How do you make peel and stick wallpaper stick again?

Installing peel and stick wallpaper can transform the look of a room quickly and easily. However, over time the adhesive can wear out, causing the edges or corners to lift or peel away from the wall. Thankfully, it is possible to reactivate and reinforce the stickiness of peel and stick wallpaper to get it to adhere properly to the wall again.

Quick Answers

Here are some quick answers to common questions about making peel and stick wallpaper stick again:

• Use adhesive wallpaper primer or reactivator spray to prep the wallpaper and wall surface.
• Apply heat from a hairdryer or heat gun to soften the adhesive so it re-sticks.
• Smooth down lifted edges and corners with a smoothing tool like a seam roller.
• Reinforce corners or seams by applying masking tape underneath.
• Patch small holes or tears with wallpaper seam adhesive before reattaching.

Preparing the Wall Surface

Before attempting to re-stick wallpaper, it’s important to make sure the underlying wall surface is properly prepared. Start by clearing away any dust or debris from the area around the lifted wallpaper using a microfiber cloth or soft brush.

Next, use an adhesive wallpaper primer or reactivator spray designed for repositionable wallpapers. Lightly apply the primer to the wall surface below and around the lifted edges and corners. Avoid oversaturating the wallpaper itself with the primer to prevent damage. Let the primer sit for 2-3 minutes to penetrate the wall and reactivate the adhesive.

Applying Heat

One of the most effective ways to make peel and stick wallpaper bond to the wall again is through heat. Using a heat gun or hairdryer, apply concentrated hot air around all the lifted edges, corners, and seams of the wallpaper. Move the heat source continuously over the area for 30-60 seconds at a time.

The heat will soften and liquefy the adhesive on the back of the wallpaper so it can form a new bond with the primed wall surface. Be very careful not to hold the heat gun or hairdryer too close or in one spot too long, as it could damage the wallpaper. As you heat each section, use a smoothing tool or your hands to gently flatten the wallpaper back into place.

Using a Seam Roller

A seam roller is an invaluable tool for resticking wallpaper. It applies pressure as you roll to form a strong, tight bond between the wallpaper and wall surface. Once you’ve heated each lifted section and smoothed it down, slowly roll over it several times with a seam roller, concentrating on the edges and seams.

The combination of heat and pressure from the roller forces out any air bubbles and ensures maximum contact between the adhesive backing of the wallpaper and the wall surface. Be firm yet gentle when rolling, pressing down just hard enough to adhere the wallpaper without damaging the surface.

Reinforcing Seams and Corners

The seams where two sections of wallpaper meet, as well as the outer corner edges, often receive the most wear and are prone to lifting first. Once you’ve reapplied the wallpaper using heat and a roller, you can reinforce the seams and corners so they stay attached.

Apply a strip of masking tape or painter’s tape over the seam, going at least 1/2 inch on each side. Roll over the tape firmly with a seam roller. The tape keeps the seam held tight together and prevents it from separating again. For corners, cut thin strips of tape and apply vertically from top to bottom in each corner before rolling.

Patching Holes and Tears

Over time and repeated lifting, holes or small tears can develop in peel and stick wallpaper. These damaged areas need to be patched and secured before the surrounding material can be successfully reattached to the wall.

Use a wallpaper seam adhesive, which comes in a tube like caulk, to fill any small holes, tears, or gaps in the wallpaper. Apply a thin layer of adhesive, smoothing it carefully with your finger. Once dry, the patched spots will be strong and reinforced.

For larger holes or tears, cut a wallpaper patch from leftover material or similar patterned paper. Apply seam adhesive around the edges of the patch and position it over the hole, pressing it down firmly. Use a utility knife to trim off any overlap around the edges.

Smoothing Out Wrinkles and Bubbles

If small wrinkles or bubbles appear in your wallpaper after reattaching it, there are some techniques for smoothing them out:

• Lightly run a seam roller over wrinkles to flatten them out against the wall.
• Use a smoothing brush or plastic smoother to work out bubbles.
• Apply heat from a hairdryer on cool setting to tighten and relax wrinkled areas.
• Carefully lift edges and reapply adhesive or primer if needed to smooth thoroughly.

Be cautious not to overwork any area of wallpaper too much, as it could become damaged. Take your time rolling and smoothing until the surface lies flat against the wall.

Cleaning Wallpaper After Reapplication

Once your peel and stick wallpaper is fully adhered to the wall again, you may notice some primer, adhesive, or other residue left on the surface. Use a soft, slightly damp microfiber cloth to gently wipe clean. Avoid harsh scrubbing.

For tougher adhesive residue, try applying a small amount of isopropyl alcohol or mineral spirits to the cloth. Test on a small area first. Wipe in one direction and rinse the cloth frequently to prevent streaks or buildup.

