How to glue vinyl wallpaper?

Because vinyl wallpaper is long-lasting, adaptable, and low maintenance, it’s a popular option for many homeowners. The success of your project can be greatly impacted by knowing how to correctly glue vinyl wallpaper, whether you’re remodeling a single room or your entire house. This tutorial will take you through each step to guarantee a polished and seamless finish.

It’s crucial to prepare your walls and gather all the materials needed before you begin. Ensure the surface is free of flaking paint and old wallpaper, and that it is smooth and clean. The wallpaper will adhere more readily and last longer if it is prepared properly.

The wallpaper needs to be cut to size after you measure your walls. You’ll avoid frustration and wasted time later on if you take precise measurements and cut the wallpaper appropriately. Adding a bit of extra length to each strip is usually a good idea, as it can be trimmed off after application.

When the time comes to apply the wallpaper, adhere to the manufacturer’s adhesive instructions. While some vinyl wallpapers require a separate adhesive, others have a backing that has already been pasted. Smooth walls can be achieved by carefully and evenly applying the adhesive, which will help prevent wrinkles and bubbles.

Lastly, carefully align the wallpaper, taking care to remove any air bubbles as you go. Press the wallpaper firmly against the wall using a smoothing tool or a wallpaper brush. Technique done correctly and with patience will guarantee a polished finish that draws attention to your space’s beauty.

The nuances of covering walls with vinyl wallpaper

Two things are necessary to comprehend the nuances of working with vinyl wallpaper:

1. PVC trellises are classified according to many indicators, including manufacturing method, surface embossing method, type of coloring, etc.d.
2. For high-quality pasting on prepared walls, it is necessary to take into account only the type of base (backing) of the wallpaper and its weight (light or heavy). The remaining factors are the responsibility of the designer, not the finisher.

Types of vinyl wallpaper based on

Vinyl wallpaper is composed of two layers: plain paper or non-woven material can be used for the bottom layer, which is composed of polyvinyl chloride film, which is the material used to make vinyl. Not only does the substrate define the overall properties of the material, but it also shapes the gluing process.

Thus, when applying vinyl to non-woven materials:

• glue is applied to the wall, not the trellis sheets;
• easily mask small unevenness of walls (as the wallpaper dries, it stretches, hiding traces of fasteners and small cracks, sinkholes and chips);
• it is difficult to adjust the joints – this is one of the disadvantages of this type of trellis;
• use specialized glue (for vinyl with non-woven backing).

Note: Vinyl wallpaper that is not woven is frequently referred to as non-woven wallpaper, both by experts and by consumers. If not for one thing, such confusion would be harmless: vinyl wallpaper with a backing made of this material cannot be held in place by glue intended for non-woven trellises.

Vinyl wallpaper backing made of paper is required for:

• prepare the walls well if the trellises are thin;
• spread the adhesive mixture on both the walls and the trellises themselves, which leads to excess glue consumption.

Paste over corners and join joints quickly and effectively thanks to the finishing material’s easy glide along the wall and good stretch. The weakness is that it is easily broken.

Types of vinyl wallpaper by weight

Vinyl trellises can be made to be either light or heavy, depending on the method of production, which calls for a different kind of glue. Manufacturers created an adhesive formulation for different vinyl trellise combinations after considering this point:

• lungs on a paper backing;
• lungs on non-woven backing;
• heavy on paper backing;
• heavy on non-woven backing.

This is something to keep in mind when purchasing adhesive.

Materials and tools

What you’ll need to hang vinyl wallpaper is:

• stepladder (strong table);
• vinyl trellis tubes;
• special (for vinyl) wallpaper glue;
• primer;
• a plumb line (you can use a laser level) to mark the starting vertical line on the wall;
• tape measure for cutting wallpaper;
• rule – used when cutting overlapping wallpaper sheets pasted on the wall and drawing a starting line;
• stationery knife for cutting wallpaper;
• construction pencil;
• container for diluting glue;
• roller or brush for applying glue;
• a screwdriver with a mixing attachment for stirring glue;
• primer cuvette;
• roller and small paint brush for applying primer;
• a few hand towels and wallpaper smoothing;
• a rubber or plastic roller for rolling sheets to the wall (you can additionally use a wallpaper “wing” – a special plastic spatula for wallpaper);
• container with clean water.

