasscloth substrate has passed the following fire tests:

Standard Result
ASTM E84 Tunnel Test Class A
EN 15102 Class B-s1,d0
BS 476 Parts 6 & 7 Passed all requirements
CAN/ULC-S102 Passed all requirements

Complete certificates are available and may be supplied to architects, designers, contractors and project specifiers upon request.

Certification requirements should always be checked against the applicable local building code and the specific project requirements.

5. Washability and chemical resistance

The substrate is classified as washable according to:

  • EN 259-2;
  • EN 12956.

However, it is not resistant to:

  • soap;
  • detergents;
  • alcohol;
  • ammonia;
  • diluted acids;
  • esters;
  • ketones;
  • aromatic hydrocarbons.

Communication guidance

“Washable” should not be interpreted as:

  • scrub-resistant;
  • stain-resistant;
  • bleach-cleanable;
  • suitable for disinfectants;
  • suitable for intensive commercial cleaning;
  • resistant to conventional household cleaning products.

Do not promise chemical cleanability or high-performance stain resistance.

Any cleaning should be gentle, should avoid excessive moisture and should first be tested on an inconspicuous area or spare piece. The material should never be saturated.

6. Natural characteristics and client expectations

Natural sisal grasscloth has visible variations that contribute to its character and aesthetic.

Clients should expect possible differences in:

  • fibre thickness;
  • fibre direction;
  • texture;
  • colour and tonal appearance;
  • light reflection;
  • weave;
  • appearance between adjacent panels;
  • seam visibility.

Visible seams and paneling are part of the natural grasscloth appearance. A completely seamless or perfectly uniform result should not be promised.

These characteristics are not considered defects when they fall within the natural appearance of the handwoven substrate.

A physical strike-off is mandatory partly so the client can understand and approve the interaction between the printed design and the natural texture before the final order is produced.

7. Design suitability

Not every MINDTHEGAP wallpaper design is suitable for printing on grasscloth.

Generally suitable

The best results are normally achieved with:

  • lighter backgrounds;
  • organic compositions;
  • botanical designs;
  • painterly motifs;
  • patterns that can accommodate natural tonal variation;
  • designs that do not depend on exact linear alignment.

Generally not recommended

MINDTHEGAP does not normally recommend:

  • patterns with very dark backgrounds;
  • geometric designs;
  • stripes;
  • designs requiring extremely precise alignment;
  • designs in which natural substrate variation could interrupt the intended visual effect.

The natural texture of sisal can interfere with the clarity and precision required by dark, geometric or striped designs.

Currently approved designs

Five designs have already been tested and approved. These are the grasscloth designs included in the MINDTHEGAP Contracts sample book.

The exact approved-design list should be maintained internally alongside this article and updated whenever another design completes testing.

Other MINDTHEGAP designs

Other designs may be considered, but availability is not automatic.

Each request must be reviewed individually by the Design and Production teams. If the design is considered suitable:

  1. the artwork is adapted to the grasscloth width;
  2. a project-specific layout is prepared;
  3. a physical strike-off is produced;
  4. the client approves the substrate, colour, scale and layout;
  5. final production begins only after written approval.

There is no definitive universal list of every mural or Complementary Wallpaper that can or cannot be printed. Suitability is evaluated individually.

8. Artwork adaptation and scaling

Standard MINDTHEGAP wallpapers are designed around a width of 52 cm / 20.47 in. The grasscloth substrate has a width of 86 cm / 33.86 in, so the original artwork must be adapted.

Two principal scaling approaches are available.

Option A: Scale up to the full width

The original 52 cm design width is enlarged to 86 cm.

  • Scaling factor: 1.654
  • Increase: approximately 65.4%
  • Original width: 52 cm / 20.47 in
  • New width: 86 cm / 33.86 in

This creates a larger and more dramatic interpretation of the original design.

Option B: Scale down and repeat twice

The original 52 cm design width is reduced to 43 cm and repeated twice across the 86 cm substrate.

  • Scaling factor: 0.827
  • Reduction: approximately 17.3%
  • Adapted repeat width: 43 cm / 16.93 in
  • Two repeats across the substrate: 43 + 43 cm = 86 cm

This retains a smaller pattern scale while using the full substrate width.

