Paste on seams

From the wallpaper problem solver - quick reference guide

It is very important that installers avoid getting any adhesive on the decorative surface of wallcoverings.

An installer must always avoid applying too much pressure to the seam area immediately following the application of the wallcovering. The use of a seam roller will cause excess adhesive to be forced through the join, therefore contaminating the decorative surface, and can push the adhesive away from the seam, causing the edges to curl away from the wall surface.

Wallpaper problem solver - paste on seams
How to avoid and remove paste on wallpaper seams.

Some wallcoverings are not as resistant as others to the solvents incorporated in the make-up of many types of adhesive, especially the premixed types. Therefore, if the adhesive is allowed to contaminate the decorative surface and allowed to dry, some inks will flake off the surface of the wallcovering. So,the installer must take care to keep all adhesive off the surface both during and after installation.

If an adhesive is allowed to dry and stay on the decorative surface of most wallcoverings, the adhesive can and does tear the ink of the surface of the wallpaper, leaving ugly white marks.

It may be possible to remove paste from a seam once it has dried. In some cases, the adhesive may be brushed off using a soft but stiff brush. If this is not successful, try removing the paste with a soft natural sponge and a mixture of 5 parts warm water to, 1 part ammonia. The ammonia will help break down the dry adhesive allowing it to be removed.

A mixture of 5 parts warm water to 1 part white vinegar can be used to break down prepasted adhesive so the surface can be cleaned easily.

Do not overwet; too much of the ammonia or vinegar solution in the seam can break down adhesive behind the wallcovering and cause the wallcovering to lift at the seams.

Important:

When using either the ammonia or vinegar solution to break down the adhesive on the surface of the wallcovering, be sure to first test on a scrap of wallcovering to make sure the solution doesn't stain the wallcovering. In all cases, take care to avoid getting the cleaning solution in the seam areas.

Use a sponge or soft cloth, and wipe down the seam rather than across it.

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Thank you to Aspiring Walls for providing the information for this quick reference guide.

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