Assess the Damage
Before attempting to revive damaged wallpaper, you’ll need to thoroughly assess the extent of the damage. Carefully examine the entire wallpapered area and note any issues. Pay attention to these common types of wallpaper damage:
- Peeling or loose seams - Over time, wallpaper seams can come undone, resulting in peeling or lifted edges. Examine seams closely for gaps or curling.
- Tears or holes - Accidental nicks and scrapes can cause small tears in wallpaper. Holes may also develop from items being removed from walls. Check for rips, punctures, and holes.
- Stains - Grease, dirt, smoke, and water can stain wallpaper. Search for discoloration, darkened areas, or stains of any kind.
- Fading - Sunlight and time often cause wallpaper colors to fade unevenly. Inspect for uneven color, especially around windows.
- Loosening from wall - Wallpaper can separate from walls due to moisture issues or improper application. Check if areas are starting to pull away from the wall.
Thoroughly examining the damaged areas will help determine the best repair approach. If damage is extensive, complete wallpaper removal and replacement may be needed. For smaller flaws, spot repairs may suffice. Record all existing damage to plan the proper wallpaper revival process.
Prepare the Surface
Before attempting any wallpaper repairs, it's important to properly prepare the surface. Start by giving the wallpaper a thorough cleaning to remove any dirt, grease or soap residue that could interfere with adhesion. Use a mild soap and warm water solution and a soft sponge or cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing too vigorously, which could damage the wallpaper further.
Next, inspect the wall for any flaws like cracks, holes, bumps or uneven joints. Repair any wall damage with spackle or joint compound, then sand smooth. The wall surface should be as smooth as possible to prevent future peeling. Fill any gouges or nicks in the wallpaper with a small amount of patching compound.
It's also a good idea to remove any nails, tacks or staples left behind from the previous wallpaper. Use a putty knife to gently lift the edges and remove fasteners. Avoid tearing the wallpaper. Fill remaining holes with spackle.
Sand glossy surfaces lightly with fine sandpaper so the wallpaper adhesive will grip better. Remove any remaining wallpaper adhesive with adhesive remover or warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly. Allow the surface to completely dry before applying new adhesive or patching materials.
Proper surface prep is crucial for getting wallpaper repairs to adhere securely to the wall and look seamless. Taking the time to clean and fix flaws will help prevent future peeling or damage.
Choose a Wallpaper Adhesive
When repairing damaged wallpaper, it's important to use the right type of adhesive for the job. The adhesive you choose will depend on the type and weight of the wallpaper. Here are some tips for selecting the best adhesive:
- For lightweight papers like grasscloth or fiberglass wallpaper, opt for a light duty adhesive. Look for one that is specially formulated for delicate papers. Light adhesives allow the paper to release from the wall over time to prevent peeling or tears.
- Medium to heavy vinyl-coated papers require a heavy duty, permanent adhesive. Choose one that is designed to bond tightly to the wall and withstand humidity. Heavy duty adhesives are essential for preventing seams from re-opening.
- For textured or flocked wallpaper, use a specialized adhesive made for those finishes. The adhesive particles will match the texture and create a good bond. Standard pastes may not adhere as well to textured surfaces.
- When in doubt, consult the wallpaper manufacturer's recommendations for the best adhesive to use. Many provide specific guidelines tailored to their product.
- Stick with adhesives made specifically for wallpaper. Avoid multi-purpose glues or adhesives not designed for paper. Read the label to ensure it's intended for wallpaper repair and installation.
Choosing the right adhesive is a key step in getting damaged wallpaper back into shape. Invest in quality adhesives made for the type of paper you're working with. Take the time to select the proper paste and you'll achieve long-lasting repairs.
Repair Peeling Seams
Peeling seams are one of the most common issues with damaged wallpaper. Thankfully, they can often be repaired rather than requiring full wallpaper replacement.
Start by carefully lifting the loose edges using a putty knife. Avoid tearing the wallpaper. Once the edges are lifted, apply a thin layer of wallpaper adhesive to the underside using a small paintbrush.
Then, gently press the seam back into place, smoothing from the center outward to push out any air bubbles. Use a seam roller or the back of a spoon to flatten it completely. Wipe away any excess adhesive with a damp sponge.
It's important to use an adhesive specifically made for wallpaper, not a multi-purpose glue. Choose one recommended for the wallpaper material and weight. Allow time for the adhesive to fully cure before examining the repair.
Seams may continue peeling if the underlying issue of moisture or poor adhesion isn't addressed. Take steps to eliminate any moisture sources. Re-paste fully under persistent seams. With careful gluing technique, peeling seams can be repaired for an invisible fix.
Patch Small Holes and Tears
For small holes, tears, or gaps in wallpaper, cut a patch from leftover wallpaper or a hidden section of the existing wallpaper. Make sure the pattern matches up. You'll want the patch to be slightly larger than the damaged area.
Apply wallpaper adhesive to the back of the patch and position it over the damaged area. Use a small roller or your fingers to flatten the patch smoothly against the wall. Wipe away any excess adhesive with a damp sponge. Be careful not to tear the wallpaper when smoothing the patch.
Let the adhesive fully dry, which usually takes around 30 minutes. Once dry, the edges of the patch should blend seamlessly into the wallpaper pattern. The patch is now intact and your wallpaper damage is repaired. With a steady hand and some patience, patching is an easy wallpaper repair solution for minor holes and tears.
