Wall Papers.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXIII, Issue 7213, 18 May 1898, Page 4

Wall Papers.

The unpleasant exhalations of papered walls mostly emanate from such wall papers as have a, blue or green ground, bub also occur, witli such where the'blue or green color constitutes the largest part, of the pattern, the ■ dyestnff being chiefly composed., of blue. or. green ultramarine. The latter , is perfectly harmless, but has the property of becoming decomposed by slightly sour liquids, and to spread a moat disagreeable odour of rotten eggs, i.e.,'to develop sulphuretted hydrogen, during the slow progress of decomposition. The paste used for .fixing wall paper ,is frequently, of a faintly sour or readily souring character, and quickly the paper, : causing the above-mentioned effect, as a very; Blight degree, ot fermentation suffices to bring about the said unpleasantness. The latter appears more markedly if the wallsare slightly damp arid already covered with several layers of paper, so that the lime .plastering 'cannot have a neutralising effect on the lactic acid in the paste, etc. In such cases, therefore, where it is necessary to affix wall 'paper upcfn a ground of old paper, as well as in all cases where green or blue wall paper is used, it is recommended.to employ only such gluing agents as either do not soar or, if they are' inclined' to decomposition, contain slight quantities of" lime, milk, or soda solution, before use, thus exclnding the occurrence of the said drawbacks.