How can I fix my wallpaper at home?

Having issues with peeling or damaged wallpaper in your home? Don’t worry – with the right techniques and tools, anyone can tackle wallpaper repair and makeover projects. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to fix wallpaper problems and get your walls looking fresh again.

Assessing the Damage

Before diving into repairs, take time to thoroughly inspect the wallpaper and identify any problem areas. Look for:

• Peeling edges or seams
• Bubbles or wrinkles
• Tears, holes, or gaps
• Loose areas where the wallpaper has detached from the wall
• Discoloration or stains
• Signs of mold or mildew

Make note of the location and extent of any damage. This will help determine the best repair techniques to use. Also try to identify potential causes, like moisture issues or improper application.

Preparing for Repairs

Proper prep work is crucial for getting wallpaper fixes to blend in seamlessly. Here are some tips:

• Clear the room of furniture and decor to access the entire space.
• Remove switch plate covers and outlet covers.
• Fill any holes or cracks in the walls with spackle and sand smooth when dry.
• Wash the walls with a mild detergent solution to remove dirt and grime.
• Use a steamer to soften the existing wallpaper and adhesive. This makes the area easier to work with.
• Have all necessary repair supplies on hand, like adhesive, primer, seam roller, and replacement wallpaper.

Fixing Bubbles and Wrinkles

Over time, air bubbles and wrinkles can form under wallpaper. This occurs when the paper isn’t adhered tightly. Here’s how to fix it:

1. Use a small razor blade or utility knife to slit the bubble. Cut an “X” shape.
2. Lift up the flap slightly and apply new adhesive underneath with a small paintbrush.
3. Smooth the wallpaper back down over the adhesive using a damp sponge.
4. Roll over the area firmly with a seam roller to flatten completely.
5. Wipe away any excess adhesive.
6. Let dry fully before moving on.

For wrinkles, slice along the ridge of the wrinkle to release tension. Apply adhesive beneath and smooth flat with a sponge and roller. This process can take patience, but is effective for smoothing imperfections.

Patching Holes and Tears

Use these steps for cleanly patching small holes or tears in wallpaper:

1. Cut a square patch out of extra wallpaper a few inches larger than the hole.
2. Apply adhesive around the damaged area, extending a few inches beyond it.
3. Align the patch over the hole and press in place. Use a damp sponge to adhere the edges down smoothly.
4. Roll over thoroughly with a seam roller.
5. Use an X-Acto knife to carefully trim away any overlapping edges.
6. Feather out the edges of the patch with light sandpaper.

Larger holes may require cutting a replacement section from a new sheet of wallpaper. Measure carefully and match up the pattern when positioning replacement pieces.

Reattaching Peeling Wallpaper

Lifting seams and edges are common wallpaper failures. Reactivate the adhesive to reset the bond:

1. Lift the loose edge slightly and apply a thin coat of wallpaper adhesive.
2. Press the wallpaper back into place, moving from the center outward to dispel air bubbles.
3. Use a damp sponge over the area to remove excess glue.
4. Roll with firm pressure to form a tight bond.
5. Apply painter’s tape over the seam to keep it secure as the adhesive dries.
6. Remove tape after 8-12 hours.

For larger areas that are completely detached, it may be necessary to apply new adhesive to both the wall and the back of the wallpaper before resetting.

Eliminating Mildew and Stains

Discolored or stained wallpaper isn’t a lost cause. Try these techniques:

• Mildew – Mix equal parts bleach and water and scrub gently with a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly. Wear gloves and open windows.
• Grease stains – Lightly scrub with baking soda and a damp sponge.
• Ink marks – Dab with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol.
• Water stains – Spot treat with white vinegar using a clean cloth.
• Dark stains – Apply hydrogen peroxide and let bubble for 30 minutes before wiping away.

Test stain removal methods in an inconspicuous spot first. If stains remain after cleaning, cover with coordinating wallpaper patches.

Replacing Damaged Sections

For wallpaper that is extensively stained, peeling, or otherwise damaged, replacement may be necessary. Here are two approaches:

Partial Replacements

If the damage is contained to one section, you may be able to get away with a partial replacement:

1. Use a sharp razor blade to cut out the damaged portion, including 1-2 extra inches beyond the affected area.
2. Cut a piece of new wallpaper to the exact size needed, matching the pattern.
3. Apply adhesive to the back of the new wallpaper piece.
4. Align it into place and smooth with a damp sponge.
5. Use a seam roller over all edges.
6. Clean off excess glue. Let dry fully.

