How Does Wallpaper Paste Work?
Other People Are Reading
-
Methods
-
The method of affixing wallpaper has changed over the years. Though there are many kinds of wallpaper paste including cellulose-based pastes, wheat-based pastes and vinyl pastes, the most predominantly used type are vinyl-based pastes. Premixed vinyl clay, clear pastes or vinyl over vinyl adhesive are the main types currently used. Even so, each wallpaper job is different, and there are charts such as the Wallpaper Installer's, which indicate which paste methods work best with what kind of paper or wall being used.
Ingredients
-
Vinyl-based wallpaper paste works as a premixed adhesive. It is premixed in a factory as opposed to the older methods of cellulose or wheat pastes which must be mixed with water at home. Clay mix is brownish gray and is mostly composed of clay, dextrin, cellulose and biocides. It is used for wall coverings that need heavy-duty tack to hold them to the wall. Clear mix is composed of natural polymers like wheat or cornstarch, or can have man-made polymers which are cooked to change their chemical makeup from long- to short-chain, thus increasing their strength. This is the most widely used wallpaper paste, as it can be spread on sheetrock or other surfaces, and allows future removal for redecorating.
-
How it Works
-
Walls should be clean and smooth before applying the paste. Primers and sealers are often used before putting up wallpaper as well. These help to fill in minuscule indentations in the walls and provide a maximum adhesion for the paste. It also helps with plaster walls so that the paste doesn't seep into the wall too much. The paste is applied to a cut-to-size piece of wallpaper with either a paste brush or paint roller while the paper is face down. Every inch is covered, and the paper, while still moist, is stuck to the wall and smoothed out evenly with a smoothing brush. The paste, no matter what kind it is, works as a gluing agent and upon drying creates a strong bond between the surface of the wall and the back of the wallpaper. It works best when moist and tacky. If it is dripping wet or already dried, it won't work as well. However, wet sponges can be used to re-moisturize dry paste for wall application. Once the paper is smoothly on the wall, it will take a day or two depending on the type of paste and paper to properly set and dry.
-
