Uneven application of wallpaper glue is a common operational issue during wallpaper application, impacting multiple dimensions, including adhesion, smoothness, durability, and overall aesthetics. Failure to properly address this detail can lead to a chain reaction of issues, including warping, bubbles, color variations, and even damage to the wall, ultimately impacting the overall finish and longevity of the wallpaper.
From a wallpaper adhesive strength perspective, the thickness of the wallpaper glue directly determines the adhesion between the wallpaper and the wall. If the glue layer is too thin in certain areas, the adhesive strength will be insufficient, and edges or seams of the wallpaper will be susceptible to warping due to gravity, temperature fluctuations, or daily handling. Especially in humid environments, thin areas of glue are more susceptible to moisture penetration, causing adhesion loss and further increasing the risk of peeling. Conversely, while a thicker glue layer can enhance adhesion, if it is unevenly distributed, thicker areas may shrink unevenly due to varying drying rates, similarly causing localized bulging or cracking. Therefore, even application is crucial to ensuring long-term wallpaper stability.
Smoothness issues are closely related to uneven glue thickness. If the adhesive layer is too thin, the back of the wallpaper won't be able to fully absorb the adhesive, resulting in hollows or wrinkles after installation. This is especially true for seamless wallpaper, where insufficient adhesive can create noticeable bulges at the seams. Excessively thick adhesive can hinder shrinkage during drying, resulting in wavy surface deformation. Furthermore, thick areas of adhesive dry slowly and may absorb airborne dust, forming hard particles that further damage the wall's smoothness. During application, apply even pressure with a scraper to ensure consistent adhesive thickness to minimize these issues.
In terms of durability, uneven adhesive layer thickness accelerates wallpaper aging. Thin areas of adhesive lose their viscosity more quickly, becoming a channel for moisture and dust to penetrate, leading to mold or discoloration. Thick areas of adhesive can harden and become brittle due to prolonged exposure to air, losing their elasticity and susceptible to cracking even with slight vibrations. Especially in environments with large temperature fluctuations, uneven adhesive layers can amplify thermal expansion and contraction, shortening the wallpaper's lifespan. High-quality wallpaper glue must be both water- and weather-resistant, but even application is crucial for optimal performance.
Aesthetics are the most direct reflection of wallpaper application. Uneven adhesive layer thickness can disrupt the visual effect in various ways. For example, thin areas of adhesive can cause the wallpaper to show through, revealing the base color or texture, creating a color difference. Thick areas of adhesive can reflect light after drying, creating a contrast in brightness with surrounding areas. Furthermore, insufficient adhesive at joints can lead to noticeable splicing marks, while excessive adhesive can overflow, creating hard glue marks that are difficult to clean. For wallpaper requiring aligned patterns, uneven adhesive layers can also cause misalignment due to varying application pressure, disrupting the overall design.
Applying efficiency and costs are also affected by adhesive layer thickness. Uneven adhesive layers require repeated adjustments, increasing time spent on scraping and venting, and can even lead to the need for reapplying due to adhesive failure, resulting in material waste. For example, slow drying of thick areas of adhesive can extend the application period, while thin areas require additional adhesive refills, both of which increase labor and time costs.
To avoid uneven adhesive layer thickness, strict adherence to specifications is crucial during installation. First, the wall base must be flat, dry, and dust-free to avoid uneven adhesive absorption due to base layer defects. Secondly, prepare the glue according to the product instructions, ensuring it has the right viscosity. Too thin will cause it to run, while too thick will be difficult to apply. When applying, use a roller or brush at a 45-degree angle and apply evenly. The width of the glue applied to the wall should be 50mm wider than the wallpaper, and apply one or two additional coats at inside corners. When laying the glue, start from the top and use a scraper to remove air bubbles from the inside out. Pay special attention to the glue applied to the joints. Finally, the working environment should be kept between 10°C and 30°C, and the humidity should be kept low to prevent the glue layer from drying too quickly or too slowly.
