How to fix mistakes when hanging wallpaper
While we’re all in agreement that wallpaper is an excellent design tool to spruce up the look of any room, wallpapering for beginners can be a bit of a challenge. Let’s face it, it’s easy for even experienced DIY-ers to make a little blunder or two when it comes to how to remove wallpaper with a steamer and how to hang wallpaper on a wall.
Learn some essential wallpapering tips to help you nip problems in the bud and you won’t have to endure the process of papering from scratch. We’ve put together a list of solutions for some of the most common wallpapering mistakes that beginners tend to make.
But first, the most essential wallpapering tip: Take. Your. Time. Rushing to finish the job is sure to result in a blunder or three.
The Mistake: Trapped bubbles The Fix: If you spot bubbles or blisters post-application, don’t stress. Fix it by arming yourself with the right wallpaper tools: a sharp knife, a glue injector and seam wallpaper paste/ adhesive.
Cut a small slit along the side the air bubble using your utility knife. Insert the glue injector into the slit and inject a bit of seam adhesive inside. Carefully press out any excess and wipe off. Use a soft, clean cloth to gently flatten the bubble.
The best way to stop your wallpaper from bubbling in the first place? Careful prevention at the application stage. Hang each strip slowly and steadily. Smooth out any bumps that you spot along the way, no matter how tiny they are. Once you’ve hung each strip up, smooth from the centre using a soft, clean cloth and applying light pressure.
The Mistake: Curled seams The Fix: Wallpaper edges curling up at the seam could be the result of not applying enough adhesive when pasting. Take deep breaths and deal with it in a couple of easy steps.
Start by dampening the area with warm water. Carefully lift the edge and apply wallpaper adhesive under it. Gently flatten the seam using light pressure and a soft cloth. Wipe away any excess glue - and you’re all set.
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The Mistake: Peeling edges The Fix: Sand down the wall underneath the peeling edge and reapply using a generous amount of wallpaper paste. If your wallpaper edges keep peeling, it might be time to re-evaluate the wallpaper paste you’re using. Check if you’ve mixed it properly or invest in a different brand (*cough*, like Lick!).
The Mistake: Wallpaper streaks The Fix: Wipe away all excess paste residue from your wallpaper during the application or you could be left with a streaky finish. Wipe as you go or use a mild soapy mixture to wipe away dried up streaks.
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The Mistake: Tears or rips to the edges while trimming The Fix: Avoid making a mistake before you even get your strips up by steering clear of dull blades for wallpaper trimming. Use a sharp bladed knife or pair of scissors to trim your wallpaper. Easy enough.
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The Mistake: Stains showing through The Fix: Some wallpapers (not Lick wallpapers - shameless plug) are so thin that they’re almost semi-transparent, making it easy to see any unsightly stains and dark patches on the wall. If you’re working with a thinner wallpaper, avoid this issue by priming before you hang. If the wall is in truly terrible shape, consider using lining paper before hanging your wallpaper.
For more tips, read our guide to where to start when wallpapering and how to wallpaper a feature wall.