Paper-Hangings Product Information
Frequently Asked Questions about Blankstock
1. What is blankstock? Blankstock is a soft, fibrous paper product composed of mechanical wood pulp, off-white in color; it is used as an underlayment for fine wallcoverings.
2. What does it do? Blankstock provides a smooth, receptive surface for the pasted sheet of wallpaper. It absorbs excess moisture from the finish paper and allows the finish paper to dry quickly. It minimizes seam shrinkage. It functions much like an underlayment for carpet. It "softens" the wall, makes the wallpaper look better for a longer time and acts as a buffer between the wall and finish paper.
3. When should blankstock be used? Blankstock should be used anytime the finish paper is especially sensitive: for example, when the finish paper has sensitive inks (blockprints); when the finish paper is very thin (handprints, especially those with white, open backgrounds); when excess paste may damage the paper by striking through (European machine printed unpasted paper).
4. Won't the installation cost more? Yes. However, blankstock can be hung very quickly, typically at least twice as fast as finish paper. The finish paper will hang MUCH BETTER AND FASTER on blankstock than without it. Blankstock adds value because it improves the looks and duration of the finished installation, and makes the finish installation easier and more predictable.
5. Should I hang it horizontally? This technique (also called cross-lining or railroading) is not absolutely necessary. It is necessary, however, to use a good butt seam when hanging the blankstock, as a wired seam or a gapped seam may show through the finish paper.
6. What kind of paste should I use? Almost any type of high-moisture paste such as wheat paste, cellulose paste, or a thinned down clear premix may be used, although blankstock seems to do best with wheat paste. We recommend adding a little household bleach or oil of cloves to the wheat paste, to guard against spoilage in the wet state.
7. Should I size the blankstock? Yes. After an overnight dry, blankstock should be sized with a very dilute wheat size. A good proportion is one part mixed wheat to one part water. A little clear or cellulose may be added for flow. Other clear-type pastes and adhesives can be used for size, but they should be thinned way down. A good size should be somewhat watery and sink into the blankstock easily, using 6-inch stain brush or similar. Using a sidelight, watch for the color change as the sizing is applied. Sizing usually dries within 15 minutes.
8. What is the cost? Blankstock costs $4.95 per single roll, in either a 21" or 28" width. The roll size is 36 square feet. The product is put up in 4-roll bolts for the 21", and 3-roll bolts for the 28". Shipping charges are extra. We ship UPS ground and with "signature not required" unless you request otherwise. You may order by phone, or e-mail. A 10% discount applies on an order of at least 48 s/r, and a 20% discount applies on orders of at least 96 s/r.
*** ADDITIONAL SUPPORT *** is available. E-mail us anytime. Our policy is to answer e-mail questions within 24 hours. Please zero in on the problem or concern and be sure to add information about the surface, wallprep and wallcoverings. Thank You!
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