Saturday, October 10, 2009

Protecting Your Wallpaper


I considered taking Alicia's dollhouse to the state fair this summer. In preparation to do that, I took everything out of the house. Much to my amazement (and despair) I discovered how badly the wallpaper in the parlor had faded!

Some of the newer, Victorian wallpaper that I purchased has very tiny type on one of the edges recommending that the user spray the paper with fixative before applying the paper. Several years ago, I participated in a Web conversation where someone ranted about NOT using anything that a person printed on their computer printer, because it faded too quickly. Well, I installed the above paper about 18 years ago, and look at how it's faded. (Alicia had a couch in front of the area where it is darker.)

When I got into the discussion about not using computer printables, I contacted HP to find out what they predicted would be the longevity of their printed inks. The tech who spoke with me said it's hard to tell. He said use acid free paper for starters. Then he said, once it's dry, spray it with fixative. Their research had indicated that this would help reduce ultraviolet light degradation.

I also have used museum quality glass in areas of my dollhouses and room boxes where I can put real glass, because most museum glass also offers some protection against the damage of sunlight, too.

So, long blog short - spray your wallpaper with fixative before you put up any paper. You can get the fixative at most any art supply store.

4 comments:

Caseymini said...

George, that is one of the first things that I learned when I started mini-ing. I have used Patricia Nimock's matte spray from the beginning. It also gives the paper more strength as well as colorfastness. I have some papers that I installed years ago that still look good. Of course it helps to keep them out of direct sunlight also.

dalesdreams said...

I have heard this complaint from many people that have bought minis made from printies.

Sorry to hear your wall paper faded. :(

Debora said...

Auch, poor Alicia. I do dig your comment, but look on the bright side: this property does enhances the realism in the room ;-)

If you, on the other hand, do like to change your furniture around quit a lot (or just don't want this to happen in time) it is a great tip!

Debora said...

Time spent at the computer is eating out of our workbenchtime! Nevertheless, I think you deserve an award even if you don't follow up on it.

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