This document discusses the selection and application of wallpaper adhesives. It describes the three main types of adhesives - ready-mixed, cellulose, and starch - and explains their characteristics such as water content. Application methods like pasting machines, brushes, and rollers are also covered. The document aims to instruct readers on choosing the proper adhesive for different wallpaper types and applying it correctly.

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Adhesives
Unit 217: Applying standard papers to ceilings and
walls

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Learning outcomes
Unit 217 will instruct you how to:
• Select and prepare wallpaper adhesive
• Select and prepare wallpaper adhesive
• Apply papers to ceilings and walls

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Adhesives
• There are three types of adhesives with low, medium and high
water content.
• It is essential to choose the correct one for the type of wallpaper you
are using.
• Read the manufacturers instructions before selecting your adhesive,
this information is found on the packet, tub or data sheet.
• Information includes:
- Surface types/papers
- Mixing instructions
- Spreading rate

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Adhesives
There are three types of paper:
• Pre-pasted
• Self-adhesive
• Non-pasted.

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Ready-mixed adhesive
• This adhesive has low moisture content.
• Containing PVA it has very good
adhesive properties making it ideally
suited for use with vinyl/contract vinyl.
• Some of these adhesives can be very
thick and require be diluting prior to use.

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Cellulose
• This adhesive has higher water content
than any other (around 97%) and is
usually packaged in small bags and
boxes in the form of a white powder.
• It is mixed with cold water as required
and can be used with a variety of
lightweight papers.

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Starch adhesive
• Created using wheat, maize, corn etc., this
adhesive has a water content ranging from 90
to 95% depending on the amount of water
added.
• It is supplied in either cold-water or hot-water
paste powders.

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Border and overlap adhesive
• This adhesive has very strong adhesive
properties.
• It is very useful when bonding overlaps
on internal or external angles or when
applying a border paper over paper or
vinyl.

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Pasting methods (pasting machines)
Before applying adhesive to any paper read the manufacturer's
instructions.
Pasting machines are manufactured to apply adhesive.
Advantages
• Quick
• Spreads the adhesive evenly
• Ideal for non-match papers (hang at a faster rate).
Disadvantages
• Hard to master
• Cleaning
• Expensive to purchase.

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Pasting methods (roller)
Adhesives can be applied to papers and surface areas by bush and roller
depending upon the type of paper, size and durability
Advantages Disadvantages
• Roller spreads the
adhesive fast on
paper and surfaces
• Evenly, as you would
lay it off accordingly
• Can get on the paper face
• Cleaning the roller takes longer
than a brush
• Can not reach in corners
(surface areas)

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Ready pasted
Ready pasted papers are purchased with adhesive on the back of the
paper. To activate the adhesive, apply water by brush, roller or
soaking it in a trough (allow to soak referring to the manufacturers
guidelines).
Advantages Disadvantages
• No mess from
adhesive
• Hang several lengths
faster
• Misses and dry areas creating
bubbles and blisters
• Poor adhesion properties (some
decorators prefer to apply a thin
coat of adhesive to ensure the
paper will adhere to the surface)

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Applying adhesive by brush
Advantages Disadvantages
• Easier to control
• Less mess
• Easier to clean
• Good for corners and
intricate areas
• Slower than a roller
• Loose bristles on the
paper/surface area

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Wallpaper adhesive
State the advantages and disadvantages of the following adhesives:
1. Starch paste
2. Cellulose paste
3. Ready-mixed adhesive

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Questions
1. What are three classification of adhesives?
2. What three pieces of information can be found in the
manufacturer's instructions?
3. Which adhesive contains the highest water content?
4. Which adhesive is used to bond overlaps?