HOW TO REMOVE EXCESS GLUE FROM JOINTS?
HOW TO REMOVE EXCESS GLUE FROM JOINTS?
When applying wallpaper, one of the most important and sometimes most difficult aspects is applying the right amount of adhesive. It is a question of using just enough so that the wallpaper sticks perfectly to the wall, but without it overflowing around the edges. However, sometimes it is not calculated correctly and there is no choice but to remove the excess glue from the joints.
Although this is not complicated, it is important to be very careful, especially with certain types of wallpaper. It is also important to do this immediately. If the excess glue in the joints dries, not only will it be more difficult to remove, but the paper could be damaged in the process.
Removing excess glue from joints step by step
Wallpaper adhesive has the advantage that it dries slowly. This means that there is time to remove excess glue from the joints. Even so, it is best not to wait and remove the excess once the strip of paper has been laid, before laying the next one.
This is easy to do, but it is worth taking some precautions, as not all paper is the same. If they can withstand humidity without problems, the ideal is to use a damp cloth to remove excess glue from the joints. It is important that it is lint-free. If one is not available, a well wrung sponge can be used.
Another recommendation is to dampen them in water only. Removing excess glue from the joints when it has not yet dried does not require anything else. If a solvent product is used, the paper may be damaged.
Technically, the cloth should be wiped very carefully, making sure to wipe the glue away from the strip if the next strip has not yet been applied. After each use, the cloth or sponge should be thoroughly rinsed before repeating the process. Failure to do so may result in staining of the adhesive to be removed.
If excess joint glue appears between strips that have already been laid, it is not advisable to drag the cloth or sponge. In this case, the adhesive should be removed by tapping gently so that it is absorbed by the cloth. Then, simply dry the surface with the same procedure.
This last way of removing excess glue from the joints is also suitable for papers that cannot withstand humidity. In order to remove the protruding adhesive, a dry and very absorbent paper should be used and applied in gentle touches to prevent it from spreading on the surface.
Why should the glue be removed as soon as possible?
Excess glue in the joints can lead to a less than perfect finish once the wallpaper is in place. It may also show through in the form of shiny edges after the wallpaper has dried. But that is only one reason to remove the overflow immediately.
The other is that not all papers can be removed afterwards. If the paper is moisture-resistant, the excess glue in the joints can be removed later by moistening it a little. But with other types of paper it is not possible to do so. And, in any case, it is not recommended either, since when trying to remove it, the joint can be lifted unintentionally.
It only takes a few seconds to remove the excess glue from the joint when it is still wet. In return, the wallpaper will be perfectly in place and free of stains and residues of any kind.
At Al&Mabi we offer wallpaper in an infinite number of designs, so you can decorate your home to your liking. But remember that the placement of the wallpaper is important to achieve a perfect finish. Take our advice into account and the result will be spectacular.