Spoonflower Grasscloth Wallpaper is a Type I, PVC-free, 100% handcrafted natural sisal specialty wallcovering with a non-woven backing. Because sisal is a natural material, unique variations and irregularities in texture, color, and weave are inherent qualities of this material. Color and texture may vary from sample orders and roll to roll. Because of these features, when installed the seams between the panels of grasscloth will be visible.
Grasscloth has a slight elegant luster intended for lower traffic areas with adequate window shades. This paper is not suitable for high moisture or high humidity areas such as bathrooms with showers or bathtubs. Grasscloth can absorb odor from the environment as well as fade from direct sunlight.
A copy of our full Technical Specifications & Installation Guide can be downloaded at the bottom of this article. Due to the delicacy and unique characteristics of this wallpaper, we highly recommend hiring a wallpaper professional with experience installing Grasscloth for your project. You may consider locating a member of the Wallcovering Installers Association (WIA) in your area for installation.
Preparation
Supplies
Primer: Roman PRO-977 Ultra Primer, tinted to match the base color of the printed wallpaper. Apply two coats total, allow each to dry overnight. Note: If using Roman adhesive products on existing wall, first seal with one coat of Roman PRO-999 (Rx-35) Primer for Porous Surfaces before priming; dry overnight.
Paste:
- Roman GH-34 Wheat-Based Adhesive (provides excellent slip for repositioning during install)
-
Roman PRO-880 Ultra Clear Strippable Adhesive
Note: Paste is extremely difficult to remove from the face of Grasscloth wallpaper. Work clean to avoid any paste touching the printed face.
Other Supplies:
- Rollers and brushes based on installer’s preference
- Single-edge blades and blade receptacle
- Smoothing brush (Seam rollers and hard-edged smoothers
may crush the natural fibers but can be carefully used based
on installer’s preference) - Non-abrasive soft cellulose sponge
- If double-cutting, hand-masker or 2” painter’s tape
-
Other: drop cloths, buckets, paint trays, straight edge, table, etc.
Wall Preparation
Allow the wallpaper and adhesive to acclimate under clean, dry, and protected conditions between 50° F to 77° F (10° C to 25° C) and 50–60% RH until the supplies adjust to the environment. Inspect all materials prior to installation for the following: print scale and size of panels are correct, color matching of panels is acceptable, print surface is free from defects, and edges have enough space for overlap and trimming. Because sisal is a natural material, color and texture may vary from roll to roll.
Make sure the walls are smooth, clean, dry, and free of mold, mildew, grease, or other stains. On new walls, drywall joints should be taped, mudded, and sanded smooth. Remove any nail heads, nicks, gouges, and other surface imperfections. Old wallcoverings must be removed, and residual moisture content of the wall should be < 4%.
Follow primer recommendations provided in the "Supplies" section above. Allow adequate drying time before applying paste and wallpaper. Using a tinted primer matching the base color of the printed wallpaper is recommended to ensure any minor imperfections will not be visible after installation.
Installation
Paste the Wallpaper or Paste the Wall
Optimum installation conditions are between 50° F to 77° F (10° C to 25° C) and 50–60% RH. Lay out the area to be covered as appropriate for the wallpaper to be hung. Double check the pattern and color to ensure they are correct. If table trimming, trim paper prior to pasting.
Based on installer preference and experience, adhesive may be applied to the back of the wallpaper or using the paste the wall method. Using too much paste may lead to paper tearing; approximately 7 ounces per square yard (200 grams per meter) will suffice.
If pasting the paper:
- Spread adhesive evenly over the entire paper backing to ensure good adhesion and to avoid open seams across panels.
- Book the panel for 2-5 minutes. Prolonged soaking may cause tears.
If pasting the wall:
- Lightly dampen the paper with a sponge to relax the material.
- Spread adhesive evenly on the wall per installer preferred method.
Do not crease the material prior to or during installation as creases may not disappear.
Install the Wallpaper
Install wallpaper with a smooth brush lightly working out air pockets or bubbles. Hard-edged smoothers and seam rollers may crush the natural fibers but can be used carefully based on the installer’s preference. Work clean to prevent any adhesive touching the face of the printed Grasscloth; it is extremely difficult to remove. Align and install panels as needed for design match. Stop the installation if there is a question of panel color matching and contact Spoonflower.
If double cutting, prior to overlapping panels use a hand-masker or 2” painter’s tape to apply a temporary protective cover over the bottom panel. Overlap the top panel and double cut. Remove the protective tape and gently smooth the top panel from the center to the edge.
Aligning seams at an outside corner may lead to peeling over time. It is better to bend a panel around outside corners with the proper tools. Avoid excessive wiping or overworking the material during installation.
Wallcovering Installers Association (WIA)
Spoonflower is a proud member of the Wallcovering Installers Association (WIA). The WIA is the only trade association dedicated exclusively to the interests and needs of wallpaper installation professionals. You can find out more about the WIA on their website, here.