Touch Up Faded Areas
Faded areas on wallpaper can be gently touched up using artist paint markers or acrylic craft paint. Be sure to closely match the color of the existing wallpaper print. Test the paint or marker on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure a color match before applying it more extensively.
Lightly recolor any faded spots, brushing the paint in the direction of the wallpaper pattern to blend it seamlessly. Use thin coats and build the color up gradually for a natural look. Acrylic paint can also be thinned with water and applied with a small brush for a smooth effect.
When using markers, choose permanent alcohol-based markers for easier blending compared to water-based versions. Let the paint or marker fully dry, then coat it with a sealant like decoupage medium to set it and prevent further fading. With a delicate touch and matching colors, you can make faded wallpaper look vibrant and new again.
Remove Stains
Stains such as grease splatters in the kitchen or dirt marks near doorways can make wallpaper look dingy and damaged. Before repapering an entire wall, try removing stubborn stains with a homemade cleaner.
Mix a solution of 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/2 cup warm water, and 2 tablespoons baking soda in a spray bottle. Spray it directly onto the stained area of the wallpaper and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Use a clean rag or sponge to gently blot and lift the stain. Avoid aggressively scrubbing, which could damage the paper.
For tough grease splatters, try dabbing them with an art gum eraser or lightly scraping with a plastic scraper to lift the stain. Wipe clean and follow up with the vinegar solution.
If the stains persist after home remedies, consider calling in a professional wallpaper cleaner. They have commercial-grade cleaners and tools to safely lift stains without harming the paper. As a last resort, you may need to patch or replace stained sections of the wallpaper. Taking care of stains as soon as they occur will help save your wallpaper.
Consider Re-Wallpapering
For extensive damage, it may be easier and more cost effective to simply re-wallpaper the entire wall or room. This avoids the challenge of exactly matching original patterns and colors when patching sections. Re-wallpapering also provides the opportunity to update the look and choose a more durable wallpaper.
Factors to consider when deciding whether to patch or re-wallpaper:
- Amount of damage - If more than 20% of the wallpaper is affected, re-wallpapering may be better.
- Pattern matching - Matching and blending patched sections into complex patterns can be difficult.
- Sheen - Patches may stand out if the new sections have a different sheen or color variation.
- Future damage - Older wallpaper may continue to deteriorate. New wallpaper starts fresh and may hold up better.
- Cost - The labor for patching and repairing can exceed the cost of new wallpaper.
- Changing style - After living with damaged wallpaper, you may want a new look. Re-wallpapering allows for different colors, patterns and textures.
Re-wallpapering requires removing the existing wallpaper, preparing the walls, ordering new wallpaper, and installation. Hiring a professional is recommended for best results with re-wallpapering. For damaged wallpaper in good condition overall, patching and repair may preserve the original look while refreshing the appearance. Consider the extent of damage and effort needed for each option.
Hire a Professional
For major repairs or wallpaper installations, it's often best to hire a professional. Wallpaper can be tricky to properly install and repair, so pros have the right expertise and tools to do it correctly. This is especially true for intricate wallpaper patterns or high ceilings that are difficult to reach.
Professionals have years of experience hanging wallpaper and repairing common issues like lifting seams and tears. They know how to properly prep the walls so new wallpaper will adhere correctly. Pros also work efficiently and can re-wallpaper a room faster than a DIY job.
Many wallpaper installers offer wallpaper removal too. Removing wallpaper can be tedious and time consuming. Hiring a pro to strip the wallpaper can save a lot of hassle. They have chemical wallpaper removers and steamers that make the process much easier.
When interviewing wallpaper professionals, be sure to ask to see examples of their work. Check reviews too. A reputable pro will have a proven track record of delivering quality results. They should also have insurance in case of any damages.
While hiring a wallpaper pro costs more upfront, it can save time, frustration, and mistakes in the long run. Their expertise is well worth the investment for major wallpaper projects.
Prevent Future Damage
The best way to keep wallpaper looking its best is to take steps to prevent damage in the first place. Here are some tips:
- Use wallpaper primer before hanging new wallpaper. Primers create a smooth, uniform surface that will help the wallpaper adhere better. This prevents peeling and bubbling.
- Avoid hanging wallpaper in areas that get a lot of direct sunlight. The UV rays from the sun can cause wallpaper to fade and weaken over time. Install blinds or curtains to filter sunlight.
- Don't allow moisture to build up near wallpapered walls. Run bathroom and kitchen fans to control humidity. Fix any plumbing leaks promptly. Moisture can warp wallpaper and cause mildew.
- Use painter's tape when hanging artwork or decor over wallpaper. Regular tape can damage the wallpaper when removed. Painter's tape is designed to come off the wall cleanly.
- Clean wallpaper gently and sparingly. Overzealous cleaning can rub off the top ink layer. Use a soft cloth or sponge with mild soap and warm water. Don't scrub vigorously.
- Keep wallpaper out of high-traffic areas, like hallways. The constant bumping and brushing against the walls will deteriorate the wallpaper.
- Address any underlying moisture issues before hanging wallpaper to prevent future bubbling or peeling.
Taking preventative steps will help keep wallpaper looking fresh and minimize the need for repairs and replacement. With proper care, wallpaper can last for many years in a home.
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