How to Repair Minor Problems With Your Wallcoverings

Over time wallcovering become irreparably soiled and torn. These would need to be replaced. Minor imperfections however are easily dealt with.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Occasionally WALL COVERINGS WILL LIFT at the seams. If you have this problem, use the edge of a KNIFE and lift the seam slightly, being careful not to tear. With a small BRUSH (a child's paint brush will do) apply ADHESIVE to the underside. Press the seam into place. Use a rolling pin and roll the surface flat. (only do this if the original surface is flat) Otherwise press firmly up and down the seam until the adhesive is dry.

2. If you notice BLISTERS IN THE COVERINGS, prick the blister with a pin or needle. there is air behind the blister and you do not want to press on it until there is an opening for the air to escape. Using a sharp UTILITY KNIFE, cut a cross on the blistered area. Gently pull back the edges. If there is any adhesive on the wall, scrape it off. Apply adhesive to the underside of the blistered area and proceed as above.

3. If there is a small DAMAGED AREA, you can patch it by tearing a round piece of similar covering to cover the damage. Hopefully you had some wallcovering left over from the installation. If not, you could take a patch from an unobtrusive area behind furniture or in a cupboard. Tear a circular piece of patching. Tear gently with one hand as you hold the piece of covering with the other. You want the right side of your patch to slightly overlap the wrong side. Tearing will give you a feathered edge that will blend in more easily. Clean off the damaged area so it is smooth. This time apply the adhesive to the patch itself, making sure it goes to the edge in a thin layer. Line up with the original pattern and proceed as above.

4. If there is a LARGE AREA THAT NEEDS REPAIR, you will need to do a double cut. Take a piece of patching covering that is larger by about two inches on all sides than the damaged area. This patch should be cut with a STRAIGHTEDGE. Line it up with the pattern on all sides. Tape it firmly in place or fix it in some other manner to make sure it does not damage the finish. Tacks will do the job. Now, using the straight edge, mark off the square of rectangle that you want for your patch.

5. Using your straight edge and a sharp UTILITY KNIFE, cut through both the patch and the under layer of damaged area. Now you will have your patch piece, and the damaged area to be removed, exactly the same size. Remove the patch piece and peel out the area of damage. Scrape away any old adhesive. Apply adhesive and proceed as above.

[midcenturymaven]

on 7/23/2009 Now that wallcoverings are coming back into fashion, people will need these tips more than ever.

[JoyNmyHeart]

on 11/14/2008 Thanks so much for these great tips. I live in an older house and this will come in handy. 5*