How to Hang Grasscloth, Sisal, and Abaca WallpaperUpdated 5 months ago

Grasscloth is a natural, handcrafted product. Special care is required when handling and installing this type of wallpaper. It's a unique attribute with grasscloth to have slight variations in color, texture, or sheen. This will be noticeable from roll to roll, and also within a roll. Anticipate a paneling effect when the grasscloth is hung, as there is no regular pattern, the seams will not match. 

For best results, we recommended that grasscloth wallpaper be installed by a professional wallpaper installer.

INSPECTION: Though your wallpaper has been thoroughly inspected before shipping, it's important to examine your wallpaper for proper color before cutting and hanging. Ensure that all rolls have the same item and run numbers and are in good condition. Avoid any creasing during handling and installation. Avoid hanging grasscloth in any high moisture areas (like a bathroom) or prolonged direct exposure to sunlight. As with any natural product, the color of may change slightly over time. 

SURFACE PREPARATION: For best results, clean and properly prepare all wall surfaces. Old wallpaper and paste residue should be removed. Walls must be clean, dry and smooth. Prepare surface with a premixed universal wallpaper primer. The primer should be tinted to the same color as the background color of your wallpaper to help hide seams.

ADHESIVE: Use a clear, non-staining, heavy duty premixed adhesive. Do not dilute the adhesive. Additional moisture can cause delamination of the surface paper from the backing.

CAUTION: Take care to keep the front grasscloth surface free of adhesive or water. Any paste or liquid on the surface will cause staining or discoloration to the product, which cannot be repaired.

PASTING AND HANGING:

1. Draw a vertical line from ceiling to floor by using a plumb line or straight edge with level. This will be your guide for positioning one edge of the first strip.

2. Cut wallpaper strip to fit wall height, allowing a couple of extra inches at the top and bottom for trimming. Trim with a very sharp razor knife and change the blade after each cut to avoid any tearing or pulling of the material.

3. Carefully apply an even coat of adhesive to the back of the wallcovering, working from the center to the edges and loosely fold (do not crease) the moistened strip toward the middle, pasted sides together and take directly to the wall. Paste and hang one strip at a time.

4. Align the edge of your first strip with the level vertical line from Step #1. Reposition or slide the strip as needed. Unfold the bottom half of the strip and lay the paper onto the wall. Set into place with a soft bristle smoothing brush. Carefully smooth out all air pockets and wrinkles.

5. Put the strip into place with a soft bristle smoothing brush. Carefully smooth out all air pockets and wrinkles. To achieve the best finished look when installing subsequent strips, the installer at their discretion, depending on the actual product/design, can either butt the seams together or overlap and double cut the material at the seams.

6. A neoprene seam roller can be used to set your seams. Avoid using too much pressure that could damage the surface or squeeze paste from the seam onto the surface. Clean and dry hands & tools regularly to avoid any paste or water from getting on the surface. Wrapping inside and outside corners is recommended. If accidentally a tiny amount of paste has gotten on the front of the product-immediately blot it with a dry, white cloth, taking care not to smear the paste around in a bigger area. Never wipe a grasscloth wallpaper with a wet sponge or towel.

7. Trim excess material at the floor and ceiling with a straight edge and sharp razor knife. Change the blade after each cut.

8. Repeat the process for each subsequent strip.

CLEANING: Grasscloth wallpaper can be cleaned by carefully using the soft brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner. Do not wipe with a cloth, or use any cleaning agents.