Wallpaper paste

Wallpaper paste comes in a few varieties. The premixed paste can be cellulose, or clay based.
I like the clear vinyl paste which works for most applications.
I know most wallpapers are prepasted, but if you choose an expensive wallpaper, then it will likely be unpasted. Hence this little blog. In the film industry we used wheat paste for many scenic applications but it is hard to find, hard to mix, and is prone to mold.
visit my site @ www.mercuryminc.net  or look at my past blogs on painting.

How to apply wallpaper

Those video's over on the left are random samples from Youtube, there is no way I can recomend or critique them, so watch at your own risk.
Wallpaper goes in and out of style. In 2010 it is gaining ground again.
Every wallpaper can have different installation instructions. Read them carefully.
I have been hanging wallpaper since I was sixteen, and still I read the instructions.
With the expensive custom wallpapers, I suggest having an experienced tradesperson do it. This though is easier said than done. How do do find someone who really can do it properly?
The supplier should have a list, but since it's been in decline for a few years people who have lots of experience are rare.
Tomorrow I am going to install wallpaper for a customer, I will video the process and post it, as writing the process down won't really help you here.
Visit us @ www.mercuryminc.net
The 'this old house' site has lots of tips too.http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/0,,,00.html

Removing wallpaper

So you have a room(s) with ugly wallpaper and it has to come off.
Sometimes you can find a corner that's lifted and pull the top layer off. This will help speed up the proccess.
You will need; some old towels, a bucket and sponge, a scraper (it has a flat blade like a filling knife but stiff),you can use an old filling knife also. You'll need a paint roller and tray and an old paint brush.
Place the towels up against the bottom of the wall to prevent pools of water.
Put hot water in the bucket, then pour some in the tray and begin rolling the water onto the wallpaper.
Tip; only roll upwards, otherwise the water will run down the wall. Use the brush to wet the edges where the roller can't reach.
Now leave it for 10 minutes then go back and wet the area again.
It might soak in quickly or it might take several wettings, but eventually the water will loosen the paste that sticks the paper to the wall. Only when it comes off easily, start the scraping process.
When you have removed all the wallpaper you need to wash off the paste residue, (all of it).
If you don't do the last step the paint you apply will be rough and will tend to crack and possibly fall off.
One last thing, the old wet wallpaper is slick and if allowed to dry, sticks to everything, so pick it up immediately and put it in a garbage bag.
Please visit our site for more info, or read my blogs further down the page.
www.mercuryminc.net