When it comes to redecorating with wallpaper, lots of thought and time goes into deciding the type of wallpaper, but how often do you think about the wallpaper paste?
At Blakes, we know that great decorating comes from knowing you’re using the right tools which includes your wallpaper paste! Wallpaper pastes and adhesives can differ depending on which surface and type of paper you’re working with.
If you are wallpapering a newly plastered wall, you will need to prepare it before adding your wallpaper. Glue Size, which is also sometimes referred to as primer or sealer, will stop the wall soaking up the adhesive ensuring an easy application.
Cold Water Paste
Cold water pastes comes in powder form and require you to mix them up yourself. They’re either made from a wheat or another starch-based powder. The key to mixing the paste is getting the consistency just right! If you make it too runny, the adhesive will just slop everywhere but if it’s too thick, you’ll end up with lumps! However, the upside of cold water pastes is they take longer to dry, meaning if you make any mistakes, you have more time to correct them. Cold water paste is suitable for most types of wallpaper and can be mixed to different strengths depending on the weight of the paper. As it’s water-soluble, it is one of the easiest types of adhesive to remove.
All Purpose Paste
All-purpose adhesives have been to developed to be used with any type of wallpaper. They’re available in both powder form or ready-mixed. Typically, these pastes will contain a fungicide to prevent mould growth. This is absolutely critical if you’re papering a kitchen or a bathroom! If you’re using hand-printed paper, check whether all-purpose is suitable as it could affect the printing ink.
Heavy Duty Paste
Heavy Duty wallpaper adhesives tend to be vinyl based. This adhesive dries quick in order to prevent heavier wallpaper falling off before the paste dries. If you have a high-grade thick wallpaper, using heavy duty paste is your best option, however, the adhesive can be difficult to remove for any future decorating.
Paste-The-Wall
Rather uniquely, some wallpapers have been designed to be hung by pasting the wall instead of the paper. Although you may be fine with good quality wallpaper paste, choosing paste-the-wall adhesives will help you with the decorating process!
If you have any questions about what wallpaper paste you should be using, or even if you’re looking for wallpaper inspiration, get in touch with Blakes Interiors & Decor. Visit our showroom in Newmarket and we’d be happy to help.
