Installing and fixing wallpaper and other wallcoverings is a difficult task if you are not a professional. You may think it would be easy like paint, but there are much more steps involved to install a wallcovering. Apex's team of wallpaper installation contractors has become pros at installing and fixing wallpaper after over two decades of service. To ensure that your home looks its best, take our expert advice on how to fix your peeling wallpaper.
Typically, a wallpaper peels because the application was done poorly. This can be caused by anything from a patchy application, increased humidity, or sparse use of wallpaper adhesive. Either way, peeling wallpaper or an air bubble under your wallpaper is an eyesore to your home or commercial business. This problem can be solved through repair either by a homeowner or a wallpaper contractor. We strongly encourage you to consider hiring a contractor's services because repair can be difficult. But, if you're up to the challenge, go for it!
Wallpaper paste, also known as adhesive or glue, is the most important part of wallpaper installation. The kind, quality, and amount of adhesive are important to mitigating wallpaper peeling and making sure that your home looks the best it can. You should carefully consider what type of wallpaper seam adhesive would be best for your work. If you are having any difficulty selecting one, we suggest that you visit a wallpaper store and get the advice of the professional working there.
Contact cement is one of the strongest adhesives used for wallpaper installation. The strength of the adhesive makes it a great choice for vinyl wallcoverings or heavy paper.
Cold Water paste comes in a powder that you will need to mix and prepare yourself. This can be a complicated step for many because it can turn out too thin, resulting in your wall corners peeling, or it could be too thick and you have excess adhesive on your walls.
All-purpose paste is designed to work with any type of paper, making it a great wallpaper glue for any project. The content of this adhesive comes either pre-mixed or in a powder.
Heavy-duty or extra-strong paste dries very quickly when exposed to air. This is perfect for heavy wallpaper because it can hold heavy paper’s weight. One of the things to consider before using this paste is whether you will want to re-decorate in the future. Because this adhesive is so strong, it could be difficult to remove the paper in the future.
These tubs of paste come pre-mixed so you don't have to worry about finding the right consistency. They are also typically vinyl-based so they won't set until they are exposed to air. This is a great solution for anyone who is doubting their ability to choose and mix the right glue.
Air bubbles are pockets of air that form between the wallpaper and your walls. They are typically caused by using excessive adhesive or glue when installing wallpaper. Not smoothing out your newly applied wallpaper with a seam roller can also lead to an air bubble.
The key to avoiding air bubbles is to apply a thin layer of glue between the wallpaper and the wall. The glue should be spread evenly using a small paintbrush. After your wallpaper is applied, take the time to smooth it out with a seam roller.
Humidity or lack of experience applying wallpaper are usually the reason behind wallpaper peeling off walls. Whatever the reason, peeling wallpaper can decrease the look of your home or room as it exposes the paint underneath. To solve this issue, follow these steps.
If you have found a patch of paper that is peeling off your wall or a fraying seam, it is time to consider repair. Prepare the wallpaper patch by cleaning any dirt or dust away from the area. This is important to guarantee the success of your repair.
In order to prepare the paper for repair, you will need to loosen an excess adhesive at the seams of your paper. The way we recommend you do this is by running a damp sponge over the area. The wet sponge will thin the adhesive content and make removal easier.
Use a utility knife or razor blade to find and slowly lift the seam of your wallpaper. Make sure to be gentle as we don't want a utility knife to rip or tear the edges of your wallcoverings. After you separate a seam from the wall, start slowly peeling your wallpaper back to where it fully adheres to the wall. We recommend that you take this slow in case the wallpaper tears or rips. You don't want to have to do more repairs than needed!
After reading the adhesive information above, select the right repair glue for your patch of wallpaper. Then prepare the wall space by cleaning off any dust or peeling paint - this is important for reducing future peeling or an air bubble! Once the wall is clean, use a small paintbrush to apply adhesive to the wall and along the edges of seams. A new coat of glue should give your wallpaper the chance to seal itself to your home's walls.
After you have applied your adhesive, loosely apply your wallpaper to the area. After you have it positioned the way you want it, run a damp sponge over the area. The damp sponge will help place the piece of paper tightly to the wall.
Next, take a seam roller and run it over your piece of wallpaper in an up and down motion. This will help tighten the wallpaper seam to the wall and reduce the chance of the piece peeling or a bubble forming under a patch of the paper. A roller can be purchased at most hardware stores.
Place strips of painter's tape along the edges of your paper to hold the seams down. After 24 hours have passed, remove the tape and assess the area. If a patch of wallpaper is not sticking or an edge is fraying, it is time to consider doing more repairs or calling an expert.