How to Repair Wallpaper

Torn or damaged wallpaper can be repaired if you have extra wallpaper that matches the pattern. Here's how to make and apply a patch.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Spackling
• Masking Tape
• Seam Roller
• Sponge Dampened With Water
• Wallpaper
• White Glue Or Wallpaper Paste
• Masking Tape
• Seam Roller
• Single-edged Razor Blades
• Utility Knives
• Putty Knife
• Sandpaper
• Putty Knife
• Sandpaper

1. With a utility knife, cut a piece of wallpaper a few inches larger than the damaged section.

2. Place it over the damaged section and hold it in place with blue 'safety' masking tape, being sure to match the pattern.

3. Use a sharp razor blade to trace the area to be removed, cutting right through both pieces of wallpaper at the same time. Try to make your cuts follow the pattern as best you can. (If possible, align your repairs along a seam.)

4. Carefully remove the top piece of paper and set it aside.

5. Use the razor to lightly score the wallpaper to be removed and apply water to loosen the adhesive (see 'eHow to Remove Wallpaper').

6. Use a putty knife to remove what you can't lift off with your fingers.

7. Clean or sand the area underneath the paper until it's smooth; use spackling compound to fill any dents. Apply primer (sizing) if you're down to a raw surface on the wall.

8. Apply wall-covering adhesive to the new wallpaper and place it on the wall.

9. Wipe away any adhesive on the surface with a damp sponge, then use a seam roller (see 'eHow to Hang Wallpaper') to press down the edges of the patch. Wipe the paper clean again.

Tips & Warnings

• Repair a small tear by brushing on some wallpaper adhesive (or even white glue) and pressing the wallpaper back down. Repair a wrinkle or blister by slitting it with a razor and treating it as you would a tear.

on 8/30/2006 If you can find an area of the wallpaper that is not seen, like behind the door or curtain, then take a sharp pointed razor and cut around a shape that will cover the damaged spot. Lift off and photo copy it, cut around it and then paste it over the damaged spot. I then replaced a copy to the original spot. I kept the original piece for further damages as copying does change the color a bit.

on 11/22/2005 Think about repairs before you buy your wallpaper in the first place, and keep extra for just such emergencies. We bought wallpaper, didn't have extra, and when we needed it found that the pattern was discontinued.