Types  of  Size  and  Paste  PACIFIC  WALLCOVERINGS  

Introduction.

It is important to identify the type of wallcovering you are hanging even at the preparation stage. The type of wallcovering determines the size and paste you will need to use for best results.

This is because of the different types of backings wallcoverings are manufactured with and the different physical weights and thicknesses of wallcoverings.

Following the recommendations of size and paste will make wallpapering easier, more profitable and ensure a long lasting finish.

Always measure for the recommended amount of water when mixing size and paste as the consistency and viscosity is more important than the physical amount you apply on the surface or wallpaper.

How do I know which Size and Paste to use?

Size and paste recommendations are made on the labels of most rolls of wallpaper. The packaging of size and paste recommends which types of wallcoverings it is suited for.

Check the international symbols on the roll’s label to help determine which type of wallcovering you are hanging in order to select the correct type of size and paste.

Lets check in on those symbols now;

Pre-Pasted Paper

Un-Pasted Paper

Paste the Wall (Non-Woven)

Lets discuss Size first……

We size because: •  It seals the surface to be papered and prevents over absorption of paste. •  It allows the wall covering to slide, making it easier to position each drop. •  It holds down the seams (joins) •  It adds to the adhesion of the wall covering to the wall. •  It makes it easier to remove the wall covering when it is next re-

decorated. •  It gives a longer wet life to your product (easier to hang your wallpaper)

When is size ready to hang wallcoverings over it? Granulated Size is ready to wallpaper over as soon as it is dry. Latex Size needs a minimum of two hours to cure after it has been applied.

Latex Size is recommended under all paper back wallpaper as it re-wets and helps prevent opening/lifting edges

Range of Size Available.

Granulated or Powdered Used for under Non-Woven (paste the wall) wallcoverings

Latex Pre-Mixed Used for under paper backed wallcoverings Must be cured for two hours before hanging over

Size must be mixed to the correct consistency and has a pot and wall life of three days

Ok, the surface is sized, now onto Paste…

The types of paste available are all different because of the differing demands of wallcoverings and paper hangers. •  Some pastes have a higher solids to liquids ratio than others meaning

they have more holding power. •  Some come pre-mixed and others are granulated. •  Some are coloured so you can make sure you don’t miss pasting any

areas. •  Some have PVA in them.

Most importantly some pastes are not designed or recommended for some types of wall coverings.

When I am pasting the wall, how much paste should I apply? Around 150 Microns or three roller fills per drop remembering it’s the consistency and viscosity of the paste that matters not the physical amount.

Paste Questions:

Can I paste Pre-Pasted wallpaper? We suggest you always check for the presence of paste on pre-pasted wallpaper as the pre-paste does not last. This is not a defect of the wallpaper, it is because some rolls of wallpaper can sit in stores for long periods of time and the paste can naturally break down from the edge of the roll in. Wetting a strip of the backing across the roll would give you a good idea of how much paste is present. If you feel there is not the required amount of paste present then paste the rolls with the recommend paste mixed to the correct consistency.

Should I add PVA to my Paste? There is no need to add PVA glue to your paste. If you have followed the recommendations for preparing the surface, applied the correct size and mixed the paste to the recommended consistency then the wallcovering will stick.

Range of New Zealand Made Powdered Paste.

All paste must be mixed to the correct consistency and only has a pot life of three days

Shur-Stik Blue Low moisture, high tack adhesive for hanging our NZ made paste the wall products

Shur-Stik Wallpaper Paste Suitable for most paper backed Wallpaper

Range of Imported Powdered Paste.

All paste must be mixed to the correct consistency and only has a pot life of three days

Halls Beeline Flake Adhesive Suitable for all paper backed and non-woven wallcoverings

Metylan Special & Direct Control Suitable for all paper backed and non-woven wallcoverings

Range of Tub Paste.

Halls Beeline General Purpose Tub Adhesive Added PVA for stronger bond

Halls Beeline Medium Grade Tub Adhesive Perfect for specialty wallcoverings such as textiles or fabrics Contains fire retardant

Halls Beeline Vinyl Tub Adhesive Designed for all weights of vinyl wallcoverings by using the dilution guide on the tub

Mini Quiz

Why is it important to identify the type of wallcovering you are hanging even at the preparation stage? What are two reasons that we size? What type of size is recommended under all paper backed wallpaper? Do you have to measure to water quantity when you are mixing size and paste? How long does size and paste last once you mix it up?

Mini Quiz Answers

Why is it important to identify the type of wallcovering you are hanging even at the preparation stage? Because that determines the size and paste you will need to use What are two reasons why we size? It seals the surface and prevents over absorption of paste. It allows the wall covering to slide. It holds down the seams (joins) It adds to the adhesion of the wall covering to the wall. It makes it easier to remove the wall covering. It gives a longer wet life to your product . What type of size is recommended under all paper backed wallpaper? Latex Do you have to measure to water quantity when you are mixing size and paste? Yes How long does size and paste last once you mix it up? Three days