Wallpaper & Border Adhesives

About Wallpaper & Border Adhesives

Wallpaper and border adhesives are specialised products designed to ensure a professional, long-lasting bond between wallcoverings and wall surfaces. Whether you're hanging traditional paper, vinyl wallcoverings, or decorative borders, choosing the right adhesive is essential for achieving a smooth, bubble-free finish that stands the test of time. Our range includes all-purpose wallpaper pastes, ready-mixed formulations, specialist overlap and border adhesives, wall sealers, and convenient repair solutions from trusted brands including Solvite and Everbuild.

Modern wallpaper adhesives have evolved significantly from traditional flour-based pastes, now offering superior adhesion, mould resistance, and ease of application. All-purpose pastes provide versatile solutions suitable for most wallpaper types, while ready-mixed adhesives eliminate the need for measuring and mixing, making them ideal for smaller projects or professional decorators seeking consistency across multiple jobs. Specialist formulations address specific requirements such as securing overlapping seams, fixing borders, or preparing problematic wall surfaces.

Proper surface preparation and adhesive selection are crucial for successful wallpapering projects. Wall sealers help create an ideal surface for adhesion, particularly on porous or previously painted walls, whilst repair adhesives allow you to fix lifting edges or bubbles without the need to strip and rehang entire sections. Understanding which product suits your specific wallcovering type and wall condition will save time, reduce waste, and deliver professional results.

Jargon Buster

• All-Purpose Paste: A versatile wallpaper adhesive suitable for standard wallpapers and light-to-medium weight wallcoverings. Typically supplied as a powder that requires mixing with water to the desired consistency.
• Ready-Mixed Adhesive: Pre-prepared wallpaper paste that requires no mixing, offering convenience and consistent viscosity. Particularly useful for vinyl wallcoverings and borders.
• Overlap Adhesive: A specialised, high-tack adhesive designed specifically for securing overlapping seams and border edges where standard paste may not provide sufficient bond strength.
• Fungicidal Paste: Wallpaper adhesive containing fungicidal agents to prevent mould and mildew growth, essential for kitchens, bathrooms, and other high-humidity environments.
• Wall Sealer: A preparatory coating applied to walls before wallpapering to reduce porosity, improve adhesive performance, and make future wallpaper removal easier.
• Paste-the-Wall: A wallpapering technique where adhesive is applied directly to the wall surface rather than the wallpaper, requiring specific adhesive formulations for optimal results.

Who Uses Wallpaper & Border Adhesives?

Wallpaper and border adhesives are essential products for a diverse range of users:

• Professional Decorators: Tradespeople requiring reliable, consistent adhesives for commercial and domestic projects
• Painters and Decorators: Specialists who need various adhesive types to accommodate different wallcovering specifications
• Property Maintenance Teams: Housing associations and facilities managers carrying out refurbishment work
• Interior Designers: Professionals specifying and installing decorative wallcoverings and borders
• DIY Enthusiasts: Homeowners undertaking redecoration projects requiring user-friendly adhesive solutions
• Shop Fitters: Commercial tradespeople installing wallcoverings in retail and hospitality environments
• Landlords and Property Developers: Those refurbishing rental properties or preparing homes for sale

How to Choose the Right Wallpaper & Border Adhesives

Selecting the appropriate adhesive ensures successful application and long-lasting results:

Wallpaper Type: Match your adhesive to your wallcovering. Light papers need standard all-purpose paste, whilst vinyl and heavy embossed wallpapers require stronger ready-mixed adhesives. Always check manufacturer recommendations on the wallpaper packaging.

Project Size: For small jobs or repairs, ready-mixed adhesives offer convenience without waste. Larger projects benefit from powder adhesives that can be mixed in precise quantities, providing better value for money.

Room Environment: High-humidity areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms require fungicidal pastes to prevent mould growth. Standard adhesives are suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways with normal moisture levels.

Wall Condition: Porous, bare plaster, or previously painted surfaces benefit from wall sealer application before hanging wallpaper. This creates an even surface, improves adhesion, and simplifies future redecoration.

Application Method: Consider whether you're using traditional paste-the-paper or modern paste-the-wall techniques, as this influences adhesive viscosity requirements. Some formulations are specifically designed for paste-the-wall application.

Specialist Requirements: Keep overlap and border adhesive on hand for securing edges, seams, and decorative borders where standard paste provides insufficient tack. Repair adhesives are invaluable for fixing minor lifting without complete rehang.

Popular Accessories

• Paste brushes and rollers for even adhesive application
• Mixing buckets and stirring paddles for powder adhesives
• Wallpaper smoothing brushes and scrapers for bubble-free hanging
• Seam rollers for securing joins and borders
• Wallpaper trimming tools and cutting knives
• Paste tables for preparing wallpaper lengths
• Spirit levels and plumb lines for accurate alignment
• Sponges and cloths for wiping excess adhesive
• Dust sheets and decorating protection materials
• Filling knives and surface preparation tools

Safety Information

Whilst wallpaper adhesives are generally low-hazard products, observe these safety precautions:

Ensure adequate ventilation when working in enclosed spaces, particularly when using wall sealers or adhesives with fungicidal additives. Wear protective gloves if you have sensitive skin or are mixing large quantities of paste, as prolonged contact may cause irritation.

Store adhesives in a cool, dry location away from food products and out of reach of children and pets. Ready-mixed products have a limited shelf life once opened, so check expiry dates and seal containers properly after use.

Follow COSHH guidelines when using products on commercial sites, and dispose of unused mixed paste responsibly—never pour down drains as this may cause blockages. Clean tools and equipment promptly with water before adhesive dries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same adhesive for all types of wallpaper?

All-purpose paste is suitable for most standard wallpapers, but heavier vinyl wallcoverings, borders, and specialised materials require specific adhesive formulations. Always check the wallpaper manufacturer's recommendations for best results.

How much wallpaper paste do I need?

Coverage varies by product, but typically one standard packet of powder adhesive covers 5-6 rolls of wallpaper when mixed correctly. Ready-mixed adhesives state coverage on the container. Calculate your wall area and purchase slightly more than required to avoid running short mid-project.

Why do I need separate overlap and border adhesive?

Overlap and border adhesives provide higher tack specifically designed for securing edges and seams where two layers of wallpaper meet. Standard paste can be too weak for these areas, leading to peeling edges over time.

Should I seal walls before wallpapering?

Wall sealer is recommended for porous surfaces, bare plaster, or previously painted walls to ensure even adhesive absorption and improve bond strength. It also simplifies future wallpaper removal by creating a barrier layer.

How do I fix wallpaper that's lifting at the edges?

Use a specialist wallpaper repair adhesive applied with a small brush or applicator to the lifting area. Smooth down firmly and wipe away excess paste. This avoids the need to strip and rehang entire sections for minor repairs.