Uneven Finish | Vibepedia

An uneven finish refers to the distinctive texture and appearance of walls constructed using the scrim and sarking method. This method involved nailing wooden panels over house frames, covering them with a heavy, loosely woven cloth called scrim, and then applying wallpaper directly. The resulting finish is characterized by a unique, uneven texture that can be identified by knocking on the wall, which produces a distinctive sound. With the passage of time, the scrim may come loose from the sarking, causing the wallpaper to appear loose and uneven. The scrim and sarking method was popularized by builders and architects who sought to create a smooth, even surface for wallpaper. The use of native rimu and jute or hessian scrim was particularly common in New Zealand.