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Can wallpaper be pasted on laminate?

Published in Wallpaper Application 2 mins read

Based on the provided reference, the answer is generally no, because wallpaper paste does not effectively adhere or dry on laminate surfaces.

Why Wallpaper Doesn't Stick to Laminate

Laminate is typically a very smooth, shiny, and non-porous material. This smooth, sealed surface presents a significant challenge for traditional wallpaper paste. The reference explains the core issue:

  • Lack of Adhesion: Unlike porous surfaces (like unsealed wood or drywall) that can absorb the paste and provide something for it to grip onto, non-porous surfaces like laminate offer nothing for the paste to adhere to.
  • Inability to Dry: When wallpaper paste is applied to shiny surfaces such as laminate, metal or glass, it does not have anything to adhere to and can't dry. The moisture in the paste cannot be absorbed into the surface, preventing it from curing and creating a strong bond.

Think of it like trying to stick tape to oily glass versus rough paper – the rough paper provides a better grip.

Surface Types and Adhesion

Understanding the difference between porous and non-porous surfaces is key when considering wallpaper application.

  • Porous Surfaces (Good for standard paste):
    • Flat wooden doors (as mentioned in the reference)
    • Drywall (properly prepared)
    • Plaster walls
  • Non-Porous Surfaces (Poor for standard paste):
    • Laminate
    • Metal
    • Glass
    • High-gloss painted surfaces

Attempting to hang wallpaper directly onto laminate using standard paste will likely result in the wallpaper peeling, bubbling, and ultimately failing to stay in place because the paste cannot establish a proper bond.

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