Wallpaper Hanging Troubleshooting Guide: Fixing Wallpaper Problems
Even carefully hung wallpaper can develop issues over time. Lifting seams, bubbles, visible joins and damaged areas are usually easy to correct once you know why they happen. These troubleshooting guides explain the causes and simple fixes so you can repair confidently without starting again.
Hanging wallpaper is a precise job, and small factors such as wall preparation, adhesive choice, drying conditions, and technique can all affect the final result. The good news is that most wallpaper problems are cosmetic and can be fixed quickly without removing entire drops. Below you’ll find the most common wallpapering issues, what causes them, and how to put them right.
Lifting Seams and Peeling Edges
What Causes Lifting Seems?
Lifting seams usually occur when there is not enough adhesive at the edges, the wallpaper dries too quickly, or the wall surface was dusty or unsealed. Heavy, embossed wallpapers such as Anaglypta can also pull away if a standard-strength paste is used instead of a strong or heavy-duty adhesive.
How To Fix It
Carefully lift the loose seam using a filling knife. Apply Anaglypta Ready Mixed Adhesive or Anaglypta Ultra Strong Adhesive (available from Decor Clever) underneath the edge using a small brush. Press the seam firmly back into place with a seam roller or wallpaper brush, working gently to avoid flattening the embossed pattern. Wipe away excess adhesive with a clean, damp sponge and allow to dry naturally.
Top tip: For future projects, always use a strong adhesive designed specifically for textured wallpapers such as Anaglypta.
Why it happens
Poor adhesion is often caused by incorrect adhesive choice, weak paste mix, glossy paint that hasn’t been sanded, or dusty walls. Because Anaglypta wallpapers are heavier, standard wallpaper paste is often not sufficient.
How to fix it
Remove the affected section, clean and lightly sand the wall, then re-hang using Anaglypta Ultra Strong Adhesive for maximum grip. Ensure the wall is dry, sealed, and free from dust before reapplying.
To avoid common wallpapering issues:
- Use Anaglypta-approved adhesives sold by Decor Clever
- Seal porous walls with a primer or size before hanging
- Avoid draughts and direct heat while drying
- Follow recommended soaking and booking times
- Use proper wallpapering tools to protect embossed surfaces
Taking the time to prepare correctly and choosing the right products from Decor Clever will ensure your Anaglypta wallpaper looks flawless and performs exactly as intended for years to come.
Why it happens
Bubbles usually form when air becomes trapped during hanging or when paste dries unevenly. This is common on unsealed plaster or filler patches that absorb moisture too quickly, preventing the wallpaper from bonding properly to the wall.
How to fix it
If the wallpaper is still damp, gently smooth bubbles out towards the edges using a wallpaper smoothing brush. If the bubble has dried, make a small pinhole with a sharp blade, inject a small amount of wallpaper adhesive, and smooth the area flat carefully to avoid damaging the embossed pattern.
Why it happens
Visible joins can happen if wallpaper shrinks slightly as it dries, if drops were not tightly butted together, or if the wall surface underneath is uneven or dark. Textured wallpapers such as Anaglypta can make joins more noticeable if the wall hasn’t been properly prepared.
How to fix it
Lightly rolling the seam with a seam roller can help close small gaps. Painting over Anaglypta wallpaper once fully dry also helps disguise joins. For best results, hanging lining paper before applying decorative wallpaper creates a smoother, more even surface.
Why it happens
Tearing usually occurs when the wallpaper becomes over-soaked, is handled roughly, or is brushed too firmly while wet. Embossed wallpapers need gentle handling, especially around corners, ceilings, and sockets.
How to fix it
Yes, small tears and damaged areas can often be repaired using leftover wallpaper offcuts. Match the pattern carefully, trim neatly, and apply using Anaglypta Ready Mixed Adhesive. Once dry and painted, repairs are usually difficult to see.
Strong adhesives designed for embossed wallpapers work best. Anaglypta Ready Mixed Adhesive is ideal for most projects, while Anaglypta Ultra Strong Adhesive is recommended for heavy designs or problem walls.
Lining paper is recommended for uneven, rough, or previously painted walls. It helps create a smooth surface, improves adhesion, and reduces the risk of bubbles, lifting seams, and visible joins.
To prevent issues, always prepare walls thoroughly, seal porous surfaces, use the correct adhesive strength, avoid draughts while drying, and use quality wallpapering tools designed for embossed wallpapers.