humidity and wallpaper

[mischa]

I just lost two restaurant jobs in the Houston area because someone convinced the powers that be that wallcovering, regardless who does it and with what paste/prep, will not last and only be trouble in the forseeable future because of the high humidity.

I would very much like to hear from a hanger in that area, the pros and cons of such a statement; and, if true as a generalization – what do you do to assure longevity of your installed goods?

Michael K.

Phoenix, AZ

[Eunice, PRS Reporter]

When you say 'wallcovering' what do you/they mean? I would think in a commercial environment they would - and should - be using 54" Fabric backed vinyl. Moisture should have no effect - think of all the humidity hotel bathrooms take and still look great.


Paper backed products aren't as tough and would pose cleaning problems IMO, but whoever is bad-mouthing wallcovering doesn't know what they are talking about. It is the finish of choice in high traffic environments. The new 'Sure Grip' adhesive line from Zinsser even has a 5 year no-mold guarantee.

[bigangelman]

I agree the VWC is the longest lasting choice for a commercial interior. I do also believe the humidty can be a problem, even more the further south you go. I would be sure to recomend micro vented vinyl, this will go a long way to solving the mold/humidty problems. As for the Zinsser no mold if you read the warranty you will find that you'll have to apply several Zinsser products including using their pastes for the warranty to be effective.

Tom

[allenw]

shieldsshields sheilds

[Bill Archibald]

Yes Tom,

One needs to use the prescribed Z products to validate their guarantee. But hey, five year no nonsense guarantee is a pretty good trump card to sell a job to "the powers that be".

mischa, I would call Zinsser and get all the skinny on this as possible and get something in writing from Z to show the "powers that be"

Unfortunately, with the misinformation and fear of "mold and mildew" there is a huge perception hurdle to jump. More research, knowledge, and effort is needed to correct misconceptions and fear.

good luck helping the industry survive.

-B.

[Weezee]

I live in a very humid part of the country and have purchased beautiful "Vinyl Coated Wallpaper" for my new craft room. Someone told me to apply paste to my "Pre-Pasted paper. Do I wet the wallpaper as directed and then apply the paste to the wall? Do I dilute the thick paste? I have purchased "Vinyl to Vinyl" paste but I do not know what to do with it. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[Bill Archibald]

Weezee,

First, DO NOT USE Vinyl to Vinyl paste, unless you want to cause unbelievable hardship ATTEMPTING to remove the paper when it is time to redecorate. Vinyl to vinyl is ONLY to be used when you are applying wallpaper (like a border) OVER Vinyl coated wallpaper, i.e. the name, "Vinyl to Vinyl"

Most hangers I know paste pre-pasteds with Roman's Professional 880 wallpaper paste mixed 50-50 with water (or so). They just apply it to the back (without wetting the pre-pasted first). There are other appropriate products to apply to the back, like "pre-pasted activators". But then again, many homeowners get satisfactory results by following the directions.

-Bill

[Weezee]

Thank you Bill. I have recently moved from a part of the country that is very dry. I have never been faced with a humidity problem before. I thought I could just wallpaper my new room like I have in the past. But, the local hardware store warned me about the humidity and told me to paste the pre-pasted paper and sold me Vinyl on vinyl. Your response to my questions has probably headed off a disaster. I have a lot of money invested in my wallpaper. Thank's again.