Adding vinyl wallpaper to a room is an easy way to make a big difference in how it looks. Make sure the walls are smooth, clean, and primed for adhesion before applying a professional finish. Using a suitable adhesive, cut the wallpaper into manageable strips and carefully align the strips on the wall, smoothing out any air bubbles as you go. In order to steer clear of frequent pitfalls like misaligned patterns or trapped air pockets, patience and attention to detail are essential. Anyone can use fashionable vinyl wallpaper to update their living area with the correct method.

Which glue to choose

An enormous variety of adhesives is available on the Russian market for building materials, tailored to the weight of vinyl wallpaper (light or heavy) and the type of base (paper or non-woven fabric). There is one subtlety here, though. A keen consumer might note that the adhesive used in lightweight vinyl wallpaper made of paper is identical to that used in lightweight non-woven trellises.

Methylcellulose is combined with modified starch in both situations. Anti-mold and mildew additives are also included in the composition. The lack of a specific additive in the non-woven base glue ensures that the trellis sheets slide smoothly along the wall, which is the only difference.

Expert decorators assert that the inclusion or exclusion of these additives is essentially imperceptible. The non-woven base glue should be more liquid than specified in the instructions when used underneath paper, and vice versa. That’s the only difference.

Important: Using glue meant for light wallpaper on heavy vinyl is strictly prohibited because the composition’s more liquid structure cannot support a large wallpaper canvas. There won’t be any benefit, even if you dilute the adhesive to the point of jelly.

The number of packs is easy to figure out. With a small deviation, the packaging indicates how many tubes can be glued with the diluted composition. For instance, the numbers 7-9 rolls are on a "Kleo" glue pack. It is essential to use the average amount. The number of rolls needed to glue the walls is then divided by the average amount to determine how many packs of glue are needed for the repair job.

Buying glue that has been modified starch and a small amount of methylcellulose added is advised. When compared to other types of glue, it is more reasonably priced and has good adhesive qualities.

There is one exception, though: the German company Henkel’s "Moment" glue, which is made in Russia. The addition of starch to methylcellulose in the glue’s composition allows for an increase in adhesive properties without raising the cost above that of starch-based products. packed in 250 g packs, which typically hold five rolls, and 500 g packs, which hold ten tubes. neither leaves stains nor emits a smell when dried. Diluted materials can be kept for up to ten days in a tightly closed container that can be covered with plastic cling film. One small but significant disadvantage is that swelling takes a while.

Customers distinguish "Kleo Smart," "Metylan Vinyl," "Axton Vinyl," and other glue brands from one another. See the article "How to choose glue for wallpaper?" for more information on these and other vinyl brands.

Wallpaper gluing technological process

The process of applying vinyl wallpaper involves multiple interrelated steps, such as priming the wall and wallpaper, cultivating the adhesive, and adhering the wallpaper to the wall.

Preparation of walls

When beginning the wall preparation process, there is one crucial consideration to make: textured wallpapers effectively conceal minor imperfections in the glued surface, whereas thin wallpapers, on the other hand, draw attention to even the smallest imperfections. Thus, the following tasks are carried out for heavy trellises when the walls are being prepared:

1. The old finish is removed (paint, whitewashing or wallpaper) and various fasteners (nails, screws, hooks);
2. An audit of the plaster layer is carried out by tapping the wall with the handle of the hammer. In places with dull sound, the plaster is removed, after which in problem areas the wall is plastered again;
3. cracks and chips are repaired;
4. baseboards, door frames, protective plastic elements of sockets and switches are removed;
5. areas contaminated with grease and soot are washed;
6. deep penetration primer is applied.

For your information: the editors of the StroyGuru portal were unable to find recommendations for dismantling baseboards and trim in the instructions on how to glue vinyl wallpaper. They suggest cutting the wallpaper on the wall, and then tucking it under the trim and baseboard. My own experience shows that it is more effective to remove the plinth (with the exception of the adhesive method of fastening) and trim (the work can be completed in one room in 10-20 minutes). Number the pieces of plinth and label the places where the trims are attached (if they are removed from several doors at the same time), hang the wallpaper without wasting time on various adjustments and trimming, and then put the plinth and trims in place, which can also be done very quickly.

Sand the surface with fine sandpaper, prime the walls with a deep penetration primer, and putty the wall with polymer or gypsum mixtures are all required for thin wallpaper.

