How to Patch Wallpaper Damage

Even the most durable wallpaper can be ripped, torn, or otherwise damaged. This is especially true if you have children or pets in the house, or if your wallpaper is located in a high traffic area. Damaged wallpaper is an eyesore that no one wants to have to look at, so you'll want to learn how to quickly repair it. Here we'll discuss how to make a wallpaper patch out of leftover wallpaper and avoid the hassle of having to remove the wallcovering completely.

Repair wallpaper that has been ripped or torn

The most common type of wallpaper damage is ripped or torn segments. To repair wallpaper damaged in this fashion, you'll need to make a wallpaper patch to repair it. To make this, you'll need the following:

- Leftover wallpaper

- Retractable blade knife with new blade

To make a wallpaper patch, measure the damaged wallpaper section and cut out a section from the leftover wallpaper that is at least 6" larger. If the wallpaper you are repairing has a pattern in it, be sure that you have taken into consideration the pattern match.

Materials needed to patch wallpaper that has been ripped or torn:

- Wallpaper patch

- Wallpaper smoother

- Water

- Plastic Ziploc bag

- Liquid fabric softener

- Metal putty knife

How to patch wallpaper:

STEP 1 - Wet the wallpaper patch according to package directions. If you no longer have the 'booking' instructions, simply wet the wallpaper patch thoroughly and fold it in half for one minute. ( Don't worry, the wallpaper will not stick to itself) NOTE - If the wallpaper is fairly old, you may need to apply wallpaper paste to the backing for it to adhere effectively.

STEP 2 - Unfold the wallpaper patch and place it on top of the damaged section, taking great care to match the pattern beneath it precisely. Take your time getting this right! If you don't match the pattern repeat exactly, your wallpaper patch will be very obvious.

STEP 3 - Once the wallpaper patch is in place, use a smoother to remove any air bubbles in the wallpaper. At this point, you'll have the patch segment applied over top of the damaged wallpaper. This is what needs to happen to properly repair wallpaper damage, but it will not remain here for long.

STEP 4 - Now, you will perform what is known as a 'double cut'. Take your retractable blade and cut around your wallpaper patch through both layers of wallpaper at a time. To make your wallpaper repair less visible, don't cut straight lines. Instead, use rounded motions to remove it. A crescent shape will be less obvious, as the eye naturally looks for straight lines rather than curved ones.

STEP 5 - Remove the patch and rewet it. Place it in a Ziploc bag for the time being.

STEP 6 - When looking at the wall, you'll see where you cut the damaged wallpaper. Finish removing this section by combining ½ cup of liquid fabric softener to a gallon of warm water. Thoroughly soak the area with the solution and allow it to sit for 30 minutes. Then, use a putty knife to gently remove the damaged wallpaper section. Wipe clean with a wet rag.

STEP 7 - Remove the wallpaper patch from the bag and smooth it in place. Wipe the entire surface off with a wet sponge and allow it to dry.

More from Jennifer Wagner:

How to Patch Damaged Carpet

Shopping Guide to Wallpaper Removal

Unique Uses for Leftover Wallpaper

SOURCE:

Personal knowledge

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/8195991/how_to_patch_damaged_carpet.html?cat=6

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/8059925/shopping_guide_to_wallpaper_removal.html?cat=46

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5620338/unique_uses_for_leftover_wallpaper.html?cat=30