HOW TO APPLY GLUE ON THE WALL TO INSTALL WALLPAPER
When installing wallpaper, good gluing is essential for a good finish. It is not just a question of the wallpaper adhering perfectly to the walls, but also of not getting any pockets or wrinkles. It is therefore essential that you take into account some basic tips before applying glue to the wall.
Installing wallpaper: preliminary steps
Before applying glue to the wall, it is important to be very careful in several aspects. The first is to choose the right adhesive. In some cases, to install the wallpaper you will need cellulose glue, in others it will be methyl cellulose glue. It will depend on the type of wallpaper.
The second basic aspect is not to forget that, also depending on the type of paper, the installation process may be different. Sometimes it is enough to apply glue to the wall and sometimes it is also necessary to apply glue to the back of the wallpaper. In any of these situations, it is essential to respect the resting times before applying the strips.
And finally, it is necessary to scrupulously follow the manufacturer's instructions when preparing the adhesive. If it is too thick, it will be more difficult to apply the glue to the wall, and it is more likely to leave lumps. If it is too runny, the surface will absorb too much of the glue and lose its ability to adhere.
The best technique for applying glue to the wall
Before you start applying glue to the wall, it is important to have everything perfectly prepared: adhesive ready, a suitable brush, water at hand and the wallpaper already cut into strips ready to be applied. The wall, of course, must be in perfect condition, smooth, free of imperfections and clean of any traces of dust or dirt.
When everything is ready, you can start to spread the glue on the wall. To do this, always use a wide brush specifically for this job. Brushes for applying adhesives are wider than those used for painting, which makes the work easier and ensures that the glue is perfectly spread.
To apply the glue, wet the brush well, but do not cover the entire length of the bristles. Then spread it evenly over the area where the strip is to be applied. It is important to cover the entire surface perfectly and make sure that there are no lumps on the wall before installing the wallpaper, as they may be noticeable once the wallpaper is in place.
Bear in mind, however, that the adhesive does not dry immediately, so you can always spread enough glue on the wall to cover two or even three strips, depending on how difficult it may be to install the wallpaper in a particular area. There will also be time to rectify if the wallpaper has not been properly applied.
If it is also necessary to apply glue to the wallpaper, the glue should be applied from the centre to the ends of the wallpaper. Then fold from the end towards the centre until the glue has penetrated the surface and the wallpaper can be installed.
A final step for perfect gluing is carried out once the strip of wallpaper has been laid. If the glue overflows at the edge, it is advisable to remove the excess glue with a damp sponge before continuing with the next strips. There should always be enough glue between the strips, but never too much.
The application of the glue on the wall is essential to ensure that the wallpaper is perfect when it is installed: well adhered to the surface along its entire length and with a perfectly smooth surface, without pockets, wrinkles or deformities.
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