Wickes ready mixed wallpaper paste

[Tom d'Angler]

I used this for the first time this week and it was excellent.

I have always used Polycell flaked paste but I would be reluctant to go back to that after experiencing how easy the ready mixed is to use.

I have just under half a tub left. Does anyone know how long I can store this for and it still be usable?

[bitzz]

Excellent value paste, used half a tub last november, sealed it well and used the rest in april this year still like new.

[Tom d'Angler]

I have used this three times since my original post, on three very different types of wallpaper, and it has been excellent on all of them. It is my go-to paste from now on.

[dynamod]

Flake paste is rubbish these days. Solvite is OK for size, but not much else. I simply wouldn't trust a finished paper with it.

Nothing bar RM these days, and with so many different flavours, there's one for every sort of paper. These papers that recommend an all-purpose paste, go on far better with a good RM adhesive. It gives peace of mind, better results, and in the greater scheme of things doesn't add a great deal to the price of a job.

[Tom d'Angler]

in the greater scheme of things doesn't add a great deal to the price of a job

... and saves time with less mess and no need for a separate paste bucket.

I haven't tried it for a size yet. Do they tend to mix with water quite easily, and what % water to paste would you recommend?

[dynamod]

I don't often use RM for sizing as it's a wee bit dear for that, but Solvite thinned down works well as a size. I'd say Solvite at regular strength, then reduced to around 50-60% dilution from that should be OK. It's a balance of getting it thin enough to penetrate the surface and reduce porosity, but not too thin that it's watery.

[Have Brush Will Travel]

Ive been using the Wickes one for years now..it was better value than it is now...they keep bumping the price up!!...but its still my go to paste.