Everything to do with wallpaper paste – these tips will make wallpapering even easier
Wallpapers have definitely been back in fashion for some time now. This versatile wall covering not only has many practical advantages, but also impresses with incredibly great motifs and optical effects. Depending on your preferred furnishing style and personal preferences, you can always find the right wallpaper for your own four walls. Of course, that’s not all. Even the most beautiful and expensive wallpaper creations should be applied perfectly to the wall to achieve their full effect. And for this you need not only the right technology but also the right wallpaper paste. In the following lines you will find things worth knowing about this as well as useful tips that can certainly be of great help to you when wallpapering.
Wallpaper paste is not just wallpaper paste
Formerly made from animal waste, or more specifically bone glue, wallpaper paste today consists entirely of plant-based ingredients. The basic components are cellulose, starch and water. You can buy paste in specialist shops both in a ready-to-use state and as granules, powder or concentrate for mixing or diluting. There is actually no one best paste, because there are a number of aspects that need to be taken into account to ensure optimal adhesive strength and adhesion to the wall. The most important of these are wall texture, living space and wallpaper type. The last aspect determines the weight and the water vapor permeability of the wallcovering. All decisive factors for choosing the right wallpaper paste.
There is usually more specific information on the roll of wallpaper as to which paste is most suitable for that type of wallpaper. If in doubt, seek advice from a professional before purchasing. When choosing wallpaper paste, be sure to use high-quality products and don’t save at the wrong end.
The basic principle of wallpapering
Wallpapering is not rocket science. Nonetheless, prepare what you need in advance and follow the steps and tips below.
Materials and tools:
- wallpapers
- bucket full of water
- sponge
- wallpaper paste
- paint tray
- Paste roller, brush
- Wallpaper spatula for smoothing
- Wide spatula or straight edge
- Utility knife/cutter with fresh blades
- level
- tape measure
- scissors
- pencil
That’s how it works:
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Prepare the wall
First, secure a clear path to the wall and remove switch covers, light fixtures, and artwork. You may need to smooth out any cracks or bumps with some putty. But if this is not necessary, then you can start wallpapering.
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Measure and cut your first length of wallpaper
After measuring the wall, add another 20 to 30 cm and cut off the first piece of wallpaper.
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Apply wallpaper paste
You should mix and prepare the paste according to the packaging instructions. Then pour this into a paint tray as desired and roll it onto the wall using the paste roller.
Tip: For the corners and edges, you’d better use a brush to completely cover the wall with paste.
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Start with your first roll of wallpaper
It’s time to wallpaper! Attach your first piece of wallpaper, using a level along one edge to ensure the wallpaper lines up well. You basically have a small window of opportunity to move the wallpaper slightly. However, if you find that it’s really misaligned, it’s better to remove it completely first and then put it back on the wall.
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Smooth and trim
Once your wallpaper is well aligned and level, use a wallpaper spatula to remove air bubbles and smooth the edges. Then go over it with a damp sponge to remove excess paste. Use the utility knife/cutter to score and trim off the excess wallpaper at the top and bottom.
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To repeat
It is now time for the second roll of wallpaper, then the third, and so on. Make sure you line each one up properly so that it lines up nicely with the seams.
Choose the perfect wallpaper for your home and find the right wallpaper paste. With a little practice and creativity, you will definitely succeed in wallpapering and you will create a new, fresh ambience to linger and relax. Have fun and good luck!
