How to Install LRC Textiles Leathered Wallpaper
Preparation
Supplies
Primer:
- Roman PRO-977 Ultra Primer: Apply two coats, allowing each to dry overnight.
- Roman PRO-935 (R-35) Adhesion Promoting Primer
Note: If you are using Roman adhesives on existing walls, first seal the surface with one coat of Roman PRO-999 (Rx-35) Primer for Porous Surfaces and let it dry overnight.
Paste:
- Roman PRO-774 Clay Strippable Adhesive
- Roman PRO-732 Extra Strength Clay Adhesive
- Roman PRO-880 Ultra Clear Adhesive
- Roman PRO-838 Heavy Duty Clear Adhesive
Note: Clear pastes require a longer booking time; clay adhesive is preferable when possible.
Other Supplies:
- 3/8 in or 3/4 in nap rollers
- Soft plastic smoother and/or brush smoother
- Steel putty knife
- Olfa rotary cutter, box cutter, or similar
- Seam roller
- Non-abrasive soft cellulose sponge
- Additional items: drop cloths, buckets, pasting machine, paint trays, plastic bags for booking, table, etc.
Wall Preparation
Before installation, allow the wallpaper and adhesives to acclimate in a clean, dry area maintained at temperatures between 65° F to 75° F (18° C to 24° C) with a relative humidity of 40–60%. Check all materials prior to use to ensure that the print scale and panel sizes are correct, colors match, surfaces are defect-free, and there’s adequate space at the edges for trimming and overlapping.
Handle the material with care to avoid creases, as these may not disappear during installation.
Ensure that walls are smooth, clean, dry, and free from mold, mildew, grease, or stains. For new walls, drywall joints should be taped, mudded, and sanded to a smooth finish. Eliminate any protruding nail heads, nicks, gouges, or other imperfections. For optimal results, remove old wallcoverings, and ensure the wall's residual moisture content is less than 4%.
Prepare porous surfaces before applying wallpaper; non-porous surfaces do not need priming. For non-porous walls, we recommend using Metylan Ovalit VB paste. Refer to the primer suggestions outlined above in the "Supplies" section. These recommendations pertain to installation on gypsum drywall surfaces. Allow sufficient drying time before applying paste and wallpaper.
Installation
Booking the Wallpaper
The best conditions for installation are between 65° F to 75° F (18° C to 24° C) and 40–60% relative humidity. If working in warmer temperatures or higher humidity, allow additional time for the sizing primer and paste to dry. Prepare the area for wallpapering and double-check that the pattern and colors are correct.
Before applying paste, moisten the backside of the wallpaper with a sponge. This step prevents the paste from soaking into the paper, facilitating better adhesion to the wall.
Evenly apply the adhesive to the wallpaper backing using a brush, roller, or pasting machine. Avoid applying too much paste to prevent minor bubbling. The paste-the-wall method is not recommended. After applying the adhesive, book the paper according to the guidelines below:
- For clay-based paste: Book the strips for a minimum of 5-10 minutes.
- For clear-based paste: Book for 20-30 minutes, placing the paper in plastic bags to prevent the paste from drying out.
Installing the Wallpaper
Use a plastic wallpaper smoother to install the wallpaper, ensuring that air pockets and bubbles are worked out. If there are concerns regarding color matching between panels, pause the installation and consult Spoonflower. Promptly remove any excess paste with clean water and a soft cellulose sponge—use the soft side of the sponge if it has one, as paste can be challenging to clean up once dried.
Overlap panels where necessary for design matching and use the double-cutting method as needed. Expansion and contraction of the material is generally not an issue.
Once the adhesive has set (approximately 20–30 minutes), lightly roll the seams with a seam roller as needed. Be careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid squeezing out the paste. Although the paste will appear to dry after about 24–48 hours, it can take 1–2 weeks for it to fully settle. Trim the panels using the double-cutting method as required.
Product Description
LRC Textiles Non-Pasted Wallpaper features a Type II, PVC-free paper surface with a textile scrim backing, designed for vibrant, durable wall decor that withstands scrubbing and scratching. This wallpaper offers a permanent solution and is not meant for temporary installations on melamine, gator board, foam core, or other composite materials.
As a vinyl-like wallpaper, it requires installation methods that are appropriate for a non-PVC paper-based substrate. We recommend using a high-solid clay paste, as it minimizes moisture absorption and reduces booking time. While clear paste can be used, it will necessitate a longer booking duration.