Wallcovering Hanging Instructions!
Please do not attempt to hang James Hare wallcoverings without reading the following instructions; they ALL require expert installation. Silks & Crystals declines all responsibility for problems arising when these instructions are not followed. Before installation the wallcovering must be checked to ensure it meets your or your clients requirements and expectations.
The handmade nature of the products means that elements of their appearance are subjective and what is suitable for one client may not be suitable for another. If during the inspection you find anything of concern to you, notify us immediately and do not commence installation. It is important that you and your client are aware that the finished effect will be panelled and not seamless. We cannot guarantee a pattern match on paper backed wallcoverings. As silk is a natural fibre there may be irregularities and variations which will be especially visible as the fabric is laid flat. In particular there may be variations in shade and weave which are natural characteristics of such yarns. We recommend the use of cords or trims along the seams, in particular with thicker fabrics, to protect and hide the seams.
Pay particular attention to the colour match of different rolls. No responsibility or liability will be accepted for alleged defects apparent prior to hanging. Returns will not be accepted.
Fabrics with visible horizontal lines may become distorted when paper backed. This is referred to as either frowning or smiling and is a natural occurrence with a paper backed fabric. This is due to the fabric being put under tension during the paper backing process. Fabric will not be accepted back if this occurs. We do not recommend paper backing for fabrics with horizontal stripes.
It is taken as read the starting point for any subsequent conversations about installation or appearance concerns, that you and/or your client have checked and approved the wallcovering before the installation began. No return of orders is accepted that have been trimmed, pasted or installed. No claims for labour charges or other consequential losses will be accepted, under any circumstances.
Surface Preparation:
1. Walls must be prepared properly for papering. Surfaces should be dry, smooth, flat and free of any loose material. The quality of the final result is dependent upon good preparation. New plaster and very absorbent surfaces must be properly sized. Do not expect wallcovering to improve an imperfect surface by hiding defects as it is unlikely to do so.
2. We do not recommend hanging on top of previous layers of paper, but where unavoidable check very carefully that all sub-layers are firmly stuck down.
3. Do not attempt to hang wallcovering onto glossy, glazed or varnished surfaces without keying the surface thoroughly to achieve sufficient adhesion before proceeding. Preferably remove such a surface entirely.
4. Do not use oil based priming products that remain flexible once dry because these may leach oil into the wallcovering and cause subsequent discolouration.
5. All walls should be lined with a plain white heavy grade lining paper. In the UK a suitable lining paper would be classified as 1000 or 1200 grade. The lining paper should be hung with the same adhesive being used to hang the final panels. (see also ‘Adhesive’)
6. Cross Lining (also known as Railroaded Lining) is not necessary so long as the vertical joints between the lining panels do not meet up with the subsequent vertical joints between wallcovering panels. All joints between lining panels should be firmly butted without gaps and once dry there must be no discernable ridge between them. Do not use a primer on top of the lining paper.
7. In arid and low humidity environments the lining paper may provide too absorbent a surface, in these cases we recommend experimenting with sizing the lining paper with paste and allowing this to dry before attempting installation.
8. Paint from adjacent areas must not be allowed to spill or brush over onto the lining paper as this might prevent the wallcovering from adhering properly.
Installation:
1. Plan the positioning of each drop in advance to create a balanced panelled effect.
2. Paste the wall with a light and even coating of an undiluted ready mixed wallcovering adhesive. (see also ‘Adhesive’)
3. Gently butt join the seams, do not overwork them, however ensure there are no gaps and then dry splice.
4. No adhesive can be allowed to attach to the surface as any removal, even with clean water can still mark the silk.
Trimming:
1. The edges on James Hare wallcoverings require trimming before installation and without this will not join correctly. We recommend that trimmings are carried out on site.
2. Wallcoverings can be wrapped around outside angles (convex), but they must be cut vertically into all sharp internal angles (concave). Joints on outside angles or in exposed positions should be avoided as these areas will be prone to fraying in the future.
3. A fresh blade should be used for every cut.
4. We recommend that after installation is complete, all off cuts are rolled up and carefully stored as they may be useful in the future.
Adhesive:
1. It is strongly recommend that you use a suitable adhesive for your product, installation method and local climate.
2. Paste the wall with undiluted ready-mixed PVA adhesives which should be used in the consistency supplied. Adhesives such as Albany Red Top, Solvite Red Top or Bartoline pre-mixed heavy duty paste are preferable.
General Installation:
1. All tools that will touch the surface of the wallcovering should be immaculately clean and dry at all times.
2. Sponges should be rinsed clean after each use.
Recommended Paperhangers:
We strongly recommend that you use a professional wallpaper hanger with plenty of experience of hanging silk wallcoverings. For further contact details of experienced decorators, email sales@silksandcrystals.com
We cannot and will not guarantee the work of any paperhanger. A client must satisfy themselves as to the standard of work and professionalism of the paperhanger before accepting them to do the work required.
Further Information:
If your questions have not been answered by any of the above, do not understand any aspect of these instructions, or you require further advice please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to help in any way that we can to ensure that your James Hare wallcovering lives up to its full potential and that you and your client are delighted with your new wallcovering.
