Wallpaper construction process specification and post-remediation knowledge

Preparation Phase

1. Wall Preparation

Before applying wallpaper, it’s essential to properly prepare the walls. If there are cracks or seams, use joint compound mixed with white glue (vinyl acetate resin) to fill them. Once dry, sand the area if necessary to remove any loose dust or powder. A very smooth wall may not hold the adhesive well, so light sanding is recommended before proceeding. After all repairs are done, apply a base coat to create a protective layer between the wall and the wallpaper. This helps prevent moisture, salt, and alkali from seeping through and damaging the wallpaper, ensuring a longer-lasting finish.

2. Glue Preparation

The glue is typically made by mixing wallpaper paste with white glue. The consistency should be just right—easy to brush but not too runny. Adjust the viscosity by adding water as needed. Natural starch-based wallpaper paste works well with synthetic white glue (vinyl acetate resin). For thicker wallpapers like fabric-based ones, the glue should be slightly thicker. Use a ratio of 15 ounces of white glue and wall powder for standard wallpapers, while special glues for fabric can cover up to 5 square meters per kilogram.

3. Cutting the Wallpaper

Unroll the wallpaper and check the pattern and direction. Start from the top of the floor tile and measure the wall height. Lay the wallpaper on a flat surface with the glue side facing up, then mark the length with a pencil and cut it using scissors. Ensure you leave an extra 30–50 mm at both ends for adjustments. Keep the cut pieces flat and ready for application.

Installation Process

Soak the roller in the prepared glue for about 30 seconds. When brushing, always roll in one direction and gently apply the roller at a 45-degree angle. Avoid back-and-forth motion, as this can cause wrinkles. Brush smoothly and evenly, holding the roller in one hand while keeping the other hand steady. After the main application, use a small brush to reapply glue along the edges with a 1:1 mix of wallpaper paste and white glue.

Once the wallpaper is on the wall, press it down carefully to remove air bubbles. For vinyl wallpapers, use a plastic scraper to gently smooth out the surface. If excess glue appears, wipe it off with a damp sponge. Be careful not to use a hard tool, as it could damage the surface or cause fading. For high-quality textile wallpapers, only use a soft brush and avoid getting glue on the surface. If glue accidentally touches the surface, clean it immediately to prevent discoloration. Paper wallpapers are especially delicate—always use a short brush and keep the glue application minimal.

Final Inspection and Fixes

What to Check:

1. Are the seams aligned and not curled?
2. Is there any bubbling?
3. Does the pattern match correctly?
4. Are there any creases?

How to Fix Common Issues:

• Loose Seams: Use a knife to lift the seam, inject glue, and smooth it with a scraper. Wipe away any excess glue.
• Bubbles: Cut the bubble with a utility knife, inject glue, and smooth with a plate. Clean up the excess.
• Mismatched Pattern: This can happen due to structural issues like uneven settling. It may need to be hidden in a less visible corner.
• Creases: Cut the crease, add glue, and smooth it with a roller. If not flat, use the “refill” method.
• Wet Stains: These are usually not defects in the wallpaper but may indicate wall problems. Consult an expert.
• Black Spots: These often signal mold or water damage. Remove the wallpaper, treat the affected area, and apply anti-mold glue before reapplying.