Using the “torn-patch method” to repair small holes:
- 1. Smooth out the torn paper as much as possible.
- 2. Find a piece of wallpaper with a matching pattern, and tear out a patch so that the underlying paper doesn’t show (figure A).
- 3. Dampen the back of the wallpaper to activate the adhesive. If the wallpaper is not prepasted, apply a thin coat of wallpaper paste.
- 4. Position the patch so that it matches the surrounding wallpaper pattern (figure B). Press the patch into place with a sponge.
To re-paste wallpaper
Lift loose wallpaper carefully. It may be necessary to wet with water. Spread thin wallpaper paste underneath. Smooth down with a clean, damp cloth.
Note: For newer plastic-coated papers, ask your wallpaper store for the correct paste.
To remove a blister in wallpaper
Cut across blister with a very sharp razor blade, cut along a line in the pattern. Lift edges carefully and spread thin wallpaper paste underneath. Smooth down with a clean, damp cloth.
To repair seams
Note : This method is safest on vinyl surfaced wallpapers.
- 1. Check the area under the seam for loose paste for loose material like dirt or durst. This will help to ensure that the seams will adhere back to the wall. Brush away or vacuum them out.
- 2. With some seam sealer, available in tubes or tubs (a tube is recommended as it is easier to apply especially in small areas) and a small artist’s brush (if you’re using tubs) apply the sealer into the seam. Apply enough so that it squeezes out when the seam is pressed down.
- 3. With a damp sponge, press the seam down and rub it gently over the seam a number of times, turning it each time to a clean area. Remember to rinse the sponge in clean water as often as necessary, but squeeze it out thoroughly. This is to spread the sealer behind the wallpaper, removes the excess and cleans the surface of the wallpaper.
- 4. Apply tape to the seam starting at either end of the loose area, not in the middle of the loose seam. The tape functions to hold the seam together and take the curling pressure off the sealer. Use “painter’s tape” as it has a slightly less sticky adhesive than masking tape so it’s less likely to tear the wallpaper when removed.
- 5. Allow to dry for at least 24 hours before removing the tape. Remove the tape carefully or you may pull the seam open. Redo the repair immediately if you accidentally pull the seam out again.
Removing bubbles in wallpaper
Bubbles in wallpaper appear when adhesive has not been applied evenly when the wallpaper was being hung. It can also be caused by not pressing a roller firmly enough. Bubbles may also be an indication of moisture problems in the wall—make a close inspection to determine if this is the case and then take the necessary remedial steps.
Take the following steps to repair bubbles in your wallpaper:
- 1. Moisten the area with a clean, damp cloth.
- 2. Using a utility knife or sharp razor blade, slit the bubble. Make a V-shaped cut or follow the wallpaper pattern so as to conceal the cut and make gluing it back easier. Avoid making a straight cut.
- 3. Apply glue through the slit with a narrow putty knife, the spread the glue with a damp sponge so it completely fills the area beneath the bubble.
- 4. Press the wallpaper smoothly to the wall and roll.
Alternatively you can also use a syringe-like glue injector to inject wallpaper adhesive into the bubble’s center. Then use a roller to work the adhesive throughout the bubble, and squeeze the excess back out through the hole. Wipe away the excess with a damp sponge.
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