It's weird, but it works: why did people use to glue newspapers under wallpaper

02.04.2024 17:30
Updated: 12.05.2024 22:02

In the USSR, people constantly used various tricks and techniques to make their lives more comfortable.

Has anyone ever thought about why newspapers were glued under wallpaper in the past? This technique may seem pointless, but its benefits are undeniable.

Masking irregularities

The first and perhaps most obvious function of newspapers under wallpaper is to mask unevenness.

As a light "primer," newspapers helped to hide minor imperfections on the walls. This was especially useful when working with surfaces that required additional preparation before wallpapering.

Wallpaper protection

In addition, newspapers acted as protection for the wallpaper from unevenness and defects of the walls.

wallpaper
Photo: © TUT NEWS

Due to its structure and absorbent capacity, newsprint softened the imperfections of the plaster, preventing delamination and extending the life of the wallpaper.

Improved grip

And last but not least, the function was to improve the adhesion of the wallpaper to the wall.

Newspapers, as a thin and light material, provided a strong bond between the wallpaper and the wall, making it more reliable and durable.

Is it worth using this method in modern realities?

When talking about this method, it is worth being rational.

In the USSR, it was not possible to use high-quality primers and perfectly level the walls. That is why people glued newspapers under the wallpaper. In modern realities, this is no longer reasonable.

Earlier we talked about why housewives apply baby shampoo to makeup brushes .

Author: Valeria Kisternaya Editor of Internet resources
 
Expert: Anastasia Kovrizhnykh Expert / HERE NEWS

Content
  1. Masking irregularities
  2. Wallpaper protection
  3. Improved grip