During wallpaper glue application, air bubbles not only affect the smoothness and aesthetics of the wallpaper, but can also lead to localized blistering and peeling due to long-term accumulation, shortening the wallpaper's lifespan. Avoiding air bubbles requires a comprehensive approach, encompassing wallpaper glue mixing, tool selection, standardized application techniques, and environmental control. Through meticulous operation and scientific management, the risk of air bubbles can be minimized.
The quality of wallpaper glue mixing is the primary factor in air bubble control. If the water ratio for traditional powdered wallpaper glue is incorrect, the glue solution can easily become too thin or too thick. An overly thin solution lacks viscosity, causing the wallpaper to slip during application and making it difficult for internal air to escape; an overly thick solution has poor fluidity, easily forming clumps that trap air and create air bubbles. The correct method is to strictly follow the product instructions for mixing, using a "Z" shaped stirring motion to ensure the glue powder and water are fully combined and to avoid clumping. After mixing, let it stand for 3-5 minutes to allow the air bubbles to rise and dissipate naturally, then gently stir again before use. This significantly reduces the initial air bubbles in the glue solution.
The choice of application tools directly affects the evenness of adhesive application. Traditional scrapers, if their edges are worn or their surfaces are uneven, can easily create grooves on the back of the wallpaper, leading to uneven adhesive distribution and trapped air. It is recommended to use a professional rubber roller or a soft scraper with air vents. These tools have smooth surfaces and moderate elasticity, allowing the adhesive to be evenly pressed into the wallpaper fibers while expelling air from the edges through rolling or squeezing motions. For example, when applying long strips of wallpaper, first use a short-nap roller to roll evenly from the center outwards, then use a soft scraper at a 45-degree angle to gently scrape, creating a double layer of protection: "press first, then expel."
Proper application technique is key to avoiding air bubbles. During application, follow the principle of "from top to bottom, from inside to outside," fixing the top of the wallpaper first and then gradually spreading it downwards. If you start pasting directly from the bottom, gravity will cause the wallpaper to sag, resulting in insufficient contact between the adhesive and the wall, creating cavities. During the application process, use a scraper or roller to repeatedly push and press the wallpaper from the center outwards, applying even and moderate pressure. Avoid excessive force, which can cause the adhesive to be squeezed out, or insufficient force, which can leave air trapped. For large areas of wallpaper, it can be applied in sections, each no longer than 1 meter, to ensure adequate air release in each section.
Ambient temperature and humidity control are hidden factors in preventing air bubbles. When the temperature is too low, the wallpaper glue's adhesion decreases, its fluidity worsens, and the adhesion speed between the adhesive and the wallpaper/wall slows down, making it easier for air to get trapped. When the temperature is too high, the adhesive dries too quickly, forming a "film" that hinders air release. When the humidity is too high, the high moisture content on the wall dilutes the adhesive concentration, reducing its adhesion; when the humidity is too low, the adhesive evaporates too quickly, also affecting air release. During application, the ambient temperature should be controlled between 15-25℃, and the humidity between 40%-60%, which can be adjusted using air conditioning, dehumidifiers, or humidifiers.
The pre-treatment of the wallpaper is also crucial. Before application, check the back of the wallpaper for smoothness. If there are bumps or impurities, lightly sand it or wipe it clean with a damp cloth. For non-woven or pure paper wallpaper, spray a small amount of water evenly on the back beforehand to slightly moisten it, enhancing adhesion to the adhesive and reducing air trapping during application. However, be careful with the amount of water sprayed to avoid over-wetting the wallpaper, which could cause deformation or dilution of the adhesive.
Post-application care is the final line of defense against air bubbles. After pasting, use a clean, soft cloth or a special pressure roller to gently press from the center of the wallpaper outwards to further remove any remaining air. For corners, use your fingertips or a special tool to gently press along the seams to ensure the adhesive is fully filled. If localized air bubbles are found, use a syringe to draw a small amount of wallpaper glue, insert it slowly from the edge of the bubble, and then flatten it with a scraper to avoid directly puncturing it and causing glue overflow.
Preventing air bubbles during wallpaper glue application requires strict control at every stage, from mixing, tools, techniques, and environment to pre-treatment and post-treatment. Through scientific operation and meticulous management, not only can the flatness and aesthetics of wallpaper be improved, but its service life can also be extended, creating a lasting and perfect decorative effect for the interior space.
