prepasted

Prepasted refers to wallpaper that has adhesive already applied to the back by the manufacturer. The adhesive is designed to be activated by water, allowing the wallpaper to stick to the wall when dampened and then dried into place. Prepasted wallpaper is one of several installation options, alongside non-pasted and peel-and-stick varieties, and is commonly used for interior wall coverings.

Installation generally involves preparing the wall surface, cutting strips to fit, and activating the adhesive by soaking the wallpaper in water for a specified time. After soaking, the strip is positioned on the wall, aligned with a plumb line, and smoothed to remove air bubbles and ensure seams lie flat. Seams are then pressed with a seam roller, and any excess material at the edges is trimmed. Proper drying and curing are important to achieve a durable bond.

Advantages of prepasted wallpaper include reduced mess and faster setup, since the adhesive is factory-applied and water-activated rather than mixed on site. It can be easier for DIY applications and provides consistent adhesive distribution. Drawbacks include less forgiving alignment once the adhesive starts to set and a shorter window for repositioning compared with some other methods. Some walls or primers may affect adhesion, and improper soaking can weaken the bond or cause warping.

Removal of prepasted wallpaper typically involves soaking or steaming to rehydrate the adhesive, followed by careful stripping and possible use of a wallpaper remover solution. As with any wall covering, following manufacturer instructions for substrate preparation, soaking times, and drying is recommended.