Blending the new section into the old can take some finesse, but is doable with most patterns.

Full Wallpaper Removal and Rehang

For more extensive damage on multiple walls or over large areas, full removal and rehang may be best:

1. Score the existing wallpaper with a scoring or perforation tool. This allows steam or water to penetrate the paper.
2. Apply steam or hot water evenly across sections to loosen adhesive. Scrape off wallpaper with a putty knife.
3. Thoroughly clean and sand walls to remove residual glue.
4. Seal surfaces with prep coat or primer.
5. Apply new wallpaper across the entire space for a cohesive look.

While time-consuming, this provides the opportunity to refresh your entire room with new wallpaper.

Preventing Future Wallpaper Problems

To help keep your wallpaper repairs intact, keep these tips in mind:

• Properly prep walls by cleaning, sealing, and removing old adhesive prior to hanging new paper.
• Apply wallpaper adhesive evenly across the entire back of the paper to prevent lifting or bubbles.
• Smooth wallpaper thoroughly as it’s hung, pressing out bubbles and wrinkles.
• Consider special adhesives made for certain surfaces like glossy paint or concrete.
• Use mold resistant wallpaper and adhesives in humid areas like bathrooms.
• Avoid direct steam from showers hitting wallpaper.
• Clean stains quickly before they set.
• Limit wallpaper to non-traffic areas to prevent wear and tear.

Repairing or replacing damaged wallpaper takes patience and care. But with the proper preparation and techniques, you can restore your walls to their former glory.

When to Call a Professional

Extensive wallpaper removal and replacement on an entire room can be quite challenging for DIYers. Here are some instances when calling a professional may be your best option:

• Wallpaper damage covers a very large area, like an entire wall or multiple walls.
• The existing paper needs to be soaked thoroughly for removal, risking water damage.
• Wall surfaces under the paper have significant damage or imperfections.
• The wallpaper is highly textured or delicate.
• Matching intricate wallpaper patterns and ensuring proper alignment is crucial.
• You don’t have the time or patience for a large removal/rehang project.
• The installation area is difficult to access or high up.

Even if the repairs seem manageable, it can be wise to call in a pro if you’ve never tackled wallpaper fixes before. An experienced wallpaper hanger has the skills to take on tricky jobs and get your walls looking pristine again.

Cost to Repair Wallpaper

The cost to repair wallpaper damage can vary greatly depending on factors like:

Type of Repair	Average Cost
Patch small hole	$50 – $100
Smooth bubbles/wrinkles	$100 – $300
Reattach peeled section	$200 – $500
Remove wallpaper from 1 wall	$250 – $700
Replace wallpaper in 1 room	$600 – $2000

Professional wallpaper hangers often charge per square foot for labor and materials. Get an estimate upfront so you can budget appropriately for your project.

DIY or Hire a Pro?

When it comes to wallpaper repair, you have two options:

Do It Yourself

Taking a DIY approach to fix your wallpaper has some advantages:

• Saves money on labor costs
• Lets you work on your own schedule
• No need to arrange appointment times

However, there are also some downsides to DIY wallpaper repair:

• Learning curve if you’ve never done it before
• Required purchase of tools and materials
• Time consuming for large repair or replacement jobs
• Risk of damaging walls if improper techniques used
• May not achieve desired seamless, professional results

Hiring a Professional

The advantages of hiring a pro wallpaper hanger include:

• Experienced with all repair techniques and scenarios
• Access to commercial grade tools and materials
• Efficiency in completing jobs quickly
• Expert matching of patterns
• High quality, seamless repairs
• Able to provide warranty on work

Potential downsides are:

• Higher cost for labor
• Need to arrange appointment times
• Repairs subject to contractor’s schedule

For many homeowners without wallpaper experience, hiring a professional can provide peace of mind and excellent results.

Conclusion

With some preparation and the right techniques, repairing peeling, stained, or otherwise damaged wallpaper is very doable as a DIY project. Address issues promptly to prevent small problems from turning into major repairs. Determine whether to tackle the project yourself or call in a pro based on the scope of work needed. With a bit of time and effort, you can get your wallpaper looking like new again.