How to attach shoji paper using double sided tape

Jul 22nd 2021

Notes before installation:

  • Use utility knife or scissors to cut the paper.
  • Unroll and flatten the paper. If paper is curled, roll the opposite way to take the curl out.
  • The paper is reversible and can be overlapped.
  • Carpenter’s glue or rice glue won’t adhere laminated paper.
  • If kumiko (lattice) is thinner than ¼” where there is a big temperature change may occur (such as right by the window in hot sun), attaching 0.45mm paper with tape is not recommended. When temperature change is too much, warping of wood or peeling of paper may occur. Use 0.45mm paper in sandwich style shoji, or use it between two sheets of glass or plastic.
  • Laminated paper contracts and expands according to the temperature. If there is not enough support from wood frame/lattice, sagging may occur. 20°C (68°F) and above is recommended when installing the paper. Avoid use of the paper under high temperature of 60°C (140°F).
  • The cut edge of the paper can be sealed with plastic tape or caulking, to prevent moisture to get in, in between laminates.
  • Wait till the wood is completely dry. The tape doesn’t stick well when moist.
  • The surface of wood must be smooth.
  • Align the tape within the inside edge of the wood. The tape should not show on the paper when done.
  • Make sure to press firmly on the backing of tape to prevent it from peeling it off from the wood.

Installation with Y1A double-sided tape

  1. If the panel frame has a ledge, cut the paper a little shorter (1/32 to 2/32 inch) than the opening of the ledge, leaving a room for the paper to expand.
  2. It's easier to work when the shoji panel is on a table. Apply the double-sided tape on the outer frames (4 sides), and also vertical kumiko (lattice) only. Do not peel any backing yet.
  3. Lay the paper and position it. Peel the backing of tape on the bottom frame only. Press the bottom edge of the paper on to the bottom edge of the frame. Only the bottom edge is attached at this point.
  4. Roll up the sheet to the bottom, and then peel the backing on vertical frames and kumiko. Removing backing of vertical ones is necessary before applying more tape on horizontal Kumiko, so that horizontally applied tape is not overlapping the vertical tape backing.
  5. Apply tape on horizontal kumiko. Peel all the backing.
  6. Slowly unroll the paper, using hands, a towel, or a small roller to smooth out the paper towards outer frames, while pressing firmly over where tape is applied.

How to remove Laminated paper attached with Y1A double-sided tape

  1. Usually you can just pull the paper off slowly. If it’s pulled too harshly, may rip the wood or finish off.
  2. If it's hard to pull them off, heat the taped area to 80°C to 90°C (179°F to 194°F) using a hair dryer or an iron. The heat will soften adhesive on the tape. Then pull the paper slowly.
  3. If any tape remains on the wood, let it cool down first. Then pull it off to remove.

Cleaning

Laminated paper can be cleaned with damp cloth. Be careful not to let water get in from the cut edge of the paper.

Go to product page:
Double Sided Tape for Shoji Paper