Sticking back loose wallpaper - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

davidanbess · 08-20-2007, 07:15 PM

Hi, what is the best product for sticking back loose edges of a vinyl wallpaper.(standard household type).

Thanks D/B

Nigel S. Shorts · 08-20-2007, 07:41 PM

Good luck with that one if it's paper back vinyl. It tends to shrink, plus the edges get crispy and don't want to go back down. Is the paper old, as in has it been up for a long time? It could be tough to get good results.

Having said all that, you can try Roman's Stick-ease seam adhesive. It's sold in a tube and I get it at Lowes. It's pressure sensitive, and has quick tack. Also, a trick I was taught a long time ago is to use Dap Quick Seal caulking in a tube. It has great tack as well. You can get clear instead of white depending on your needs. In either case what you want to do is wait for the adhesive to tack up before rolling it down. Try to use water sparingly, as it will dilute the repair adhesive and compromise the tack. A heat gun or hair dryer can be used to speed the tackiness.

Notice I didn't even mention regular wallpaper adhesive because, USUALLY, there's a problem with either the wall prep that preceded the work, or there was too much steam, etc., that is causing the lifting. You will usually need more permanent measures for a re-glue to be successful. Personally, I haven't seen too many that turn out well. Good luck.

daArch · 08-21-2007, 05:06 PM

One thing Mr Stickie Shortz didn't elaborate on is that many times, especially in a bathroom situation, the vinyl coating has delaminated from its substrate.

You can determine if this is the case by close examination. If it has delaminated, you will not have an easy chore ahead of you. Use the products Nigel mentions, or any vinyl to vinyl adhesive. Besides a hair drier, a warm irom also facilitates the job. The iron "softens" the vinyl (wipes out it's "curl memory"), assists in the dry time, while applying the necessary pressure. I would put a piece of CLEAN cotton between iron and wallpaper.

I would suggest attempting a seam repair adhesive before the caulk. PLEASE do not use "super glue" or a spray adhesive. BTDT, and it was NOT a good situation.

Good luck.

davidanbess · 08-21-2007, 09:17 PM

thanks guys I know where your coming from with the shrinkage of the paper but when I have done this in the past back in Scotland when the paper is stuck back and you see the seam all I used to do was get some kids chalk that was a close color match or indeed some color markers and just go over the seam, this most times did a good job of disguising the shrinkage.
So off to Lowes I will go and get the Roman's Stick-ease seam adhesive.
thanks again D/B

daArch · 08-22-2007, 05:37 AM

Quote:

do was get some kids chalk that was a close color match or indeed some color markers and just go over the seam

You got it ,Dude. Those are just a few of the tricks we use when there is seam separation. If I told you more, we'd have to kill you

No seriously, chalk is probably one of the best. One of Nigel's and my favorites touch up material is Gouache (pronounced gwash), which is a water based artist medium. Another is acrylic craft paint mixed to the consistency of an ink and them wicked into the seam. I tend to stay away from markers because the tips are not fine enough and colors can't be mixed, but whatever works best for you, is the right one.

Let us know how it goes.

Nigel S. Shorts · 08-24-2007, 03:10 AM

I like a heaping helping of Haggis prior to seam repair myself

davidanbess · 08-25-2007, 06:37 PM

hate the stuff rather have a fish supper and a game of golf.
Check this out aboot the Scottish lingo
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/845/ro...liams_on_golf/

daArch · 08-25-2007, 08:09 PM

Yup that's an absolute classic.

Nigel and I have enjoyed that skit for years - although he claims to be too busy lately to get out on the links.

BTW, Nigel, I called next week's client and already told her I wouldn't be in on Thursday, got a 10 AM tee time. No problem with her.