How to glue paper-backed vinyl wallpaper: useful tips for wall decoration

Do-it-yourself vinyl wallpaper gluing

Features of vinyl wallpaper

Vinyl covering is a layer of PVC applied to a paper or non-woven backing. Its main advantage lies primarily in its long service life. In addition, vinyl does not tarnish under the influence of direct sunlight, which is very important for wallpapers with a bright pattern, it tolerates high humidity well, which allows you to use such a coating in a bathroom or kitchen.

The only thing that can negatively affect vinyl flooring is temperature changes. Therefore, do not stick it in the immediate vicinity of sources of strong heat, for example, near a fireplace or over a gas stove.

In addition, the material is characterized by poor air permeability. The problem can be solved by purchasing special wallpaper with micropores. This option allows air to pass through well, but it successfully resists the accumulation of moisture, so you can not be afraid that water will penetrate through the pores under the wallpaper.

Vinyl covering is strong enough and durable

There is a common myth that vinyl flooring is hazardous to human health. It did not appear from scratch, but only certain types of paper-based vinyl wallpaper have such a drawback. Reviews of poor quality products from unknown manufacturers will really be unflattering. If we take wallpaper for walls a reliable manufacturer, in the production of which all environmental and sanitary safety standards are observed, then they will be absolutely harmless to your health.

It is worth highlighting the following positive qualities of vinyl flooring:

1. It can be glued to various types of surfaces (concrete, plaster, wood, chipboard, etc.).
2. Due to the density of the vinyl layer, such wallpapers mask well cracks and uneven walls. However, this requires the use of thicker coatings.
3. A wide variety of design options makes it easy to choose a coating for a specific interior.
4. Choice of rolls of standard or meter wallpaper. How to properly glue both of them will be discussed below.

Vinyl wallpaper can be glued to any type of substrate

Advantages and disadvantages of paper-backed and non-woven vinyl wallpaper

The base of vinyl wallpaper can be paper or non-woven. Each of these materials has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages that must be considered before gluing. Non-woven wallpaper has the following advantages:

• glue applied directly to the wall, they do not need to saturate the wallpaper, which greatly simplifies the gluing process and makes it faster;
• the non-woven base is stronger than the paper base, respectively, the finished product will also be more durable and wear-resistant;
• unlike paper-based vinyl wallpaper, gluing non-woven wallpaper will effectively hide surface irregularities and cracks in the walls.

Disadvantages of non-woven base:

• the non-woven fabric is non-plastic, therefore, with wallpaper with such a base it is rather difficult to glue roundness, projections and embossed surfaces;
• The non-woven base is transparent enough that any stains on the walls or remnants of previous coatings will show through.

The advantage of wallpaper on a non-woven basis is that you do not need to apply glue to the canvas, but only to the walls

Advantages of paper-based wallpaper:

• the paper stretches well, which means that wallpaper with such a base can easily be pasted over ledges, niches, columns, corners, etc.;
• the paper has a high density, the base of the surface will not show through it.

Cons of paper base:

• glue must be applied not only to the wall, but also to the wallpaper;
• paper quickly absorbs liquid, which increases the consumption of glue, and also requires a high speed of work;
• paper wallpaper is easy to tear or scratch;
• the adhesion of the paper to the wall surface is long enough, so the strip of wallpaper must be pressed against the wall for some time.

When gluing canvases with a paper backing, the glue is applied both to the wallpaper and to the walls

Taking into account the peculiarities of the materials, you can easily learn how to quickly and correctly glue vinyl wallpaper on both paper and non-woven backing.

Helpful advice! Correctly gluing paper wallpaper (like non-woven wallpaper) is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance. The main rule is to carefully prepare the walls, the final result will directly depend on this.

Types of vinyl wallpaper

Vinyl wallpaper can be classified by the type of surface structure (embossed or smooth) and by the way it is finished (embossed or profiled). Also, many properties depend on how the top decorative layer is applied to the wallpaper:

• silkscreen is the lightest type of vinyl covering. The top layer consists of thin polyvinyl chloride, on which a variety of textures are applied. This type is distinguished by a wide variety of design options and a similarity in appearance to silk fabric;

Silk screened vinyl wallpaper is ideal for living room decoration

• compact vinyl is a heavier version of the coating, the top layer of which imitates various materials (fabric, stone, brick, plaster, tree and many others);
• heavy vinyl is the thickest finish and has the greatest surface relief. It can be stylized under leather, volumetric embroidery and other materials. Due to the density of the vinyl layer, high strength is provided, and it also becomes possible to hide cracks and irregularities in the walls;
• chemical embossing wallpaper - differs from other types of smooth glossy surface from which you can easily remove dirt. Among the advantages of this type are high resistance to moisture, detergents and direct sunlight. Another name for such wallpapers is washable.

