How do I choose the correct wallpaper adhesive?

A question we are often asked, is it best to choose a paste the wall wallpaper or a wallpaper where the adhesive is applied direct to the paper? 

This is mostly down to preference, there are pros and cons to both. In this article we will highlight the differences between both and how it's important to use the correct method depending on the wallpaper chosen. 

Make sure you read the label.

It is very important to read the instructions on the labels provided. During production of any wallpaper the technical team will test hang using a multitude of methods, these will include applying the adhesive and hanging straight away, leaving adhesive to soak on the paper for a number of minutes, during this process they will monitor shrinkage, how tactile the paper becomes, and if it tears easily, these findings enable them to advise the end user on the best way to hang, giving you the best possible results from your wallpaper purchase.

One of the mistakes decorators most commonly make is not reading the label and using the incorrect adhesive, old school decorators seem to think it's all the same as it was back in the 70's, you paste the paper and apply it to the wall. 

Things are different now, wallpaper has come such a long way, it is made with different materials, fibres and textures. 

Pros to pasting the paper.

Pasting the paper is the traditional method of hanging wallpaper, it is great for heavy vinyls and woven wallpaper, it allows the adhesive to soak in making it easier to apply to the wall and movable for matching, the paper becomes more flexible allowing you to fold and leave to soak. 

Cons to pasting the paper.

Having a pasting table handy can be a problem for some if you decide to hang the wallpaper yourself as opposed to using a professional decorator. It is more time consuming and perhaps to some a bit more of a hassle.

A tip if you do decide to use this method, make sure you roll the adhesive away from yourself with the edge of the paper slightly off the end of the table this will protect the table from adhesive.

Pros to pasting the wall.

This method is becoming ever more popular, more and more wallpaper brands are making their papers non-woven and paste the wall, it creates less waste, it keeps the paper dry saving adhesive marks on the reverse side, there is also no pasting table needed, the paper is usually light, movable and easy to apply to wall.

Cons to pasting the wall.

The only real issue I can see with pasting the wall is getting your timing right with the adhesive, the trick is to not go too far ahead of yourself along the wall, I would advise doing a strip at a time, otherwise you risk the adhesive drying out and the paper not sticking to the wall correctly. 

Tips and Advice.

No matter what method you decide on, make sure yourself or your decorator always checks the label, using the incorrect adhesive can cause problems during hanging, pasting the paper when its meant to be the wall can cause the paper to become too wet, therefore when it dries it will shrink causing gaps between each strip, whereas if you paste the wall when it should be the paper you will find as the paper dries you will see curling and edges peeling away. 

It is advisable to apply a small layer of adhesive to the edges of the wallpaper when pasting the wall this will help to prevent curling during the drying period. 

Make sure you always wipe down the seams of the paper with warm water and sponge, this will remove any excess adhesive, otherwise you may see marks and a glossy shine on the paper once dried. 

 Vikki @ Selectwallpaper