Wall surface analysis
What characteristics must the wall surface have?
For successful wallpapering the wall surface must be dry, firm, evenly absorbent, clean and smooth. Lightly coloured wallpapers need a uniform white background. Therefore, the colour of the surface needs to be adapted accordingly.
Damp Surfaces
A damp wall surface is not suitable for wallpapering or any other form of coating. Mildew quickly forms on damp wall surfaces and can damage a building's fabric.
Attempting to wallpaper a damp surface will result in the seams lifting and poor adhesion, particularly in the seam areas.
How do I find out if the surface is damp and what can I do about it? | |
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Analysis | Steps to be taken |
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Load-Bearing Capacity
Detachment of the wall surface (plaster, emulsion paint, chalky abrasion) means that adhesion of the wallpaper is not guaranteed. Seams or whole lengths can come away from the wall surface and ruin the overall uniform appearance.
How do I find out if the load-bearing capacity is compromised and what can I do about it? | |
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Analysis | Steps to be taken |
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Sintered Layers
Sintered layers are accumulations of binding agent on the surface of the wall that prevent firm adhesion of wallpapers or other wall coverings. The characteristic features of sintered layers are a gentle surface sheen and low absorbency.
How do I find out if the wall surface has sintered layers? | |
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Analysis | Steps to be taken |
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Absorbency
The absorbency of the wall surface is a crucial factor for the success of wallpapering. If a wall surface has very poor absorbency or cannot absorb any more moisture, it is not suitable for wallpapering as adhesion to the wall surface cannot be achieved. In the worst case scenario, it is probable that the strips of wallpaper will fall off.
It is also problematic if the wall surface is too absorbent. This can cause problems because the wallpaper paste is absorbed too quickly by the wall surface, creating an extremely high surface tension, which in turn may result in splitting of the seams.
How do I find out if the wall surface has too much or too little absorbency? | |
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Analysis | Steps to be taken |
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Rough Surfaces
Rough and dirty wall surfaces show through when wallpapering. As a result, the hung wallpaper will not produce a good result after decorating.
How do I find out if the wall surface is rough or not clean? | |
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Analysis | Steps to be taken |
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Alkaline Surfaces
Alkaline wall surfaces such as new plaster or concrete are not suitable for papering with grass, bronze, or metallic wallpapers. With other wallpapers, blistering may occur in some cases; which manifest themselves as spots on the wallpaper.
How do I find out if the wall surface is alkaline? | |
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Analysis | Steps to be taken |
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Cracked Surfaces
Cracks in walls and ceilings can adversely affect wallpapering in a major way.
What can I do if there are cracks in the wall surface? | |
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Type of Crack | Steps to be taken |
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Mildew
Mildew can develop anywhere where nutrients are present and moisture occurs.
What can I do if the wall surface has been affected by mildew? | |
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Cause | Steps to be taken |
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Efflorescence
White salt blisters on the surface of the plaster may occur as a result of moisture rising from a leaky damp course or masonry, or following water damage.
What can I do if there is efflorescence on the wall surface? | |
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Cause | Steps to be taken |
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Detailed information about Surface Characteristics and Problems may be downloaded here.