Wallpapering Help Needed

[MadMen]

I've got some wallpaper paste which is ready made. It says on the tub for pasting the wall. I know you can paste the wall wallpaper but the wallpaper I have has no instructions on whether or not I need to paste the wall or the wallpaper itself. What would be the better option?

[boxtops]

If it says "paste the wall" then that's what I'd do. It's less messy than pasting the paper.

[tonyav]

Paste the wallpaper, have you sized ( made a tin water and paste mix and brush it on to the walls to be papered and let it dry ) the walls to be papered ?.

[RATTER15]

I would chuck it and by ordinary past to put on the paper, if the paste isnt applied to the paper and left soaked for the required time you could have problems matching it up and stretching etc.

[Kathyan]

Why can't the 'Paste-the-wall' method be used for traditional papers?
Most traditional wallpapers expand when wet, which means they must be left to soak before hanging. Past the wall products have a specially developed backing which does not expand, allowing it to be hung dry. . . straight from the roll.
Taken from http://www.coatings.org.uk/faq/What_do_I_need_to_know_about_Paste_the_Wall_wallpaper-79.aspx
Hope this helps.

[Old_Geezer]

I guess you just have to make a choice and go with it. I'd have thought the paste ought to work whichever you pasted. On the other hand I'd have thought the wallpaper would be created to either accept the paste or to be put on dry. I think it will matter little either way anyway.

[MadMen]

Boxtops, well that's what I thought with the less mess. I don't really have much space to manouver so I figured pasting the wall would be better but as the wallpaper doesn't say it's 'paste the wall wallpaper' I wasn't sure if I could or it would go bubbly and lumpy.
Tony, I haven't done anything to the walls? I didn't know I needed to?

[MadMen]

Thanks Ratter. I also didn't know I had to soak it? Hmm ok. I think I need to give this a bit more thought and preparation before I start.
Kathyan, that is really helpful. Thanks :-)
Old-Geezer, well that's what I thought - that it wouldn't matter much either way, but thought I'd check first. Good job I did!

[tonyav]

Well MadMen you don't have to size the walls but it doe's help you to adjust the wallpaper has you go along while your hanging it and you tend to get less bubbles it also helps it to stick to the walls better when your paper has dried out.

[boxtops]

Madmen, I've never soaked wallpaper (not saying that's not the right way to do it, but my wallpaper's still standing and it matches up fine!)

[MadMen]

Oh, I don't know what to do now. I've spent the last few days sorting out the room and painting the other walls and I really wanted to get this one wall of papering done today.

[boxtops]

Go with what feels best - stick up a strip of the paper by pasting the wall, and see what happens!

[MadMen]

Good idea! Right. I'll go and get on with it now, and will see how the one sheet looks. If I get any trouble then I'll prepare the wall and tony's suggested.
Thanks :-)

[rockyracoon]

Could you not ring the wallpaper manufacturer and ask their advice?

[ummmm]

Look at your wallpaper online. I've been looking at some today and in the 'about this item' it says 'Type: Paste the Wall, Scrubbable'

[Old_Geezer]

By 'soaking it' it just means to put the paste on the back of the paper and leave for a short while before applying the paper to the wall. It doesn't pay to put too much paste on; if the paper stretches too much you get a heck of a job matching each edge up, and then there is the problems with shrinkage as it dries out. With experience you get a feel for how much paste and how long.

[carrust]

I'm a deccy & I would follow the following tips
1. Sand the wall refore papering (a piece of grit looks like a boulder when there's paper over it.
2.Size the wall & let it dry.
3. I always crossline before papering; it evens out the wall but more importantly it gives you a uniform surface to paper to.
4. Follow the instuctions on the new roll of paper re type of paste & soaking times.
5. Most importantly paste the paper carefully; if you miss some areas it wont stick to the wall. If you paste facing the light source ie window you can see where you've pasted!

[MadMen]

Good idea but just had a look and all it says is Adhesive Required: Wallpaper adhesive. I'm prepped to go now. Wish me luck!

[theshedman]

Hi, always use the same type. If it's paste the wall paste then use that type of paper and the same if it's the other paste. Mixing the 2 could end up looking terrible. The instructions will be on the little bit of paper inside the wrapping plastic of the wall paper . If your paper doesn't have this little bit of paper then you could come a cropper as the paper may be from different batches so will not match colour wise when dry. On this it will also tell you the type of paper it is then get the paste to match. You will probably need the same amount of space whichever way you choose as a table will be needed for pasting if it's paste the paper type and also for cutting the paper if it's the other.

[carrust]

I also use this implement http://www.transtools.co.uk/hand-tools/painting-and-decorating/painting-and-decorating-preparation/zinsser-wallwiz-wallpaper-tool-3-in-1 Together with an 18mm breakaway knife