Wallpaper that requires a special approach – duplex. How to glue correctly?

Do you know what duplex wallpaper is? This is no ordinary wallpaper; proper installation calls for a unique method. Duplex wallpaper, sometimes referred to as double-layer or two-layer wallpaper, gives your walls a unique depth and texture. Learning how to hang duplex wallpaper is crucial if you want to add a distinctive touch to your room.

Duplex wallpaper is different from regular wallpaper in that it has two layers: a decorative layer on top of a base layer. The thicker material that results from the bonding of these layers offers both durability and a unique aesthetic effect. Duplex wallpaper’s construction necessitates cautious handling and exact application in order to get the desired effect.

There’s more to prepping duplex wallpaper than just measuring and cutting. To guarantee good adhesion, the surface needs to be primed, clean, and smooth. It’s important to fill in any gaps and smooth down any rough areas on the wall before applying the wallpaper because any flaws will show through it. This preliminary work lays the groundwork for an impeccable outcome.

The adhesive procedure is crucial when applying duplex wallpaper. Duplex wallpaper usually requires adhesive to be applied to both the wallpaper and the wall, in contrast to some wallpapers that just require it on the back. By using two adhesives, the layers and the wall are guaranteed to be firmly bonded, avoiding peeling or bubbling over time.

After the surface has been ready and the adhesive has been combined, carefully apply the wallpaper, beginning at a corner of the wall. Using a wallpaper brush or smoothing tool, press the material firmly against the wall, smoothing out any air bubbles as you go. With duplex wallpaper, in particular, where patterns can be complex and alignment is vital, take your time to ensure that edges and patterns line up precisely.

As directed by the manufacturer, let the duplex wallpaper dry completely before cutting off any extra material around the edges. Lastly, take a step back and appreciate the distinct depth and texture that your room’s duplex wallpaper brings to it. With the right planning and execution, you can produce a polished look that lifts the atmosphere in any space.

The following is a thesis statement for your article: "A perfect finish is achieved with duplex wallpaper when it is installed properly. Duplex wallpaper, in contrast to traditional wallpaper, has two layers, so handling it needs caution. You will receive step-by-step instructions in this article on how to properly prepare surfaces, apply adhesive, and guarantee seamless alignment for a polished finish. With confidence, you can use these techniques to transform your space, knowing that your duplex wallpaper will improve both durability and aesthetic appeal.

Types of material

The following categories comprise duplex coatings:

  1. Smooth. As a rule, the design is applied to them in advance.
  2. Embossed. They have relief of different depths, can be already painted or intended for painting.
  3. For painting. They are always unpainted, and their top layer is treated with a composition with water-repellent properties. The texture can be smooth or embossed.

The wallpapers with embosses are the most "heavy." You’ll need a specific glue designated "for heavy wallpaper" to attach them. It is found in the production lines of well-known manufacturers and brands.

The embossed "duplex" is unique in that it stretches when glue is injected into it. Coatings may come off due to gravity. If the walls weren’t adequately prepped before gluing, this could happen.

Step-by-step operating instructions

Preparing the surface is the first step in working with heavy canvases.

Preparing the walls

When applying "heavy" wallpaper, keep in mind that if the walls are not properly prepped, the wallpaper may come off in whole sheets. Even though these materials can cover up small flaws or unevenness, you shouldn’t restrict yourself to "spot" repairs that only cover up major flaws in order to save money on putty (how to remove uneven walls?).

In the remaining areas, there’s a chance that barely noticeable peeling putty or plaster will persist. Old wallpaper and paint layers are dangerous. They may peel off when wet, leaving folds and bubbles on the coating (how can bubbles and folds on glued wallpaper be removed?).

  1. First you need to repair sections of walls with defects, grout with putty. After drying, you need to treat the surface with an abrasive mesh and putty the entire surface of the walls with a layer of 1-2 mm (how to putty walls under wallpaper?).
  2. The putty must dry. It will take her at least a day to do this.
  3. Then, using an abrasive mesh, the putty deposits remaining from the spatula are removed.
  4. The surface must be swept using a brush or broom, and the primer must be applied twice. An acrylic-based deep penetration composition is most suitable for priming. Wallpaper glue is also suitable: it must be diluted in the proportions indicated on the package (usually 1 to 5).
  5. The primer must be allowed to dry completely.

How to cut material?

