Don’t let your walls become a DIY disaster – choose the best glue for wallpaper and ensure your stunning wallpaper stays put! Wallpaper can add a beautiful and unique touch to any room, but it can also be a pain to install and maintain. The wrong wallpaper adhesive can lead to peeling, bubbles, and an overall unsatisfactory end result. One of the most important factors in wallpaper installation is choosing the right adhesive for a hassle free and long lasting installation.
That’s why we’ve done our research (with REAL reviews) and found the best glue for wallpaper that will ensure a smooth and long-lasting installation. We’ve curated a list of top-notch adhesives that will stick with you through any wall-related project. Whether you’re fixing wallpapers, tackling bathroom renovations, or working on wood applications, we’ve got you covered.
So let’s get stuck into it!
Best Overall: Romans Pro 880
Greatly recommended by many DIY enthusiasts and professional home makers, the Romans Pro 880 wallpaper paste keeps a variety of wallpapers stuck to your walls, including those that need heavy duty wallpaper glue. Whether you apply by hand or by machine, it applies easily and also comes off easily without messing the actual wall. It has a clear consistency: making sure no stain comes off the wall or your wallpaper.
Reviews
- “I applied this paste to the wall. It is very smooth and easy to apply, and it adheres well.” Patsy
- “The paste was easy to use and the wallpaper stuck to the wall with no problem. This will be my go to paste.”, Sharon L.
Best Durable: Zinsser Sure Grip
If you need something stronger to hold your vinyl wallpaper in place, Zinsser’s (otherwise known under Rust-Oleum) Sure Grip wallcovering adhesive is the one for you. Easy to apply with a roller or pasting machine, the paste can hold commercial grade vinyl wallpaper of up to 34oz.
Removing wallpaper stuck with this glue is a breeze too, leaving no damage to either wallpaper or wall. Want maximum adhesion? Make sure to prime the wall before applying this glue. Use this on flat surfaced walls, as it is not as effective when used in textured walls. It is also considered a great glue for wallpaper to wood surfaces.
Reviews
- “The wallpaper I bought recommended this product as you put it on the wall as opposed to putting it on the wallpaper ( you don’t want the paste to bleed through the paper.) It worked perfectly as recommended.”, Carolyn Honeycutt
- “I got some peel and stick wallpaper to do a small area in my kitchen but the paper just kept falling down since it wasn’t very sticky. I bought this glue to hopefully save the day and it did. It was very easy to put on the paper and it stayed wet long enough to place it correctly. When I smoothed the paper the excess glue came out at the end of the paper and I used a damp sponge to wipe it away. I made sure to keep cleaning as I went along so it didn’t leave any sticky residue on my counters, so I can’t say if it was hard to get off once dry. I am very happy with it as far as I used it though and the wallpaper has been staying up now!”, Amanda E.
Best Glue For Wallpaper Repair : Solvite Adhesive
Over time, wallpaper, no matter how it is made or where it is stuck to, eventually peels off. To avoid having wallpaper hang like a messed up Halloween decoration, or to save the wallpaper from accidental tears, you can spot repair edges and tears with this repair adhesive from Solvite. Its super strong hold can place those hanging corners back to place, as if the wallpaper was freshly placed. The tube comes with a precision nozzle for easy application.
Reviews
- “Easy to apply, either directly from the tube or with a syringe. I had shifting corners on wallpaper-covered drywall that wrinkled the paper. Wetting the underside of the paper relaxed it and then, using the syringe, I applied the paste and put pressure on the paper. Takes time but works.”, York
- “Others said nothing worked, but this does. I used the tip of the nozzle to lift the loose edge of the wall paper while applying, ran a roller on it to press down and squeeze out the extra glue, cleaned up the excess glue, dried it with a paper towel, and pressed wide blue painter’s tape over it for at least two days. Do not then pull the tape off outward; pull straight down to prevent pulling the wall paper away from the wall.”. Bob Maestro
Best Eco-Friendly: Romans Eco 888
While home renovation, like a fun art project, is a fun thing to do, it wouldn’t be as fun and relaxing to sit in a room that strongly smells like glue. This can also be bad news for those with sensitive noses, or worse, have allergic reactions to fumes such as these. For a safer option for your loved ones and the environment, Romans Eco 888 adhesive assures Zero VOCs, and is compliant with environment safety standards, all while keeping your beloved wallpaper stuck to the room of your choice.
