Choosing Wallpaper Paste

We often get asked what wallpaper paste should I use?

It can be a difficult question to answer and therefore we would always recommend seeking the advice of a professional decorator or the person hanging the wallpaper for you.

The second piece of advice, and it is very important, would be to always read the hanging instructions that come with the wallpaper, as it will describe the type of paste that should be used.

Another piece of advice when buying designer wallpapers online or wallpaper direct to your home would be, is that where possible, use the manufacturers own brand of wallpaper adhesive. That way there will be no issues when it comes to the decorator hanging your wallpaper on your feature wall or entire room.

We are sure you would agree there would be nothing worse than having to remove wallpaper due to the wrong wallpaper paste used or watching it fall off because it was a light weight adhesive rather than a heavy weight adhesive required.

Most of our designer wallpaper brands online supply their own adhesive for hanging wallpaper and you will often find these below the product information such as Harlequin wallpaper adhesive or Romo Wallpaper adhesive, and even Cole and Son Wallpapers.

Of course there are still wallpaper adhesives that you can purchase from many DIY stores that will be fit for purpose and below is a general guide on the types of wallpaper adhesives you may find in those retail outlets.

Once again please let the decorator be your ultimate guide for choosing the right type of wallpaper adhesive for the application.

Most wallpaper pastes are supplied powder or flakes for mixing with water. Some come ready-mixed.

All-purpose paste:
Standard wallpaper paste is suitable for most lightweight to medium-weight papers.

Heavy-duty paste:
This is specially prepared for hanging embossed papers, paper-backed fabrics and other heavyweight wallcoverings.

Fungicidal paste:
Pastes often contain a fungicide to prevent the development of mould under impervious wallcoverings, such as vinyls, washable papers and foamed-plastic coverings.

Thixotropic paste:
Tubs of ready-mixed thixotropic paste are specially made for heavyweight wallcoverings and fabrics.

Stain-free paste: 
Use with delicate papers that could be stained by conventional pastes.

Repair adhesive:
For sticking down peeling edges and corners. Will glue vinyl to vinyl.