Materials guide
Wallpaper Paste Explained: Clear vs Clay Adhesive and When Each Is Used
Professional installers mainly use two kinds of wallpaper paste. Clear adhesives suit non-woven, vinyl, grasscloth, silk and delicate papers and give more time to reposition. Clay adhesives have maximum grab and suit medium to heavy materials such as commercial vinyl, according to adhesive maker Roman. The wallpaper manufacturer's instructions decide which one to use.
In short
- Clear paste: lighter and delicate materials, including grasscloth and non-woven.
- Clay paste: heavy commercial vinyl and heavyweight wallcoverings.
- Wrong paste is a common cause of lifting seams and stains.
- Pre-pasted papers often still need extra adhesive at seams and edges.
Clear vs clay at a glance
| Clear adhesive | Clay adhesive | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Non-woven, vinyl, grasscloth, string cloth, silk, delicate papers | Medium to heavy materials, commercial vinyl |
| Grab | Excellent, moderate | Maximum |
| Repositioning | More time to adjust | Extended open time |
| Cleanup | Water | Water |
Source: Roman Decorating Products.
Why the paste matters
- Seams. Too little grab and heavy paper pulls apart at the seams.
- Stains. The wrong paste can bleed through or mark delicate faces.
- Humidity. Bathrooms need a paste rated for moisture with vinyl paper. See wallpaper and Georgia humidity.
- Removal later. Strippable adhesives over a proper primer make future changes far easier.
What about pre-pasted paper?
Pre-pasted papers carry a dry paste activated with water. Installers often add a thin layer of adhesive or seam paste at the edges for a stronger bond, especially in humid rooms.
Where we work: neighborhoods and ZIP codes
We match paste to the wallcovering and wall on every job in Gwinnett County, Roswell, East Cobb and Cumming.
Gwinnett County
- 30017 Grayson
- 30096 Duluth
- 30092 Peachtree Corners
- 30071 Norcross
- 30093 Norcross
- 30043 Lawrenceville
- 30045 Lawrenceville
- 30046 Lawrenceville
- 30019 Dacula
- 30052 Loganville
- 30078 Snellville
- 30039 Snellville
- 30518 Buford / Sugar Hill
- 30519 Buford
Roswell and East Cobb
- 30075 Roswell
- 30076 Roswell
- 30077 Roswell
- 30062 Marietta / East Cobb
- 30066 Marietta / East Cobb
- 30068 Marietta / East Cobb
Cumming and Forsyth County
- 30040 Cumming
- 30041 Cumming
- 30028 Cumming
Also serving: Buckhead and North Atlanta; Alpharetta, Milton and Johns Creek; Woodstock, Canton and Hall County. Not sure we cover your street? Send your ZIP code with a quote request.
About WallPros. WallPros LLC is a wallpaper installation company based in Grayson, Georgia, serving Gwinnett County, North Atlanta, Alpharetta, Roswell, East Cobb, Cumming and the rest of Metro Atlanta for 10 years. We install, remove and prepare walls for homeowners, interior designers and builders.
Sources
FAQ
Common questions
Can I use any wallpaper paste?
No. Use the type the wallpaper manufacturer recommends; it affects adhesion and warranty.
What paste is used for grasscloth?
A clear adhesive applied to the wall is common. Paste on the face stains, so it must be kept clean.
Why is my wallpaper peeling at the seams?
Common causes are wrong or too little paste, an unprimed wall or humidity. See seams and bubbles.