A separate type of wall covering is paintable wallpaper. You can glue paper-backed vinyl wallpaper (both on the walls and on the ceiling) and paint it in any color you like. The main advantage of such a coating is the possibility of multiple repainting.

The choice of the appropriate type of wallpaper depends on the characteristics of the walls, their quality, the purpose of the room and the desired style in the interior.

Heavy vinyl wallpaper differs in thickness and surface relief

How to properly glue paper-based vinyl wallpaper: the choice of glue

The correct adhesive for paper-backed vinyl wallpaper is the key to a successful covering. Poor composition can lead to the formation of bubbles, unevenness and lagging of the wallpaper from the wall. Experts advise to give preference to products of foreign manufacturers, which, although more expensive than domestic ones, are of higher quality. The peculiarity of gluing in the case of a vinyl coating is that the material itself is quite heavy, so the adhesive must set well and quickly.

Related article:

Vinyl wallpaper on a non-woven basis. How to glue correctly? Characteristics of wallpaper and their positive properties. How to glue a decorative canvas yourself. Stages of pasting, video of the process.

A good glue for vinyl wallpaper is one that fixes the canvas to the wall quickly, but not instantly, so that you can fit the stripes along the joints, align vertically and horizontally. In addition, the glue should prevent the development of mold and mildew under the wallpaper. This is very important in the case of vinyl, since it does not allow air to pass through well, and the appearance of microorganisms under the coating layer, alas, is not uncommon, especially with high humidity in the room.

Helpful advice! The consumption of each specific type of glue is indicated in the instructions or on the package. It is a mistake to think that the more glue the better. Conversely, excess can seep through the seams and stain the surface of the web.

It is very important to choose the right glue for the specific type of wallpaper.

It is also undesirable to use universal wallpaper glue for gluing vinyl covering. There are specialized formulations, each of which is suitable for carrying out work in certain conditions. Such conditions can be the type of surface on which the wallpaper is glued, the type of vinyl covering, the humidity in the room and much more. Therefore, if you are not sure which adhesive is best for gluing, for example, foamed vinyl wallpaper on a paper basis on a concrete wall, then it is better to consult an experienced specialist.

It is important that the glue has the following characteristics:

• no lumps or lumps should form during mixing. They can subsequently lead to irregularities in the glued surface;
• must have anti-fungal properties, prevent the formation and development of mold;
• already prepared good glue can be stored for 24 hours without drying out;
• in the package, the composition can be stored for several years;
• must be environmentally friendly and safe for human life and health;
• the process of preparing the composition should be extremely simple and understandable even for those who have no experience in the field of such work.

Some adhesives have a light blue or pink tint, which disappears after drying

Necessary tools for work

Numerous thematic videos "how to properly glue paper wallpaper" demonstrate a number of tools that you may need in the process of doing the job:

• a level or plumb line to mark the gluing lines on the walls, as well as a pencil or marker for drawing;
• brush for applying adhesive to the wall. You can also use a medium or short nap roller for this;
• large rubber roller - to smooth the already glued canvas on the wall;
• knife or scissors for cutting rolls and cutting holes for sockets and switches;
• ruler or tape measure;
• foam rubber or soft cloth - remove excess glue at the joints;
• table or ladder.

Tools you need for self-wallpapering

It is quite difficult to glue wallpaper in the corners of a room (both external and internal), so the process is best done together, it will be faster and more efficient. The partner can hold stepladder, feed tools or cut a new blade while gluing the previous one.

How to remove old wallpaper from the wall

There are several tricks to how you can quickly and effortlessly remove the old coating from the wall. To do this, you will need a narrow and wide spatula, a special stripper, a punch tool, and a regular plastic wrap.

First, apply a softening solution or water and detergent to the old wallpaper. In this state, the coating is left for 15-20 minutes. Plastic wrap is needed to cover furniture and close outlets and switches. After the wallpaper is soaked, it can be easily removed from the wall with a spatula.

In the event that a particularly strong adhesive was used for gluing, and it is impossible to soak the old canvas, you can use sandpaper. This will take longer, but will completely remove the old covering from the wall.

Removing the old coating from the wall with a spatula

How to glue paper-backed vinyl wallpaper: leveling the walls

In order for the walls with the coating pasted on them to look as attractive as possible, they must first be leveled. This is especially true for owners of old apartments, whose walls do not have a perfect surface. The alignment method is selected depending on the vertical deviation. This parameter is checked using a level and a cord, and in the event that the deviation is only 5-10 mm, it is enough to simply process the surface with a putty.

