Clay-Coated Wallpaper: Specifications and Installation

Vintage Botanica clay-coated wallpaper has a smooth, soft matte finish on a non-woven paper. It is hung with paste applied to the back of each panel. Panels overlap for pattern matching, then are double-cut to create a flush seam.

Specifications

  • Construction: Non-woven
  • Thickness: 9 mil
  • Weight: 180 gsm
  • Application: Paste-the-paper
  • Seam: 0.75 in. overlap for pattern matching, double-cut during installation for an flush seam.
  • Fire rating: Class A (ASTM E84)
  • Material health: PVC-free, phthalate-free, low-VOC inks
  • Recommended use: Residential interiors, including bedrooms, powder rooms, dining rooms, entryways, and nurseries.

Before You Begin

Inspect every panel
Before cutting, check that the pattern, texture, scale, and color match across all panels, and that the printed surface is free of defects. If you see any issue, contact connect@vintagebotanica.com before starting your project. All retail orders are covered by our 60-day Satisfaction Guarantee.

Storage
Store the material in a clean, dry, temperature-controlled space, and let it reach room temperature before handling.

Room and wall conditions
Walls must be completely free of mold, mildew, and residue. The building must be weather-tight, with heating and air conditioning running before, during, and after installation. Keep the room at 65 to 85°F (18 to 29°C) and 40 to 60% relative humidity. Keep permanent lighting on during installation so you can inspect your work accurately.

Handle with care
Do not crease the material before or during installation. Creases may not come out.

Supplies

  • Primer: Roman Pro-977 Ultra Prime, or another high-quality primer suited to your wall surface
  • Paste: Roman Pro-880 Ultra Clear Strippable or Roman Pro-774 Clay
  • 9 to 11 in. deep-well paint roller tray
  • 9–10-inch roller with a 3/8-inch nap
  • 12 to 18 in. wallcovering smoothing brush
  • 6 in. smoothing tool
  • Wallcovering seam roller
  • Heavy-duty snap-off utility knife with extra blades
  • Straightedge
  • Laser level or plumb bob

Preparing the Wall

Step 1: Smooth the wall
Measure and inspect the walls to make sure they are smooth and that you have enough material. Remove protruding nails. Fill holes, cracks, and dents with acrylic spackling paste, then sand smooth.

Step 2: Wash the wall
Clean off dust, dirt, mold, mildew, and stains with a damp microfiber cloth or sponge and a mix of warm water and vinegar. Let the wall dry completely before continuing.

Step 3: Prime the wall
A fresh coat of primer creates a strong bond between the wall and the wallpaper. Allow 48 to 72 hours for the primer to dry, or follow the primer manufacturer's directions, before continuing.

Planning the Installation

  • Measure the walls a second time before starting.
  • Plan pattern placement and the pattern repeat and match so the design is centered or aligned where you want it.
  • Turn off power to switches and outlets, then remove the cover plates.
  • Use a level or plumb bob to draw a straight vertical guideline for the first panel.

Pasting

  1. Lay the panel face down on a clean table or pasting board.
  2. Roll paste onto the top half of the panel.
  3. Gently fold the pasted half onto itself without creasing.
  4. Turn the panel around, paste the bottom half, and fold it the same way.
  5. Let the folded panel rest ("book") for 10 minutes before hanging, unless your adhesive's directions say otherwise.

Hanging

  1. Unfold the top half of the panel, line it up with your guideline, and press it to the wall with the smoothing brush.
  2. Brush from the center outward to remove air bubbles. Press firmly enough to remove trapped air, but not so hard that you force paste out from under the panel.
  3. Unfold and smooth the bottom half the same way.
  4. Press the panel into the ceiling and baseboard lines with the 6 in. smoothing tool.
  5. Trim the excess at the ceiling and baseboard with a sharp snap-off blade, using a fresh blade tip for each cut.
  6. Hang each remaining panel the same way, double-cutting each seam as you go (see below).

Double-Cutting the Seams

Each panel overlaps the last by 0.75 in. so the pattern can be lined up exactly. A double cut then removes the overlap for an flush seam.

  1. Hang the next panel so it overlaps the previous one by 0.75 in., with the pattern lined up.
  2. Smooth both panels flat across the overlap.
  3. Place a straightedge down the middle of the overlap and cut through both layers in one steady pass. Use light pressure so you don't cut into the wall.
  4. Peel away the top strip.
  5. Gently lift the edge of the top panel and remove the strip underneath.
  6. Press the seam closed with the seam roller and wipe away any excess paste with a damp sponge.

Snap to a fresh blade tip for each cut. A dull blade drags and tears wet paper.

Technical Notes

Class A fire rated (ASTM E84)
Prop 65, Lacey Act, EU REACH, and RoHS compliant
PVC-free and phthalate-free

Questions

Contact connect@vintagebotanica.com.