TRADITIONAL UNPASTED
As this is a professional grade product please consult your installer prir purchasing this wallcovering. If possible, share with them the contents of this page.
Overview
There are only two major commercial grade wallcovering adhesive manufacturers remaining in the United States: Gardner-Gibson& Roman Decorative Products.Their branded and private label products work quite well and can be used for a successful installation if these general guidelines are followed. Always use recommended compatible primers with the selected brand of adhesive. New sheetrock, previously painted sheetrock (latex or oil based paint?)sheetrock with wallcovering previously installed and subsequently removed (adhesive residue remaining), sheetrock in high humidity environments will require slightly different surface preparation sand or formulations depending on local jobsite conditions. There are primers for unique installations that can be discussed on a case-by-case basis. A few questions and close attention to individual jobsite details are a big plus for successful installations. We have found that water-based acrylic and latex primers are preferred to almost all other types of primers. The individual paint store will know the compatibility of their house brand of primers relative to their brand of adhesive relative to the condition of the chosen substrate.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
The best general guidelines for a suitable wallcovering adhesive are as follows, choose form this list the adhesive that better suits your project:
- Premixed commercial grade available in one and five gallon buckets.
- A “ clay” premixed is the baseline for commercial wallcovering adhesives. All commercial wallcovering adhesives are water based. Clay based adhesives require a little more attention than“clear cellulose” adhesive when they are dropped,smeared or spilled on surfaces other than back of the wallcovering. A real “sea sponge” is recommended for cleaning/ removing clay based adhesive residue. Do not try to save a few dollars by buying a conventional sponge. Time is money. A cheap sponge will spread adhesive over a larger area and come back to haunt you when it dries. Rinse with clean water. Change water frequently. Some installers prefer clay based products because they can readily see the amount of adhesive that has been applied to the wallcovering or the wall if “dry hanging”.There also may be some additional "open time" (the amount of time available to install the material before it dries out) depending on the local temperature and humidity.
- A “ clear” (cellulose vs clay) based adhesive will minimize clean-up issues. It dries to a consistency similar to oatmeal residue and will take off easily. Be careful around exotic finishes (silk, woods, etc…)regardless of what type of adhesive is used. One inch “blue” painters tape is great for a quick barrier between the finishes, over ceiling grids, moldings, etc...
- A “strippable ” commercial grade adhesive will facilitate future removal of material when your client is ready to change their image. If you plan on going back in the future . application or work with the same client repeatedly in multiple locations then seriously consider a strippable adhesive and suitable primer. Your client, installer, and the walls will appreciate your foresight.
General Product recommendation
This is our recommendation but we cannot guarantee results obtained throughout their use.
Installer expertise is a key factor in a succesful wallpaper install
Gardner-Gibson
- Primer: Dynamite® 23 5 / HD acrylic primer sizing : 350-400 sq . ft . per gallon .
- Primer : 221 clearwall prep.
- Primer : 222 white tinted wallpaper.
- Adhesive : Dynamite® 780 HD clear strippable: 275 -3 0 sq.ft . per gallon .
- Adhesive : Dynamite® 234 premium HD clear / strippable.
- Adhesive : Dynamite® 433 clay based strippable.
Roman Decorating Products, Professional ® Series:
- Primer: Pro 935 ( R-35 ® ): 400-450 sq.ft. per gallon ( might be overkill for some )
- Primer: Pro 909 vinyl prep.
- Primer: Pro 990 vinyl prep.
- Pro Ultra® Prime 977 : great for new sheetrock applications.
- Adhesive: Pro 870 HD clear strippable : 275 -300 sq.ft. per gallon .
- Adhesive: Pro 83 8 HD clear .
- Adhesive : Pro 774 clay strippable.
Roman Decorating Products: ( high humidity environments)
- Primer : Pro 988 ( for mildew prone environments ) 400-4 0 sq.ft .per gallon .
