Guide
Grasscloth care and installation
How to handle, install, and maintain natural grasscloth and paperweave wallcoverings for lasting results.
Why grasscloth is different
Grasscloth, paperweaves, and other natural wallcoverings bring depth and organic variation that printed vinyl cannot replicate. Each strip may show slight tone shifts—that is a feature, not a defect. Before you order, browse our grasscloth and natural weave collection and compare Phillip Jeffries textures on the Phillip Jeffries brand page.
Unlike washable vinyl, grasscloth is porous and can mark if rubbed aggressively. Plan placement away from direct water splash and heavy abrasion. Entryways can work with the right clearances and a skilled installer; powder rooms need extra ventilation and compatible adhesive.
Wall preparation
Walls should be smooth, clean, dry, and primed with a primer recommended for natural wallcoverings. Out-of-plumb corners and texture telegraph through fine grasses—skim coating may be required. Do not assume grasscloth will hide significant drywall flaws.
Confirm electrical cover plates, window casings, and baseboards are accounted for in your layout. Grasscloth is often hung butt-seamed; pattern alignment is subtler than a large-scale print but seam visibility should be discussed with your installer before the first strip goes up.
Adhesive and handling
Use the adhesive system specified for grasscloth or paper-backed naturals—many installs use a clear starch or clay-based product rather than heavy vinyl paste. Apply adhesive to the wall or material per manufacturer guidance; never guess when mill instructions are available on the product page.
Handle rolls in a clean, dry area. Oils from hands can stain light grasses. Cut lengths with a sharp blade on a clean table; allow booked panels to relax per installer habit and humidity. Acclimate material in the room when your installer recommends it for West Texas dryness or seasonal HVAC swings.
Seams, corners, and trims
Expect visible but tight seams on many grasscloth installs. Double-cutting or reverse butt joints are installer decisions based on lot dye and strip width. Outside corners may require extra material; inside corners benefit from relief cuts that do not tear the face fiber.
Coordinate baseboard and casing removal if you want the cleanest termination. Touch-up paint on adjacent trim after hang is common. For rooms that also use designer prints on other walls, match undertones in natural light before finalizing grasscloth color.
Care after installation
Dust gently with a soft brush or vacuum on low with a brush attachment—no harsh scrubbing. Address stains immediately with methods approved for natural fibers; many marks cannot be reversed. Protect grasscloth from ongoing moisture and direct UV when possible to reduce fading.
Keep a short extra length labeled by room for future repairs. Lot-dye shifts mean replacement strips may not blend perfectly years later. For project planning across multiple rooms, read our room planning guide and confirm yardage with yardage estimation basics.