Selecting the scale

The appropriate option depends on:

  • the original artwork;
  • the size of the room;
  • wall height;
  • desired visual impact;
  • pattern density;
  • whether the design is a mural or repeating pattern;
  • the client’s preference;
  • the Design team’s recommendation.

The client may express a preference for a larger or smaller scale, but the final layout must be technically reviewed by MINDTHEGAP.

9. Murals and pattern repeats

When an existing mural is adapted from 52 cm wallpaper to 86 cm grasscloth:

  • the original dimensions will change;
  • the overall composition may change;
  • the pattern scale will change;
  • the horizontal repeat will change;
  • the relationship between the panels may change;
  • the number of panels required may change.

The original mural dimensions and pattern repeat cannot remain identical when the artwork is rescaled.

The Design team will prepare a project-specific layout showing how the artwork will be adapted to the new width and wall dimensions.

This layout must be approved before final production.

10. Panel production and finishing

The grasscloth is:

  • printed at its full 86 cm / 33.86 in width;
  • not printed at 52 cm and subsequently applied to a wider substrate;
  • not supplied as an untrimmed wide-width product;
  • pre-cut according to the project requirements;
  • supplied with prepared edges;
  • ready for professional installation.

Panels may be produced in different heights when required by the project.

The customer must provide accurate dimensions for every wall. MINDTHEGAP will determine:

  • the number of panels;
  • individual panel heights;
  • artwork position;
  • design scale;
  • pattern continuity;
  • total linear metres required.

Customers should not calculate the required quantity solely by dividing the total wall area by the nominal substrate coverage.

11. Strike-off requirements

A physical strike-off is mandatory for every grasscloth order.

Final production must not begin without written client approval.

Available strike-off sizes

The strike-off can range from:

  • the regular sample format, with a minimum size of approximately A4;
  • up to one linear metre of grasscloth.

The recommended size depends on:

  • the scale of the design;
  • the amount of pattern the client needs to evaluate;
  • whether colour or layout requires particular attention;
  • whether the client needs to compare the grasscloth with other project materials.

Standard-size strike-off

  • Provided free of charge.
  • The standard $15 sample shipping fee applies for US delivery.
  • Production takes approximately five business days.
  • Standard US delivery generally takes another 5–7 business days.

Larger strike-off

  • Available up to one linear metre.
  • Charged according to the requested size.
  • Shipping is calculated separately.
  • Applicable Trade conditions are considered when quoting.
  • The amount paid for the larger strike-off is deducted from the final grasscloth order when the project is confirmed.

Approval process

After receiving the physical strike-off, the client must approve in writing:

  • the natural substrate;
  • texture and fibre variation;
  • colour rendering;
  • artwork scale;
  • pattern placement;
  • proposed layout;
  • general visual appearance.

Approval should be provided by email to create a clear written project record.

Final production begins only after written approval has been received.

12. Pricing

Standard retail price

The grasscloth retail price is:

$119 per linear metre

The client’s standard Trade discount is applied according to the conditions assigned to their Trade account.

Minimum order

The minimum order is:

3 linear metres

Additional costs

Depending on the project, the quotation may include:

  • grasscloth production;
  • a larger strike-off;
  • shipping for the strike-off;
  • final-order shipping;
  • any special project requirements confirmed by Production.

The customer should always request a formal quotation.

There is no need to compare the price to the standard paper wallpaper price or describe it as a surcharge. Grasscloth is a separate custom-produced wallcovering, sold according to its own linear-metre pricing structure.

13. Ordering procedure

Grasscloth is not ordered through the MINDTHEGAP Trade Platform.

All grasscloth quotations and orders must be handled by email because every project requires custom preparation.

Information required from the customer

The customer should provide:

  1. MINDTHEGAP design name and SKU;
  2. dimensions of every wall;
  3. wall height or requested panel heights;
  4. number of walls;
  5. doors, windows or architectural interruptions;
  6. preference for a larger or smaller pattern scale, if applicable;
  7. project type;
  8. installation location;
  9. required completion date;
  10. delivery address;
  11. Trade account or company details.

Photos, elevations or plans should be requested whenever they would help the Design and Production teams understand the space.