Leveling with putty

It is recommended to apply the initial layer of putty in two layers, between which you can lay a special painting net. This will prevent microcracks from forming on the surface. In this case, the direction of the layers can be perpendicular to each other, so you will level the surface in all directions.

When working, it should be borne in mind that the angle of inclination of the spatula determines the thickness of the layer, the smaller the first, the thicker the second.

Leveling with putty is suitable for walls with slight tolerances

The finishing layer is also applied in one or two steps, after which it is finally leveled with fine-grained sandpaper. This layer may not be applied under the wallpaper, but it is required if painting is planned.

Plaster leveling

Time-consuming and complex plastering work should be used when the wall is so uneven that it can be seen with the naked eye. For this, it is best to use special cement-based plaster mixtures that contain polymer additives. The presence of the latter makes it possible not to use a polymer mesh, since the composition is very durable. In residential areas with normal humidity, the following types of plaster can be used:

• lime-gypsum;
• lime-clay;
• lime-clay gypsum;
• cement-lime.

Plaster mortar is used to prepare uneven walls

Before proceeding to leveling the surface with plaster, it is necessary to thoroughly clean it from dirt and dust, and prime it.After that, two vertical beacons are installed along the edges of the wall, between which intermediate ones are mounted. The alignment itself is performed in three stages:

1. Spray - application of liquid plaster with a layer of about 3-5 mm. The surface must be pre-wetted for better adhesion. This layer is a transitional layer between the main body of the plaster and the wall to which it is applied.
2. Primer - the second layer is applied to the first layer, which should be about twice as thick. Its thickness can be 5-7 mm.
3. Nakryvka is a finishing thin layer of plaster, with the help of which the unevenness of the soil is smoothed out.

Plasterboard leveling

For very uneven walls, drywall sheets can be used, which not only evens out the walls, but also increases the level of heat and sound insulation in the room.
If the surface irregularities do not exceed 7 cm, then the sheets can be fixed on it using a special plaster composition. If the curvature is greater, then you will have to mount a special frame to which drywall is subsequently attached. The sheets must be fastened using self-tapping screws with a step of 30 cm. The joints between the sheets are sealed with plaster mortar, and the caps of the screws are also smeared with it.

Aligning the walls with moisture resistant drywall

In conclusion, the plasterboard surface must be putty, and only then proceed to the question of how to glue vinyl wallpaper on a paper basis. Is it necessary to smear the walls of gypsum board with glue or not? - a frequent question, the unequivocal answer to which is yes, it is necessary. Glueing wallpaper on drywall takes place using the same technology, which is relevant for other surfaces.

How to glue the wallpaper correctly: video and step-by-step instructions

After you have decided on the type of coating and the type of adhesive, you can proceed directly to gluing. This is done in the following sequence:

• the walls are being prepared. This process involves preliminary drying of the surface. If the wall has been recently plastered, the plaster should dry completely. Otherwise, there is a high risk of wallpaper peeling;

Useful advice! In order to check the dryness of the wall, you can stick a small strip of polyethylene on it and leave it overnight. If wet drops appear on it in the morning, then the wall needs to be dried again.

Priming walls using a long-handled paint roller

• a primer is applied. This can be a special solution or the adhesive composition on which the wallpaper will subsequently be glued. The primer is designed to seal cracks in the walls and hide minor irregularities;
• in a special container, according to the instructions, the glue is diluted. It must be stirred for at least 10 minutes, the solution must be homogeneous, without clots and lumps;
• using the level, the upper line is drawn, which will be a guide for gluing the first sheet of the coating;

Marking and cutting wallpaper into canvas

• the room is de-energized, all sockets and switches are removed from the walls. Holes for them in the canvas can be cut both before and after gluing. The main thing is to mark with a pencil exactly where the slots should be made;
• before gluing, you need to make sure that there are no drafts in the room. It is highly not recommended to turn on fans or air conditioners in the process and open windows;
• each roll is cut into strips. In this case, it is recommended to leave an allowance of 10 cm in length. Before cutting, using a tape measure and a pencil, cut lines are drawn;

Applying glue to wallpaper with a wide brush

• glue is applied to the prepared canvas. The solution must be applied evenly, smearing the edges of the strip well. It is very important not to leave dry, non-oiled areas, which later do not stick to the wall and create a bulging effect. The question of what glue to glue vinyl wallpaper on a paper basis was discussed above;
• glue is applied to the wall.If you are using meter rolls, you should skip this point and proceed to the next one;
• prepared canvases are glued to the wall. This must be done end-to-end, without letting go. Remnants of glue that show through the seams are removed with foam rubber or a soft cloth;

Pasting the walls must start from the corner of the room or window opening.