  1. Paintable wallpaper has a special embossing that does not require matching prints on adjacent canvases. If the embossed wallpaper has an industrial pattern, then adjustment is most often needed (how to customize wallpaper according to the pattern?). To do this, you need to simultaneously open two rolls and roll them out on a flat surface so that the strips are next to each other.
  2. Then you need to combine the design on two strips and trim their upper edges (sometimes it is enough to do this with only one).
  3. Measure the width of the cut strip – repeat.
  4. Measure the length of the canvas so that it matches the height of the room. No need to leave allowances.
  5. When wetted and impregnated, the canvas will become slightly longer. You will need to trim them a little along the floor surface.
  6. Then you can roll out the wallpaper along the first strip, which will be the standard. You can use a construction tape and measure the required length for each new roll, taking into account the repeat.
  7. Before cutting, heavy wallpaper must be folded in half so that the edges are parallel.
  8. Then the fold should be actively ironed with fingers or a round smooth object.
  9. After this you need to cut off the strip. This is done with smooth, careful movements. The knife should be held at an angle of 30-35 degrees to the cutting plane.

Cutting with scissors is a challenging and inconvenient method. A stationery knife with replaceable blades is not something you should use for cutting. It can rip two strips at once because it is too sharp. Using a long, thin kitchen knife is preferable. A needle file must be used to sharpen it first.

Applying glue

Wallpapering is the most crucial point to remember. Adhesive composition must be applied to the base to the required extent. This will guarantee that it sticks to the wall uniformly. The canvas must be very carefully smoothed to avoid damaging the top layer and losing the material’s primary benefit, which is relief.

  1. It is recommended to apply the adhesive using a paint roller with a width of about 300 mm and a pile length of 5-7 mm. This length will ensure sufficient penetration of glue into the recesses, but at the same time prevent its excess. It is also recommended to have a natural brush with a width of 70-100 mm on hand. It will need to apply glue to the edges that the roller could not grab.
  2. After applying the glue, you need to fold the canvas from the edges to the middle so that the edges meet two-thirds of the way. Wallpaper folded inward with the side on which the glue is applied can be rolled into a loose roll. This will save space.
  3. Glue soaking time is 5-30 minutes. It is impossible to keep lubricated canvases longer, otherwise they can quickly tear during alignment, and their relief will be damaged.

Pasting walls

  1. The first strip should be pasted from the window. You need to focus on a level at least 1 m long or a plumb line.

Butt-butt

Duplex wallpaper is typically applied with the aforementioned technology, joint to joint. The entire appearance of the surface will be ruined if thick wallpaper is adhered with visible joints.

Paper wallpapers typically have a border around the edge. It may be present on one or both sides. To accommodate overlapping fabrics, use this edge. There is no need for an edge strip if they are glued end to end. It needs to be carefully cut all the way across each canvas. This can be easily accomplished by running a stationery knife along the edge of the long ruler after it has been applied.

Overlapping

Duplex wallpaper that overlaps is not adhered to. Thin washable paper-based ones are an exception. They get wet when they come into contact with the glue, which makes it extremely difficult to create a perfect joint. This technique will result in a few millimeters or centimeters of overlap between the edges of two canvases (depending on the width of the edge).

Wallpaper Type Duplex Wallpaper
Preparation Ensure the wall is clean, smooth, and dry. Prime if necessary.
Application Method Apply adhesive to the wall, not the wallpaper. Use a smoother to remove air bubbles.
Matching Patterns Match patterns carefully to create a seamless look.

It’s important to prepare properly when working with duplex wallpaper. Make sure your walls are spotless, smooth, and devoid of any old wallpaper or debris before you start. This creates a strong base on which the new wallpaper can stick.

The duplex wallpaper should then be carefully measured and cut to fit the dimensions of your wall, leaving a small amount of extra length for adjustments. As directed by the manufacturer, evenly apply a suitable adhesive to the wallpaper and allow it to soak. This stage guarantees that the adhesive fully activates for improved sticking strength.

When the wallpaper is ready, start at a corner and carefully apply the wallpaper to the wall, smoothing out any wrinkles or air bubbles as you go. To guarantee a firm, flat application without causing damage to the delicate surface, use a wallpaper brush or a soft cloth.

For a clean finish, carefully trim any excess wallpaper around the corners and edges after it has been applied. Before putting the furniture back in its original position or making any additional decorative changes, give the adhesive the time it needs to dry according to the instructions.

You can achieve a faultless application of duplex wallpaper that elevates your space with its distinct texture and appearance by carefully following these steps. Recall that learning the art of wallpapering requires patience and attention to detail, particularly when working with specialized materials like duplex.

Video on the topic

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Timur Kiselev

Professional builder with 15 years of experience. I know everything about the construction of houses, cottages, bathhouses and other buildings. I will be happy to share my knowledge and experience with you.

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