Wallpaper can transform a room, adding style and visual interest with its colors and patterns. However, issues like loose seams, bubbles, and tears can diminish its sleek finish over time. Fortunately, most wallpaper problems are fixable with the right tools and techniques. This guide will walk you through common wallpaper repairs, from addressing loose seams to patching large tears.
Understanding Types of Wallpaper Damage
Before making repairs, identify what kind of wallpaper damage you’re dealing with. This will help you choose the best method of repair and gather the right materials.
Loose Seams
Loose seams occur when the edges of wallpaper strips separate from the wall. This issue is common in high-traffic areas or rooms with fluctuating humidity levels. Loose seams can be caused by inadequate adhesive application during installation or the natural aging of the wallpaper glue.
Bubbles and Blisters
Bubbles and blisters in wallpaper are air pockets that form between the paper and the wall surface. These imperfections can result from improper installation, trapped air during application, or changes in temperature and humidity that affect the adhesive.
Rips and Punctures
Rips and punctures are more severe forms of wallpaper damage. They can be caused by accidents, furniture movement, or attempts to remove items adhered to the wall. The size of the damage determines the repair method. Small tears are often easier to fix than large punctures.
Tools for Wallpaper Repair
Here’s what you’ll need to tackle the most common wallpaper issues.
You may need the following adhesives and sealants:
- Wallpaper seam adhesive: A specialized glue for reattaching loose edges
- Vinyl spackling compound: For filling holes or dents in the wall before patching
- Wallpaper paste: For larger repairs or when applying new patches
Here are the cutting and smoothing tools you’ll use:
- Razor knife: For precise cuts when patching or trimming
- Seam roller: To flatten repaired seams and remove air bubbles
- Sponge: For cleaning excess adhesive and smoothing wallpaper
- Artist’s brush: For applying adhesive in small areas
- Straightedge: To guide cuts for clean, straight lines
How To Fix Loose Wallpaper Seams
Loose seams are among the most common wallpaper issues, but they’re also one of the easiest to fix.
Identifying the Cause
Before repairing a loose seam, try to determine why it came loose. Was there too much glue squeezed out during installation? Did the factory-applied adhesive on pre-pasted vinyl fail to stick properly? Understanding the cause can help prevent future issues.
Step-by-Step Seam Repair Process
Here’s how to address this problem effectively:
- Clean the area: Gently wipe the loose seam and surrounding wallpaper with a damp sponge to remove any dust or debris.
- Apply adhesive: Using a small artist’s brush, carefully apply wallpaper seam adhesive to the underside of the loose edge. Be sure to spread an even coat without oversaturating the paper.
- Press and smooth: Gently press the loose edge back into place, ensuring it aligns correctly with the adjacent paper.
- Roll the seam: Use a seam roller to flatten the repaired area, working from the center outward to remove any air pockets.
- Clean excess adhesive: Immediately wipe away any excess glue that squeezes out with a damp sponge to prevent staining or damage to the wallpaper surface.
- Allow to dry: Let the repair dry completely, which usually takes a few hours, before touching or exposing the area to moisture.
For small horizontal tears along a seam, carefully roll both flaps back into their original position, placing the decorative surface over the backing paper to hide any ragged edges.
How To Repair Bubbles and Blisters
Bubbles and blisters in wallpaper can be unsightly, but with the right approach, they’re relatively easy to fix. Here’s how to tackle these common issues.
Air Pocket Removal
Follow this step-by-step process to repair simple air bubbles:
- Check the bubble: Press gently on the bubble to ensure it’s just trapped air and not a larger issue.
- Create a small opening: Use a razor knife to make a tiny slit in the center of the bubble.
- Inject adhesive: Fill a glue-injecting syringe with wallpaper seam adhesive and carefully inject it into the bubble through the slit.
- Smooth the area: Use a seam roller to flatten the repaired section, working from the center outward to push out excess adhesive and air.
- Clean up: Wipe away any excess adhesive with a damp sponge.
Dealing With Dirt or Debris Under Wallpaper
If you feel a speck of other debris under the bubble, follow these steps to repair the problem:
- Cut an X: Use a razor knife to carefully cut an X through the bubble.
- Remove the debris: Use tweezers or the tip of the razor knife to remove the dirt or paint chip causing the bubble.