Internal process

  1. Confirm the customer and applicable Trade discount.
  2. Review the selected design for grasscloth suitability.
  3. Confirm current substrate availability.
  4. Review the wall dimensions.
  5. Determine the appropriate scale and panel layout.
  6. Calculate the required linear metres.
  7. Prepare the quotation.
  8. Reserve the substrate where appropriate.
  9. Produce the physical strike-off.
  10. Send the strike-off to the client.
  11. Obtain written approval.
  12. Confirm the final production file and panel dimensions.
  13. Produce the final order.
  14. Complete quality control.
  15. Dispatch and provide tracking information.
14. Stock and substrate availability

MINDTHEGAP currently offers one grasscloth substrate.

Current stock is limited, so availability must be verified for every project before a delivery commitment is made.

The substrate is regularly available from the supplier.

Replenishment

If the required quantity is not available:

  • estimated replenishment time: approximately two weeks.

Reservations

The required substrate may be reserved while the client reviews and approves the strike-off.

The reservation should be recorded internally and confirmed with Production or the warehouse. The reservation period and quantity should be clearly documented.

15. Lead times

Strike-off

  • Production: approximately 5 business days.
  • Standard US delivery: approximately 5–7 business days.

Final production

  • Production after written strike-off approval: approximately 5 business days.
  • Standard US delivery: approximately 5–7 business days.

Recommended lead time to communicate

Allow up to:

  • approximately six weeks for the complete process, including strike-off production and delivery, client review, written approval, final production and delivery;
  • approximately four weeks from written strike-off approval to final delivery.

The extended allowance accounts for:

  • substrate availability;
  • possible two-week replenishment;
  • project-specific artwork preparation;
  • custom panel cutting;
  • production scheduling;
  • quality control;
  • shipping.

Lead times are estimates and should be confirmed for each project. A firm completion date should not be promised until substrate availability, artwork, quantities and written approval have been confirmed.

16. Installation

Recommended method

Because the grasscloth has a non-woven backing, the installation method is:

Paste the wall

Standard commercial wallcovering paste and primer suitable for non-woven wallcoverings should be used.

Booking time

Booking is not required because adhesive is not applied to the back of the grasscloth.

Reverse hanging

Reverse hanging is not permitted or recommended.

Alternating panels by rotating them 180 degrees would:

  • invert the printed design;
  • interrupt the visual orientation;
  • disrupt pattern continuity;
  • make correct matching impossible for directional artwork.

Panels should be installed in the supplied sequence and orientation.

Installer

Installation should be completed by an experienced professional familiar with:

  • natural wallcoverings;
  • wide-width panels;
  • custom murals;
  • non-woven backing;
  • visible natural paneling;
  • delicate grasscloth surfaces.

Handling precautions

Because sisal is natural and textured:

  • avoid getting adhesive on the face of the material;
  • handle panels with clean, dry hands and tools;
  • do not aggressively rub or flatten the fibres;
  • do not use excessive moisture;
  • inspect and organise all panels before installation;
  • follow the supplied panel sequence;
  • confirm the layout before applying adhesive;
  • stop installation immediately if a potential production issue is observed.

Installing additional panels after noticing an issue may affect the evaluation of a claim.

17. Bathrooms and humid environments

Natural sisal grasscloth is not recommended for:

  • bathrooms;
  • areas of high humidity;
  • spaces exposed to direct water;
  • splash zones;
  • shower rooms;
  • poorly ventilated wet areas.

Approved customer-facing wording:

Natural sisal grasscloth is not recommended for bathrooms, areas of high humidity or locations exposed to direct water or splashing.

The substrate is porous and made from natural fibres, so prolonged humidity or moisture exposure may affect its appearance and performance. This is consistent with general professional guidance for natural grasscloth installation. Roman Products

18. Recommended applications

Subject to project review, printed grasscloth may be suitable for:

  • high-end residential interiors;
  • bedrooms;
  • living rooms;
  • dining rooms;
  • home offices;
  • reception areas;
  • private offices;
  • boutique retail spaces;
  • selected hospitality spaces;
  • feature walls;
  • low- to moderate-traffic decorative areas.

Suitability for contract or hospitality applications must consider:

  • local fire-code requirements;
  • cleaning requirements;
  • traffic level;
  • likelihood of impact or abrasion;
  • humidity;
  • maintenance expectations;
  • required chemical resistance.

Although the product has strong fire-test results, its natural surface is not intended for intensive cleaning or areas exposed to frequent physical contact.