• the edges that remain below and above are trimmed with a blade or utility knife. It is best to do this when the sheet is already dry, otherwise the cut runs the risk of getting uneven.

How to stick paper backed vinyl wallpaper in the corners and ceiling of a room? These processes have their own subtleties, which will be discussed below.

The nuances of gluing wallpaper on the ceiling

The process of gluing wallpaper to the ceiling is carried out before the walls are pasted over.
It is better to choose a lighter vinyl option for finishing the ceiling, since heavy wallpaper can come off under its own weight. Otherwise, the difference with pasting the walls is minimal, but this process is more laborious, and it is in the case of the ceiling that the help of a partner will be very useful.

When pasting the ceiling, it is recommended to remove all furniture and carpet from the room. The remaining items are covered with plastic wrap. A special headgear and goggles should be used to protect the face and head from glue.

How to glue wallpaper in the corners of the room

From what angle to start gluing the wallpaper is absolutely not important, but it should be borne in mind that this process requires special care. The task becomes easier if the corners in the apartment are even. If they have errors, they must be corrected, otherwise the end result will be unsatisfactory.

Pasting the outer corner of the room with vinyl wallpaper

When gluing vinyl in the corners, you need to cut through one of the joints. This means that when less than one strip remains to the corner, then you need to measure the distance to it (from the glued surface) and cut off the canvas with an allowance of 3-4 cm. These centimeters will go to the perpendicular wall. Then you need to glue the second canvas with an overlap, and in this place carefully cut both canvases. Thus, you will get a smooth and neat joint. At the junction, the wall is coated with glue, and the wallpaper is smoothed with a roller.

How long does paper-based vinyl wallpaper dry?

The answer to the question of how long the glued wallpaper will dry depends on many factors. First of all, this is influenced by how well the working surface was dried before gluing. Optimal characteristics of the environment during drying and further gluing - temperature not lower than 19-21 ° C and humidity not more than 75%. At high humidity or low temperatures, the wall can dry out for a very long time, which, in turn, can affect the peeling of the wallpaper, its deformation and discrepancies at the joints.

Remember that other types of repair work can only be carried out after the wallpaper is completely dry.

The drying time of the wallpaper depends on the amount of glue applied

Also, the drying time of the wallpaper can be affected by the presence of drafts or air currents from climatic equipment. Drafts during gluing lead to the fact that the coating dries unevenly, and this leads to its deformation. If you do not want to re-glue the canvas several times, then do not use air conditioners, fans and other climatic equipment in the process of pasting the room, and also close all windows and doors.

It is rather difficult to determine the exact drying time of the canvas, since it depends on the following factors:

• the type of glue used in the process;
• the amount of solution applied to the wall;
• room temperature and humidity level.

The minimum drying time for non-woven fabrics is 24 hours. For a paper base, this period is slightly less. Time also depends on the density of the vinyl covering and the presence of micropores in it.

It is necessary to carefully remove glue residues at the joints to avoid contamination of the cloths

General tips for vinyl wallpaper

There are a number of general points that must be considered when gluing vinyl wallpaper:

• vinyl conducts electricity well, so you need to crate the wallpaper in such a way that it does not come into contact with bare wiring, otherwise you risk injury;
• during the drying process, the paper-backed web shrinks. Therefore, you need to pay special attention to the joints and seams. To prevent them from diverging, it is recommended to glue the wallpaper with an overlap. They will tell you how to properly glue vinyl wallpaper on a paper basis, video and photo instructions that can be easily found on the Internet;
• if you do not want the microclimate in the bedroom or children's room to change significantly, then you should not paste over the walls of these rooms with vinyl. It's all about its very low level of vapor permeability;

Vinyl wallpapers have low vapor permeability, so it is not recommended to glue them in children's rooms and bedrooms

• no need to save on the quality of the coating and glue, it is on them that the durability, wear resistance and attractive appearance of the wallpaper depend;
• for gluing canvases in rooms with high humidity, PVC wallpaper is perfect, as they will protect the walls from moisture.

Do not be afraid to experiment, try pasting walls with different wallpapers. Photos of combining wallpaper look very attractive, the main thing is to choose the right pattern, color and texture. Use rolls of different thicknesses and types, use original design solutions, combine tones and textures, and you can create a stylish and memorable interior yourself.