- Adhesive: Pro 888 Clear . ( for mildew prone areas ):275 -300 sq.ft . per gallon .
Benjamin - Moore :
- Primer : Universal Wall Grip® 203 : 400 sq.ft. per gallon
Sherwin - Williams:
- Primer : Prep - Rite® Pro Block ®
- Prep-Rite® Bonding
- Prep-Rite® Pre Wallcovering Primer ( depends on condition and type of substrate ) .
Zinsser :
- Primer : Gardz®
- Also supply quality mildew protection products.
PREPARATION OF GOODS
Examine goods to assure that pattern, color, quantity and quality are as ordered.
PREPARATION OF SURFACE
Surfaces to be covered must be clean, smooth, dry and structurally sound. Loose paint or other wallcoverings must be removed. In order to ensure maximum smoothness of installation, nail heads, nicks, gouges and other surface imperfections should be filled, sanded smooth and sealed. On new walls, drywall joints should be taped, bedded and sanded smooth. Mold and mildew require moisture in order to grow; therefore it is important to check the walls with a suitable moisture meter. Moisture content should not exceed 4%. Excessive moisture in the wall needs to be corrected prior to installation of the wallcovering. Remove any mold and mildew from the existing wall and treat surfaces to inhibit future growth. This wallpaper can be installed over almost any surface that has been properly prepared. Do not hang wallpaper over ballpoint pen markings, wax crayon, ink marker, oil-based stains or any foreign matter that may bleed through the vinyl. Painted surfaces should be checked for possibility of pigment bleed-through. It is suggested that lead pencil be used to mark wallpaper or wall. Glossy surfaces should either be sanded to dull or an application of professional R-35 heavy-duty primer. A primer must be used, if there is a desire for possible future stripping. Some drywall joint compounds contrast with the drywall paper surface, showing strong light and dark colored areas. Very lightly colored, light-weight wallcoverings may seem sheer due to their limited amount of opacity. Should this situation occur, we recommend that you use a primer followed by Koroseal Heavy Duty A-848-B adhesive or an equivalent commercial grade wallcovering paste.
APPLICATION OF WALLCOVERING
Before hanging, examine panels for color uniformity and consistency of design. All material must be installed sequentially. Graphic design of panels will determine seaming methods to be implemented. Overlapping, double-cutting and pre-trimming have advantages in making acceptable seams. Do not “score” drywall when double-cutting. As with all vinyl wallcoverings, certain deeply embossed non-design print patterns will provide a more satisfactory seam if through the graphic design a two – three inch selvage cut can be taken from each side of the sheet. When hanging materials it is best to observe from a distance the first two – three sheets before continuing.
Apply an even coat of adhesive on the fabric side of the material using a stiff bristle brush, roller. Booking method can be used to keep the adhesive wet, this will also help when handling the panels to ensure an easy installation. The wallcovering should be applied to the wall as soon as it has become tacky. Make sure the panels are lined up. Smooth the surface working to take out air bubbles as you go. If you notice a bubble on the wallpaper once the panel is on the wall peel back and reapply. Wallcovering can be easily moved around if done so within 30 minutes to 1 hour after application. Overlapping and double cutting method is recommended for this wallcovering. There is 1 inch Overlap between panels.
As each strip is installed, immediately remove excess adhesive from the wallcovering surface and seam using a natural sponge and a soft bristle brush frequently rinsed it in warm water and dry with a clean cotton towel. Use a professional vinyl cleaner/wallpaper remover where adhesive products have been specifically developed for use in these applications. We are not responsible for the appearance and performance of the wallcoverings not applied according to these instructions.
Vertical joins should not occur less than 6 inches from outside or inside corners. Do not install wallcoverings unless a temperature above 55o F is maintained in both areas of installation and storage.
Wallcovering in commercial spaces or in domestic environments during construction should be performed as a finishing procedure. Never apply a wallcovering if there are important construction, painting or general remodeling still going on.
