What is Prepasted Wallpaper?

The term prepasted wallpaper means that the wallpaper already has adhesive applied to its back.

This doesn't mean that it is the backing; just that an additional layer of non-activated dry glue has been added to to the back of the wallpaper to simplify the application process.

It eliminates the need of not only purchasing (the right) glue but also applying it to the wall or paper, as well. Typically, prepasted wallpaper is used by people who prefer to do it themselves rather than hire someone else to do their home improvement projects.

See Also: Difference Between Prepasted and Unpasted Wallpaper

Prepasted Wallpaper Is Like A Postage Stamp

The easiest way to describe the paste is to bring up an item that you are probably familiar with that comes prepasted – stamps.

While it is a very different kind of paste (the paste on stamps requires very little extra water), it is the same concept.

The paste is applied to the back of the wallpaper (on top of the backing layer) and dries before the wallpaper is added to the roll. With the addition of moisture, you can hang it on the wall. You do need to apply water along the full strip to ensure that the paper holds to the wall.

See Also: How To Hang Prepasted Wallpaper

See Also: How To Install Wallpaper, The Easy Way!

Do I Need Additional Paste?

Prepasted wallpaper is made so that you don't need any additional glue. But there are some people who still do not believe the glue on the back is adequate and want to add their own.

You can apply additional paste to the back if you want to. If you do add more paste, you need to use something that is very thin so that you do not douse the wallpaper with too much moisture, just like you should not use too much water to moisten a stamp.

Over moistening the wallpaper will have the same effect as missing sections of a strip – it will not properly hold on the wall. It will begin to separate from the wall earlier, or it may not properly hold in the first place.

See Also: Roman GH-70 Paste For Prepasted Wallpaper

While the prepaste will make it easier to hang the wallpaper, you will still need to be careful when you hang it. Not only do you have to be careful about the amount of water or paste additive you apply to the back, you have to make sure to go over the paper carefully to keep it from wrinkling or bumping.

How Do I Know If A Wallpaper Is Prepasted?

You will see the words "prepasted" or "unpasted/non-pasted" on any wallpaper product page. It will be in the product attributes or even in the title.

If the wallpaper is prepasted then you won't have to worry about glue. Just get a spray bottle and wet the back. 

If the wallpaper is unpasted then you, or your installer, will need to purchase glue.