Be aware that the wall must be flat in order to install wide, meter-long wallpaper; even a tiny bulge will make it extremely difficult to fit the joints.

The article "How to prepare walls for wallpapering" goes into further detail about the procedure for getting walls ready for wallpaper.

Preparing wallpaper

Buying trellises and cutting the sheets to size are the first steps in getting them ready for glue. There are two ways to figure out how many tubes you need:

1. calculate it yourself (find the area of ​​the walls and divide it by the area of ​​one trellis tube);
2. use the ready-made table given in the work “How to hang wallpaper yourself, quickly and efficiently”.

Be aware that every six rolls, one more is added if the pattern needs to be adjusted.

A tape measure is used to measure the wall multiple times before cutting trellises. If the variations don’t go beyond two to three centimeters, the average wall height is determined and used to cut the wallpaper (the plinth will cover up any flaws). In the extremely rare event that the difference is greater than the given figures, two to three sheets are cut; the ceiling height is then measured, and two to three sheets are cut once more, but this time in accordance with the given dimensions.

The cutting process will be easy if the pattern doesn’t need to be followed and the sheet length is the same for every wall. The tube is emerging. The first sheet’s dimensions are established. The roll is bent and rolled out in the opposite direction at the cut location. After that, it is stretched and lined up with the first sheet’s edges. Continues to fold and roll until completed. To achieve a smooth edge, it is preferable to use a construction knife instead of scissors when cutting.

In the event that combining a pattern is required, the steps to follow are as follows:

1. the first sheet is cut to the resulting size;
2. the second sheet is laid so that the pattern matches at the top;
3. along the protruding part of the second sheet, using a rule and a pencil, a cutting line is drawn along which the trellis is bent and then cut with a knife;
4. the sheet is also cut off at the bottom – no special control is needed here, since all errors will be hidden under the baseboard;
5. sheets are numbered;
6. the procedure is repeated for the third sheet, etc.d.

Pasting instructions

The steps involved in wallpaper gluing technology are preparing glue, marking the wall, applying glue, and adhering wallpaper sheets to the wall.

Preparation of glue

The first step in pasting walls is to prepare the glue. To accomplish this, fill a bucket or basin with water according to the package’s instructions. Stir the water until a funnel forms, preferably with a mixer, but you can also use your hand or any other suitable tool.

The water is gradually filled with dry glue that is poured in from the funnel’s edge. Stirring keeps going until the adhesive mass lumps go away. The glue is then allowed to mature for the amount of time specified on the package. Experience demonstrates that it is preferable to extend the swelling time, as this enhances the glue’s quality attributes.

Marking the wall

The wall is marked while the glue ages. Theoretically, it is sufficient to paste one vertical line at the beginning. In actuality, the work is made easier if the markings are placed on every wall, with one line in each corner spaced two to three centimeters from the wall next to it and the second line spaced the width of the wallpaper from the line that has already been applied.

It is sometimes suggested that you draw vertical lines for every strip of wallpaper. However, vinyl stretches, so the vertical lines will be covered by two to three sheets. A plumb line, a construction pencil, and a rule (or a long metal ruler) are used for marking.

Application of glue

The adhesive mass is applied to the wall for non-woven substrate. The ideal brush for these uses is one that is wide or has long, soft bristles; the roller leaves behind islands that are not smeared.

Firstly, the glue is applied to one half of the paper substrate sheets, whichever half is used. Then, the portion that was missed is folded in half, and then it is folded again on the second half. Below, in rice, is the fold scheme. The wall is then similarly stained after that.

Walling the wall

Following the completion of the impregnation, the upper portion of the sheet is opened and glued to the wall (the lower portion of the sheet should be kept folded for convenience). A vertical line drawn on the wall serves as one of the wallpaper sheet’s guidelines.

The wallpaper is rolled with a roller after the glued upper portion has been smoothed with a wallpaper wing (in actuality, you usually use your hands to smooth and press the wallpaper against the wall, whichever is more comfortable for you). Tasks are completed top to bottom and from the center outward. The second half of the sheet will simply slide along the applied vertical if everything in the upper portion of the sheet is completed correctly.

The same pattern is followed when adhering to subsequent sheets; the guideline is now the edge of the glued sheet rather than a line on the wall.

