Question 1: What does “wallpaper soaking time” mean? The process during wallpaper hanging in which the paste applied to the paper backing of the wallcovering causes the fibres to swell. During this process the width of the wallpaper increases by about 2.5%, and the length increases by about 0.5%. It is important to adhere to the stipulated soaking time listed on the label of the wallcovering to avoid hanging errors such as wrinkling or opening of the seams. |
Question 2: What is wall-bonding technology? A wallpapering method in which the adhesive is applied to the surface of the wall rather than to the back of the wallcovering. |
Question 3: What is a pattern repeat? A pattern repeat is measured in cm and shows the repeat of the pattern on the roll. A distinction is made between the vertical repeat, where the pattern is repeated several times over the height of the roll, and a horizontal repeat, where the pattern can be repeated several times over the width of the roll, depending on the type and size of pattern. |
Question 4: Which glue or paste should be used with which wallpaper? We distinguish between three types: 1. Standard paste: Pure methylcellulose to bond paper-backed wallcoverings. 2. Special paste: Pure methylcellulose with synthetic resin additives for non-woven backing wallcoverings such as vinyl heat-embossed wall paper, structured vinyls and all other natural surface non- woven wallcoverings. 3. Paste for wallpaper machines: Pure methylcellulose reinforced with synthetic resin or dispersion adhesives specifically designed for use in paste machines. |
Question 5: How should the surface be prepared? The rule of thumb is: The surface must be dry, firm, clean, smooth, and absorbent. When light coloured wallcoverings are hung, be sure that the walls are primed to yield an even white surface. |
Question 6: What is the advantage of non-woven wallcoverings? Non-woven wallcoverings are dimensionally stable, hairline crack-bridging, and can be removed completely when dry. No soaking time is necessary. Non-woven wallcoverings are easy to hang using the paste-the-wall technique, or the backing may be pasted by hand or pasting machine. |
Question 7: What is the cause of open seams and how can they be avoided? An incorrectly pretreated background, uneven pasting, inadequate soaking times, or inadequately mixed paste may be the cause. Avoiding drafty conditions or excess heating during drying time helps prevent gaping seams. Pasted wallpaper lengths should be folded together to avoid uneven glue or insufficient glue on the edges. |
Question 8: Can old wallpaper simply be pasted over? No. Old wall paper needs to be removed completely and the surface must be prepared for the new hanging before any renovation work. |
Question 9: How can stubborn wallpaper residues be removed from the wall? A commercially available wallpaper remover may be added to the water that is used to soak the wallpaper to be removed. This may help to dissolve the old paste more rapidly. Wallpaper with a water-repellent surface must be carefully perforated, avoiding damage to the wall surface, before the wallpaper removal fluid is applied, allowing for better penetration. After sufficient soaking time, the wallpaper can be easily removed with a spatula. |
Question 10: What is “double-cutting”? Double cut is used to yield a perfect seam, when butt joining is not possible or recommended. Hang two lengths overlapping by about 5 cm in the seam area or on the outer corners, both layers are cut through with a sharp trimming knife. Remove excess strip, yielding a clean, perfect seam. |
Question 11: What do the batch numbers on the wallpaper roll inserts mean? The manufacturer labels each new print of a wallcovering with a new batch number. Before wallpapering, be sure that all rolls installed on one wall or ceiling are from the same batch to avoid slight colour variations. |
Question 12: What does the “RAL Quality Seal” mean? Wallpapers bearing the RAL Quality Seal are of the best, most reliable quality and meet the highest environmental standards. They contain no volatile softening agents, chlorofluorocarbons, chlorinated or aromatic solvents. Before wallpapers can be awarded the RAL Quality Seal, they undergo stringent tests by an independent institute. |