Wallpaper paste (or wallpaper adhesive) plays a significant part in the wallpapering process. A good wallpaper paste should be strong, smooth and not too quick to dry, allowing time for adjustments.
Before you get started, you need to know what type of wallpaper paste to use, how to mix it, and how to dispose of it safely.
Do I need specific paste for paste the wall wallpaper?
Most all-purpose wallpaper pastes can be used as both paste the paper and paste the wall adhesive. But where possible, it’s advisable to use the wallpaper manufacturer’s own brand of adhesive. That way, you know it’ll definitely work well with your chosen wallpaper.
Our Premium Wallpaper Adhesive can be used for both paste the paper and paste the wall wallpapers. It has a super strong hold and is excellent value for money, with enough mix in each sachet to hang three rolls of our wallpaper.
Make sure to add a packet of adhesive to your basket, or grab some of our handy wallpaper tools & accessories:
HOW TO MIX WALLPAPER PASTE
Step 1. Check the packaging to find out how much water you will need based on the type of wallpaper you are hanging and fill a bucket with the instructed amount.
The recommended water quantities for our Premium Wallpaper Adhesive are shown in our handy table.
Step 2. Begin to stir the water with a mixing stick and slowly pour the paste into the swirling water, continuing to mix as you pour.
Step 3. Stir vigorously for 30 seconds, changing direction every few seconds, and then leave the paste to stand for three minutes.
Step 4. Finally, stir thoroughly once more, and your paste is then ready to use.
Top tip - Adding too much paste to the water too quickly can create lumps. Take it slow and steady.
How much should you dilute wallpaper paste for sizing?
Sizing involves diluting your wallpaper paste with water, applying a coat to your wall and allowing it to dry before hanging your paper. Sizing your walls first helps you move and adjust your new wallpaper more easily during hanging. Adding this base layer stops your wall from sucking the moisture out of the wallpaper adhesive too quickly, giving you time to reposition your paper.
When using our Premium Wallpaper Adhesive to size your walls, mix the sachet’s contents into 8 pints (4.5 litres) of cold water.
How long does wallpaper paste last?
If you don’t manage to finish your wallpapering all in one day, don’t worry! Wallpaper paste will last for at least 48 hours, meaning you can return to papering the next day without having to mix fresh paste. Cover your paste mix with cling film or seal with a plastic bag, making sure that it’s airtight. When you’re ready to use it again, just give it a good stir, and it will be as good as new.
Top tip - To save cleaning your pasting brush or roller when you’re not quite finished, wrap this in cling film overnight too and it will stop the paste from hardening.
How to dispose of wallpaper paste
Flummoxed about where and how to get rid of wallpaper paste? The good news is you don’t even need to leave the house. Mix the paste you have left with plenty of water to dilute it, pour it down your toilet and flush. Remember to clean up any splashes in your bathroom before it hardens.
If you’ve left large amounts of wallpaper paste to set, just break it away from the bucket or container, and throw it in the bin with your usual household rubbish. Wallpaper paste is classed as non-hazardous waste and is water-soluble. This means it can be disposed of via the main sewer system and regular landfill sites without causing any harm to the environment. Happy days!
Good to know - It’s best not to dispose of wallpaper adhesive in septic systems as there’s a chance it can dry and cause blockages.
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