Bubbles

[Allan]

We have installed 54" type 1 fabric backed vinyl with Romans Clay
Strippable paste, which has been run thru a machine, placed over Romans Ultra Primer. There is flat paint underneath skim coat under that and drywall and plaster substraight wall under that.
PROBLEM: Install looks smooth and good at the core of the building
( which is plaster ) then walls start to show small bubbles. After smoothing out they reappear in 1/2 hour. Any solutions?

[ProWallGuy]

I'm not sure if clay 'gasses off' like clear adhesive does, but it sure sounds like that to me. If you are positive these areas didn't get skipped by the paste machine, and are dry underneath, then I'd wait it out. Most likely they will dry down with the vinyl as it tightens up.

[Eunice, PRS Reporter]

The other option is to make yourself a 'hohlenpoker' - which is a rubber roller with pins in it - to perforate the vinyl. If you want instructions, Pmail me.
We had to do that on a section of concrete wall around an elevator shaft which was too sealed and the off gassing of clear had caused a problem with tiny bubbles. If you wait too long to perforate, with clear adhesive the bubbles dry and crystallize with lumps under them and are permanent. Clay would probably be better, but check to make sure.