Can baking soda be a substitute for alum when making homemade wallpaper paste?

No, baking soda cannot be a substitute for alum when making homemade wallpaper paste.

Alum is a key ingredient in wallpaper paste because it acts as a sizing agent, which helps to strengthen the paste and improve its adhesion to the wallpaper and wall.

Baking soda, on the other hand, is a leavening agent and alkaline, which would not provide the necessary properties for a good wallpaper paste.

Using baking soda instead of alum would likely result in a weak and ineffective paste. The wallpaper might not adhere properly to the wall, and the paste could easily crumble or peel off.

Here's why alum is important for wallpaper paste:

* Strengthens the paste: Alum helps to bind the ingredients together, creating a stronger and more durable paste.

* Improves adhesion: The sizing properties of alum help the paste to stick firmly to both the wallpaper and the wall, preventing peeling or sagging.

* Prevents mold growth: Alum has some antifungal properties, which can help to inhibit the growth of mold and mildew in the paste.

Alternatives to alum:

If you can't find alum, there are a few alternatives you can try:

* White glue: This is a common substitute for alum. It provides similar adhesion properties and can be mixed with flour and water to make a wallpaper paste.

* Cornstarch: Cornstarch can also be used as a sizing agent in wallpaper paste. It creates a slightly thinner paste but still provides good adhesion.

Always test your paste on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to your entire wall.