Wallpapering tips for blown vinyl and vinyl wallpapers backed with paper and embossed wallpapers.

Surface preparation: Surface preparation can be extremely time consuming, especially in old buildings. Nevertheless, it is worth taking every trouble at this stage in order to achieve the best results. The following points should be observed:

•    Old wallpaper and soluble paints should be completely removed. 
•    Old emulsion paints should be tested for stability and removed if necessary.
•    Cracks and holes should be filled with putty or polyester filler, and particularly absorbent surfaces should be pre-coated with wallpaper paste.
•    Prime old, sandy plaster, ideally using a water-based primer (see photo).
For wallpapers with extremely smooth surfaces, it is often advisable to use a lining paper. As a general rule, the surface must be dry, stable, evenly absorbent, clean, plain and smooth.

Cutting strips of wallpaper: The room height plus an extra 5 to 10 cm for trimming should give the correct strip length for papers with seamless patterns; in this case, lengths can be cut consecutively, independent of the pattern.

Pattern repeats: Lengths are identical for wallpapers with straight pattern repeats. Simply lay the wallpaper lengths on top of one another, making sure the pattern is in the same place for each, and cut to the required length.For wallpapers with an offset pattern, every second length will be displaced by the offset stated on the insert.

Paste: Use a branded product (wallpaper adhesive) and follow the instructions specified. Mix the paste according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

For heavy vinyl wallpapers, 20% dispersion adhesive should be added to increase adhesive strength.

After cutting, the strips are pasted evenly, folded and rolled.

A consistent soaking time must be ensured at this stage. Soaking time is dependent on room temperature and wallpaper type (around 8-12 minutes).

Only paste a small number of strips at one time, and hang them in the order they were pasted. The strips can also be pasted with a papering / pasting machine.

Wallpaper hanging: Wallpaper is always hung “with the light.” In other words, work should be started at the window.
Ensure that the first length is vertically plumb so that subsequent lengths are also hung straight. Place the length on the wall, allowing an overhang at the ceiling to be able to compensate for any height differences.
Hang the subsequent strips, ensuring a good butt joint, and smooth into position working from the centre to the edges to remove air bubbles.
A sponge roller, paperhanging brush or cloth can be used for blown vinyl and vinyl wallpapers.
Use a paperhanging brush or cloth for embossed papers.

A seam roller may be used to work joint areas in blown vinyl and vinyl wallpapers. Do not use a seam roller on embossed wallpapers.