Proper cleaning and care will keep your wallpaper looking fresh and well-adhered to the wall after reactivation. Avoid wetting the wallpaper too much and do not use steam, which could loosen the adhesive bond.

How Long Does Reactivated Wallpaper Last?

If properly reapplied using optimal heat, pressure, and primer, peel and stick wallpaper can bond just as strongly as when first installed. However, the adhesive does naturally weaken over time with cleaning, humidity, sunlight, and typical wear.

Here are some general timelines for how long reactivated wallpaper may last:

• 6 months – 1 year: Typical lifespan if carefully reapplied and monitored.
• 2-3 years: With occasional spot reactivation and corner reinforcements.
• 5+ years: If maintained pristinely with minimal direct sunlight or moisture.

The longevity greatly depends on the adhesive quality, wall surface, indoor environment, and quality of reapplication. Be prepared to observe and touch up wallpaper as needed over time.

When to Remove and Replace Wallpaper

While peel and stick wallpaper can be refreshed multiple times, there comes a point when the adhesive loses effectiveness for good. Here are signs it may be time for full removal and replacement:

• Wallpaper lifts in spots despite reapplication attempts.
• Edges will not flatten out and continue to curl or peel.
• Seams separate and split despite taping and rolling.
• Surface shows signs of bubbling, wrinkling, or other distortion.
• Primer no longer reactivates adhesive even after heat application.
• Wallpaper has obvious staining, tears, or holes that cannot be repaired.

Taking down old wallpaper and installing new can feel like a big project. But the results will be worth it for wallpaper that adheres cleanly and evenly to revitalize the look of your space.

Conclusion

Peel and stick wallpaper offers a quick, easy update for any room. However, over time, lifted edges and corners can occur as adhesive strength diminishes. Thankfully, there are many techniques for renewing that sticky grip and smoothly reattaching wallpaper to the wall.

With the proper use of primers, heat, seam rollers, reinforcements, repairs, and cleaning, you can make peel and stick wallpaper look freshly applied. Periodic renewal can maintain the look for years before full removal and replacement is needed. And your walls will once again have that sleek, crisp wallpaper finish you love.

Technique	Purpose
Wallpaper primer/reactivator	Reactivates dried adhesive
Heat gun or hair dryer	Softens adhesive to re-stick
Seam roller	Applies pressure for strong bond
Reinforcement tape	Holds seams and corners securely
Wallpaper repairs	Patches holes and tears before reapplying
Cleaning	Removes residue and enhances look

Using the right combination of techniques at the first signs of wallpaper lifting can save you from more extensive repairs down the road. With some careful prep work, the modest investment of time and materials yields big results. In just an afternoon, you can transform a wall from peeling to flawless.

Approaching the project with care and patience avoids damage and reactivates the adhesive properly. Don’t be afraid to call in a professional if the wallpaper begins lifting extensively or you are unsure of the best methods. Proactive renewal keeps your peel and stick wallpaper adhered smoothly for maximum longevity.

With a few basic tools and supplies, you can nip any wallpaper peeling issues in the bud. Tackle small lifted areas as they start to appear to prevent bigger problems later. Soon your walls will look their absolute best, showcasing the colors, patterns, and textures you love without any frustrating curling edges.

Renewing the stickiness and adhesion of wallpaper requires some finesse, but the difference it makes in your home’s appearance is remarkable. Follow these tips to refresh and invigorate the look of a wallpapered room. With a gentle yet effective approach, your walls will quickly go from peeling to picture perfect.

Peel and stick wallpaper offers the style and visual interest of wallpaper with the ease of application similar to a sticker. While the adhesive is strong at first, it can wear down over time, causing the dreaded peeling and curling. Don’t resign yourself to living with lifting edges or start the tedious process of full removal right away. Reactivating the adhesive is an easy, effective solution.

With a combination of prep, tools, and techniques, you can refresh the stickiness of peel and stick wallpaper and make it adhere like new again. A little time and elbow grease yields amazing results. Soon, your walls will have that smooth, finished look you love, unmarred by bumps, ripples, or peeling.

If you notice areas that are beginning to lift, act quickly to nip the problem in the bud. Addressing it promptly reduces the likelihood that more extensive lifting will occur. Waiting often makes the issue worse. Tackle peeling proactively as soon as you observe those first lifted edges or corners.

Think of wallpaper stickiness renewal as you would a fresh coat of paint on trim or walls. Periodic touch-ups maintain the desired appearance and prevent bigger problems. Don’t let lifting and peeling progress. With a modest time investment, you can catch it early and enjoy walls that look flawlessly adhered.

Making wallpaper stick again takes some care, patience, and technique. But it pays off in the long run by extending the life of your wallpaper. Try these renewable approaches first before resorting to removal and replacement. Breathe new life into your walls and fall in love with your space all over again.