Wednesday 27 February 2013

My Wallpaper has Bubbled! Help!

We have had some quite warm and humid weather here over the past few weeks. As a result my newly glued wallpaper in my Victorian house has bubbled!


I am quite upset by this, and am not sure how to fix it. So I am writing this post to ask for help! Does anyone know how to fix bubbled wallpaper without having to replace it entirely?


Also, what glue do you use? I stuck the wall paper with a non-water based general purpose adhesive (brand named "Tarzan's Grip").


Any suggestions from more experienced small-house builders would be very much appreciated!

10 comments:

  1. I don't know anything about fixing your present problem. I would recommend using regular wallpaper paste in the future though, I have never had any problems with it. I buy the granular one that you mix with water, mix it in a big bottle and it literally lasts for years before you have to mix any more. I hope you find a solution for your bubbled paper.

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  2. I, too, have no advice for fixing it. But, I agree you need a different glue in the future. I use YES! paste. Here is a post on it: http://www.otterine.com/blog/blog1.php/interior-decorating-has-begun I haven't tried regular wallpaper paste, but that sounds like an excellent idea as well.

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  3. Hello! After reading your blog post, I went and googled how to repair wallpaper bubbles and there is good advice out there. Go and read it and then decide how you want to proceed. It will be a long and tedious process but I would give it a try if I were you. Your wallpaper is so gorgeous. I think it can be done. It's up to you. Next time, I suggest you use real wallpaper glue and you won't have this problem. I never heard of the glue you used and it does not have any water in it. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you.

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  4. I'm afraid I can't help either, given the cause. We don't do warm and humid here so it's not something I've had to deal with!

    I use ordinary household wallpaper paste and I've not had any problems with it. It would really be a shame if you had to strip all that lovely paper off.

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  5. I've never heard of your glue, but I have fixed bubbles in wallpaper in the dollshouse, using a syringe with wallpaper paste. They were only smaller bubbles (about 1cm max) and the rest was also done with wallpaper paste. I have no idea if this will work with a combination of glues.

    If the glue you have used can be softened, you could try steaming it off and starting again? I would also check whether your glue doesn't discolor over time. Knowing that might make the decision a lot easier.

    I think Lucille is right, google it!

    Good luck!

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  6. Maybe blow drying it would help idk def do some research and no more of that glue!

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  7. Hi Emily,

    Yes the weather has been humid, I can't wait for the heat to be over.....the last couple of days have been nice!

    Hmmmm, I don't know if I can be of much help either, I used wallpaper paste for my WP and it has been okay, I know both Simon form Miniature Enthusiast and John from Merriman park use spray adhesive so they may be of some help but they both live in cooler climates.

    I have had a look through your previous posts and I like.....especially the one with your reflection....now I know who to look for at the miniature fairs.......; )

    ML Fi xx

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  8. It is really annoying that such a good job has been ruined by the glue...
    I don't know your type of glue, so I'm not able to give advice to fix it.

    My personal experience comes from cartonnage (papercrafting, book covers, etc). Here I use vinyl glue.
    I apply this technique also in the decoration of my dollhouse. Therefore I only use diluted vinyl glue for my floors and wallpapers. If you are interested in this technique, I just published a post on my blog in which I explain how I proceed.

    When I have problems with bubbles, I use the iron at medium temperature. I pass is on the paper, without insisting too much otherwise it would burn it. The glue heats up and melts, pulling back the paper.

    I do not know whether this system could also work with your glue...

    I hope that your problem will be resolved easily!

    Ersilia

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  9. Hi everyone,

    Thank you so much for your helpful tips! I will definitely change the type of glue I use next time. I am weighing up options for fixing the paper. I think I will try the iron idea and be really careful! failing that though, I will have to change the paper. It will be a big job but a lesson well learned!

    thanks again for all your great comments and suggestions!

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  10. Pass, but if its any consolation, I have seen old houses with wallpaper coming away like that.

    Unfortunately, I think the glue has got you in a corner here. Try steaming it maybe?

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