Reviews
- “Very nice viscosity and staying power. After reading some of the reviews and comments, I for the very first time applied the paste directly to the wall and then placed the paper on it. It was so easy and way less messy!”, Deb Benedict
- “I like the wallpaper glue. It’s strong and not as hazardous as many. I’ve ordered it 4 times already.”, Elena Maranan
Best For Bathroom : Romans Pro 838
Constant dampness causes wallpaper to detach from the wall. Romans Pro 838 heavy duty is formulated to work best in areas with high humidity and constant moisture, such as bathrooms or laundry rooms. The paste is designed for medium to heavy weight wallpaper coverings and is also ideal for damp walls with minor cracks and imperfections, saving you the time and effort of patching up the wall before sticking on wallpaper.
This ready-mixed paste is easy to apply with a brush, roller or pasting machine. Some customers have also mentioned that this paste also does a great job on textured walls (although it’s recommended to flatten or prep the wall beforehand for better and longer-lasting results).
Reviews
- “Great glue! Thick, doesn’t run and you dont have to put it on the paper and then wait a few for it to get tacky. I decided to cover up my bathroom’s pink tile as a short term solution (I dont like pink LOL) until it’s time to start the bathroom gut job/reno. I ordered this thicker wallpaper/vinyl that would cover and last until I got to this part of the house. I’m very happy with the results.” Carla
- “I hung wallpaper professionally decades ago so while working on my personal laundry room project, I used my own “recipe” (adding just a little water to the adhesive) which made the consistency perfect for applying the glue to my paper & walls with a paint roller. The adhesive is strong but workable during install. Smooth application (no clumps) and easy to remove excess glue (wiping off paper with damp cloth when necessary) & no residue visible once dry.” eLLe
- “This product was great for applying wallpaper onto my textured wall. I used non woven wallpaper, and I spread the glue onto the back of the wallpaper panels. It dried within three hours of application and was easy to move. I used a paint roller to apply and a paint brush for the edges of each panel. It’s held really well, considering that the panels were super heavy!” Celina
Buying Guide
Choosing the best glue for your wallpaper depends on the kind of wallpaper you will use and the wall material you will place them on. Here are some key factors to consider before purchasing a wallpaper adhesive:
- Wallpaper Type: There are different types of wallpaper such as vinyl, non-woven, or traditional paper. Each type requires a specific kind of adhesive to ensure proper adhesion.
- Wall Material: Some adhesives work better on certain wall materials than others. For example, a heavy-duty adhesive may be necessary for damp or uneven walls.
- Room Conditions: If you are placing wallpaper in a room with high humidity, like a bathroom or kitchen, it is important to choose an adhesive that can withstand these conditions and prevent your wallpaper from peeling off.
- Ease of Application: Some adhesives come pre-mixed while others require mixing before use. Choose one that suits your skills and comfort level. Consider a pasting machine which helps to spread the paste evenly and makes the process much faster and easier.
- Eco-friendliness: If you are concerned about the environment, look for adhesives that are eco-friendly or low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
How to Install Wallpaper DIY
Depending on the wallpaper you will place, here are the things you need to do to stick that wallpaper, and make sure it stays there.
- Prepare the surface where you will stick the wallpaper. Prime your wall. A bare wall is best for concrete. For wood surfaces, make sure it has no holes, varnish, and that the wood itself is treated so it will not just absorb the glue altogether. Smoothen any rough edges and bumps.
- Prepare your wallpaper paste (if you are using the starch form, pour powder into bucket and add water to achieve desired consistency) or just open the bucket (if it is premixed already)
- With your roller or paintbrush, either do the following:
- Apply the wallpaper adhesive directly to the primed wall, then apply and smoothen the wallpaper to the surface.
- Apply the wallpaper adhesive at the back of the wallpaper (for stick and go wallpaper) and place the wallpaper in the wall. Make adjustments as needed to position the wallpaper.
- Apply paste thinly when sticking to a wooden surface. As wood is porous, the wood will just absorb the glue which can damage the wood if too much is applied. A tip to ensure that the wood doesn’t warp would be to apply on both sides of the wood ie both wood surfaces of the cupboard panel.
Here’s a video for more step by step application:
Wrap up
Wallpapering may seem like a daunting task, but with the right adhesive, it can be a breeze. No more worrying about peeling corners or bubbling wallpaper – these top choices for the best wallpaper glue and tips will ensure your walls stay beautifully decorated for years to come. Remember to consider the type of wallpaper, wall material, and room conditions when making your choice. So go ahead, now it’s time to grab that glue and start creating your dream walls!
Happy sticking folks!
Don’t forget to check out our other home improvement articles for more ideas, tips and tricks.