19. Applications to avoid

The product should generally not be specified for:

  • bathrooms and wet rooms;
  • direct splash areas;
  • high-humidity locations;
  • kitchens where grease or intensive cleaning is expected;
  • healthcare environments requiring disinfectants;
  • areas requiring bleach cleaning;
  • heavily trafficked corridors;
  • surfaces exposed to repeated impact or abrasion;
  • exterior applications;
  • spaces requiring highly uniform, seamless wallcovering;
  • installations where visible natural variation is unacceptable.
20. Customer communication: key points

When presenting MINDTHEGAP grasscloth, always explain that:

  1. It is a natural, handwoven sisal wallcovering.
  2. Each project is custom-produced.
  3. Not every MINDTHEGAP pattern is suitable.
  4. Dark backgrounds, geometries and stripes are generally not recommended.
  5. The substrate is 86 cm / 33.86 in wide.
  6. The design must be adapted from its original 52 cm width.
  7. The scale and overall dimensions may change.
  8. The panels are custom-sized and supplied ready for installation.
  9. A physical strike-off is mandatory.
  10. Written approval is required before production.
  11. Natural colour, fibre and panel variations should be expected.
  12. Visible seams are characteristic of natural grasscloth.
  13. The material is not recommended for bathrooms or humid locations.
  14. Orders and quotations are handled exclusively by email.
  15. The complete process may take up to approximately six weeks.
21. Claims that should not be made

Do not describe the product as:

  • seamless;
  • perfectly uniform;
  • moisture-resistant;
  • suitable for bathrooms;
  • stain-resistant;
  • scrub-resistant;
  • bleach-cleanable;
  • chemical-resistant;
  • suitable for exterior use;
  • suitable for every MINDTHEGAP design;
  • identical in scale to the original wallpaper;
  • standard Type II vinyl;
  • available for immediate production without a stock check;
  • available without a strike-off.

Do not guarantee invisible seams or identical appearance between panels.

22. Quick reference
Topic Standard answer
Material 100% natural sisal with non-woven backing
Width 86 cm / 33.86 in
Selling unit Linear metre
Retail price $119 per linear metre
Minimum order 3 linear metres
Trade discount Account-specific standard Trade discount
Ordering Exclusively by email
Standard design width 52 cm / 20.47 in
Scale-up option 86 cm; approximately +65.4%
Scale-down option 43 cm; approximately −17.3%, repeated twice
Approved designs Five designs currently included in the Contracts sample book
Unsuitable designs Generally dark backgrounds, geometries and stripes
Strike-off Mandatory
Standard strike-off Free; $15 US sample shipping
Large strike-off Charged by size; amount credited against final order
Strike-off production Approximately 5 business days
Final production Approximately 5 business days after approval
Substrate replenishment Approximately 2 weeks
Complete estimated process Up to approximately 6 weeks
From strike-off approval Up to approximately 4 weeks
Installation Paste the wall
Booking Not required
Reverse hanging Not permitted
Bathroom use Not recommended
Natural variation Expected and inherent
Fire rating ASTM E84 Class A; EN 15102 B-s1,d0; BS 476 and CAN/ULC passed
23. Standard short customer description

MINDTHEGAP printed grasscloth is a custom-produced natural wallcovering made from 100% sisal fibres with a handwoven texture and non-woven backing. The substrate is 86 cm / 33.86 in wide and is sold by the linear metre, with a minimum order of three metres. Selected MINDTHEGAP designs can be adapted to the wider substrate following a technical review. A physical strike-off and written approval are required before final production. As a natural material, variations in fibre, texture, colour and panel appearance are inherent and contribute to its distinctive character.

24. Standard lead-time wording

Please allow up to approximately six weeks for the complete process, including strike-off production and delivery, client approval, final production and shipping. Following written approval of the strike-off, final delivery may take up to approximately four weeks, subject to substrate availability.

25. Standard natural-variation disclaimer

Natural sisal is a handwoven material. Variations in colour, fibre, texture, weave and panel appearance are inherent characteristics of the product and are not considered defects. Visible seams and paneling are part of the natural grasscloth aesthetic.

26. Standard bathroom disclaimer

Natural sisal grasscloth is not recommended for bathrooms, areas of high humidity or locations exposed to direct water or splashing.