- Apply adhesive: Squeeze seam adhesive through the X-shaped cut.
- Smooth and clean: Use a seam roller to flatten the area and clean any excess adhesive with a damp sponge.
These techniques work well for most bubble repairs. For persistent issues, you may need to consider re-pasting a larger section of wallpaper.
How To Fix Rips and Punctures in Wallpaper
Rips and punctures require a different approach than seams or bubbles. The repair method depends on the size of the damage.
Small Tear Repair
Follow these steps to repair small tears:
- Clean the area: Gently clean around the tear with a damp sponge.
- Apply adhesive: Use a small brush to apply wallpaper seam adhesive behind the torn edges.
- Press into place: Carefully press the torn edges back into their original position.
- Smooth the repair: Use a seam roller to flatten the area and remove any air pockets.
- Clean up: Wipe away excess adhesive with a damp sponge.
Large Damage Patch Technique
Repair larger holes or tears by following these steps:
- Cut out the damaged area: Use a razor knife and straightedge to cut out the damaged section, creating a clean, rectangular shape.
- Create a patch: Cut a piece of matching wallpaper slightly larger than the hole. Align the pattern carefully.
- Apply the patch: If using pre-pasted wallpaper, activate the adhesive by soaking it in warm water for 30 seconds, then “book” it by folding it paste-side to paste-side for about five minutes. For unpasted paper, apply wallpaper paste to the back of the patch.
- Position the patch: Carefully place the patch over the hole, aligning the pattern precisely.
- Smooth and trim: Use a damp sponge to smooth the patch, working from the center outward. Trim any excess with a razor knife.
- Clean up: Wipe away any excess paste with a damp sponge.
How To Restick Peeling Wallpaper
Peeling wallpaper is a common issue, especially in older installations or high-humidity areas.
Choosing the Right Adhesive
Choosing the right adhesive is crucial for resticking peeling wallpaper. For vinyl wallpaper, use a vinyl-to-vinyl adhesive. Standard wallpaper paste or seam adhesive works well for paper wallpaper. For specialty wallpapers, consult the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Application Methods for Different Wallpaper Types
Applying adhesive correctly ensures the peeling section sticks back on effectively. Follow these steps:
- Clean the area: Remove any dust or debris from behind the peeling section.
- Apply adhesive: Use a small brush to apply a thin, even layer of the appropriate adhesive.
- Press and smooth: Carefully press the peeling section back into place, using a seam roller to ensure good contact.
- Clean excess: Immediately wipe away any excess adhesive with a damp sponge.
- Allow to dry: Keep the area undisturbed until completely dry.
For stubborn peeling, you may need to remove the wallpaper section entirely and re-paste it or apply a new piece of wallpaper.
Preventative Measures To Protect Your Wallpaper
Preventing damage is easier than repairing it. Here are some tips to keep your wallpaper looking its best.
Proper Installation Techniques
Proper installation is the first line of defense against wallpaper damage. Ensure walls are clean, dry, and properly primed before installation. Use the correct adhesive for your wallpaper type, and smooth out all air bubbles during installation to prevent future issues. Allow enough drying time between pasting and hanging to ensure the adhesive sets correctly.
Regular Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance can extend the life and beauty of your wallpaper.
- Address any moisture issues in the room promptly to prevent damage.
- Avoid hanging heavy items directly on wallpapered walls.
- Clean washable wallpapers gently with a damp sponge and mild soap when needed.
- Dust wallpaper regularly with a soft, dry cloth or vacuum with a brush attachment.
When To Call a Professional for Wallpaper Repairs
While many wallpaper repairs are DIY-friendly, some situations call for professional expertise.
Complex Damage Scenarios
In some cases, wallpaper damage may be too complex for a typical DIY repair. Extensive water damage, mold growth, large areas of peeling or bubbling, or structural issues with the wall may require professional help. In these situations, restoring the wallpaper without causing further damage requires specialized skills and knowledge.
Vintage or Specialty Wallpaper Considerations
Repairing vintage wallpapers or specialty products often requires a delicate touch. These wallpapers may be rare, expensive, or fragile and need special handling. Antique wallpapers may also require restoration techniques that can preserve their historical value. For custom-printed or hand-painted wallpapers that are difficult to match or patch, hiring a professional ensures the best possible outcome without compromising the wallpaper’s integrity.