Taping joints

Making the joint invisible is one of the most crucial steps in the pasting wall process. Consequently, even the smallest spaces between the sheets shouldn’t be permitted because, once the glue has dried, they will be extremely obvious, as will any areas where adjacent sheets overlap (in these situations, the final sheet is removed from the wall and reglued).

The wallpaper is compressed, the edges are further coated with glue, already on the wall, and then rolled firmly with a narrow roller to stop the seam from coming apart when the glue dries.

Pasting door and window openings

It is not difficult to navigate the doorway with the trims removed because the door’s decorative element will cover up any errors. The wallpaper sheet is glued through the window using conventional technology. Using a construction knife, trim off any excess wallpaper along the window slopes once it has dried.

Passing corners

There are numerous methods for cutting corners, both internal and external. The easiest one entails the subsequent actions:

• the sheet reaching the corner is glued to the adjacent wall;
• it is cut off at a distance of 2-3 cm from the corner;

• near the corner, a vertical line is applied along the pasted wallpaper, along which the next trellis is glued;
• Using a stationery knife, using the rule, a cut is made along the overlapped wallpaper;

• the cut strips are removed;
• the edges of the sheets are coated with glue and then rolled with force with a roller.

The same method can be used to cover external corners. The article "How to properly glue wallpaper in the corners of a room?" goes into further detail about the pasting process.

Conclusion

We have thought about the correct way to adhere vinyl wall coverings. We offer the content in an abridged format for individuals who, for whatever reason, are unable to read it in its entirety:

1. walls under heavy wallpaper do not require finishing putty, unlike light ones;
2. glue for non-woven backing is applied only to the wall surface, for vinyl with a paper backing, both to the wall and to the wallpaper sheet;
3. glue for vinyl with a paper backing is first applied to the sheet, after which it is folded according to a special pattern to impregnate the backing (it takes about 8 minutes) and only then the wall is coated (if you change the order of application in places, the glue on the wall has time to dry);
4. for vinyl wallpaper, specialized glue is required, while for light wallpaper it is interchangeable (suitable for both types of backing);
5. heavy wallpaper is glued with special types of glue;
6. the pasting technology itself is standard (no nuances).

Step	Description
1. Prepare the wall	Make sure the wall is clean, smooth, and dry. Remove old wallpaper and fill any holes or cracks.
2. Measure and cut	Measure the height of the wall and cut the vinyl wallpaper to the appropriate length, adding a few extra inches for trimming.
3. Apply adhesive	Apply adhesive to the back of the wallpaper using a roller or brush. Ensure even coverage.
4. Position the wallpaper	Align the wallpaper at the top of the wall and gently press it into place. Smooth it out from top to bottom using a wallpaper brush or squeegee.
5. Trim the excess	Use a sharp utility knife to trim any excess wallpaper at the top and bottom of the wall.
6. Repeat	Repeat the process for each strip of wallpaper, ensuring the patterns match up at the seams.
7. Clean up	Wipe off any excess adhesive with a damp sponge and clean your tools.

Adhesing vinyl wallpaper can completely change the appearance of a space. Anyone can achieve a professional finish with the right tools and a little perseverance. The most important steps are priming the walls, sizing the wallpaper, putting the glue on, and gently smoothing each strip to prevent wrinkles and bubbles.

Being prepared is essential for success. Make sure the walls are dry, smooth, and clean. Take the time to smooth out any uneven areas and fill in any holes in the wallpaper because any flaws could show through it. Accurately measuring and cutting the wallpaper will help you apply it faster and with less effort.

Pay close attention to the adhesive’s application instructions provided by the manufacturer. Cover the whole wallpaper surface with a thin, even layer. Using a smoothing tool to remove air bubbles and make sure the wallpaper adheres firmly to the wall, begin at the top and work your way down. This is a step that should not be rushed; taking your time will yield a much better finish.

Lastly, trim any extra wallpaper from the edges and the areas surrounding outlets and light switches. For neat cuts, use a utility knife that is sharp. After positioning every strip, take a moment to appreciate your labor of love. A gorgeously wallpapered room that complements the decor of your house can be achieved with meticulous planning and attention to detail.

Video on the topic

How to glue vinyl wallpaper. Apply glue to the wallpaper.

How to glue vinyl wallpaper with your own hands

how to glue meter-long wallpaper / how to properly glue vinyl wallpaper