How To Fix Wallpaper On The Wall In Nigeria

Introduction.

Wallpaper is a fantastic way to transform the look of your home. It adds character, texture, and color to any space.

But, like any other part of the home, it’s not immune to wear and tear. Over time, the edges may start peeling, or you might notice wrinkles or bubbles.

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a section of wallpaper that’s begun to lift off the wall, you’ve probably wondered how to fix it without needing to hire a professional.

Fortunately, fixing wallpaper at home is easier than you might think—especially when you know a few tricks.

In Nigeria, where our weather can be humid and the occasional dust storms can take a toll on our living spaces, wallpaper damage is common.

The good news? You don’t have to spend a fortune getting it fixed. With just a few simple tools and a little patience, you can restore your wallpaper to its original look in no time.

In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to fix wallpaper on your wall, from identifying the problem to performing a DIY repair. Whether it’s peeling corners or bubbles, I’ve got you covered.

Why is Wallpaper Repair Important?

Wallpaper is one of the easiest ways to revamp a room. It can completely change the vibe of a space.

But when it starts to peel or bubble, it can make the room look neglected or worn out. Repairing it not only improves the appearance of your home but also ensures that the wallpaper lasts longer and stays in place.

Moreover, in Nigeria, where the weather fluctuates, humidity can cause wallpaper adhesive to lose its grip on the wall.

If you let those problems sit too long, it might lead to bigger issues, like the wallpaper tearing or falling off entirely. Fixing wallpaper right away helps avoid those bigger headaches.

Common Wallpaper Problems

Before we dive into the repair process, it’s essential to understand the most common issues you might face with wallpaper:

Peeling or Lifting Edges: This happens when the adhesive begins to weaken over time. It can be especially common in areas with higher humidity or temperature fluctuations, like bathrooms or kitchens.
Bubbles or Air Pockets: Air bubbles appear when the wallpaper isn’t adhered properly during installation, or it becomes loose over time. The bubbles can get larger if left unattended.
Tears and Rips: Accidental damage can happen from moving furniture or pets scratching at the walls.
Wrinkles: Sometimes wallpaper can develop wrinkles after being installed or if it’s exposed to moisture or heat.

Now, let’s get into how you can fix these problems on your own.

How Do I Fix Wallpaper in Nigeria?

Tools You’ll Need:

Wallpaper adhesive or glue (specific to wallpaper)
Wallpaper smoothing tool or a plastic scraper
Scissors
Damp sponge or cloth
Utility knife
Wallpaper patch (if you have tears)
Paintbrush (optional, for touch-ups)
Wallpaper seam roller (optional, for seams)

1. Fixing Peeling or Lifting Edges

When the edges of your wallpaper start to lift, it’s usually because the adhesive has weakened. Don’t panic! This is easy to fix.

How to do it:

Gently lift the wallpaper from the wall. Be careful not to tear it.
Use a damp cloth to clean the wall where the adhesive used to be. You want the surface to be smooth and free of any dust or old glue.
Apply a thin layer of wallpaper adhesive to the wall using a small paintbrush or your finger.
Press the wallpaper back onto the wall, ensuring it’s even and smooth.
Use a wallpaper smoothing tool or a plastic scraper to smooth out any bubbles and ensure it sticks well.
Allow it to dry for a few hours. Avoid touching the fixed area until it’s fully set.

2. Fixing Bubbles and Air Pockets

Air bubbles can be a bit tricky, but with the right technique, you can remove them without replacing the entire piece of wallpaper.

How to do it:

Start by gently pressing the bubble from the centre toward the edges with your fingers to release the air.
If the bubble doesn’t disappear, you can use a needle or pin to puncture it carefully. Don’t go too deep—just enough to release the air inside.
Apply wallpaper adhesive behind the bubble and press it down again. Smooth the area with a wallpaper smoothing tool.
If the bubble is too large, you might need to cut the wallpaper along the bubble, apply adhesive, and press the cut edges back together.

3. Fixing Tears or Rips

Accidents happen, and sometimes wallpaper gets torn. The good news is that you don’t need to replace the entire section. Here’s what you can do.

How to do it:

Cut a patch of wallpaper that matches the tear. It’s essential to ensure the pattern and texture align with the original wallpaper.
Apply wallpaper adhesive to the back of the patch and press it into place.
Use a smoothing tool to remove any bubbles and ensure the patch is securely glued down.
If the patch doesn’t blend well with the surrounding wallpaper, you can paint over the seam with matching paint to hide the edges.

4. Fixing Wrinkles

Wrinkles often occur when wallpaper is installed improperly or gets exposed to moisture or heat.

How to do it:

If the wrinkle is minor, you can try smoothing it out by gently pressing it with your fingers.
For more stubborn wrinkles, you may need to lift the wallpaper and reapply adhesive. Once you’ve removed the wrinkle, smooth it out using the smoothing tool.
If the wrinkle is near a seam, use a wallpaper seam roller to press the edges together more tightly.

Tips for Long-Term Wallpaper Care

Avoid Direct Sunlight: Wallpaper can fade over time if exposed to too much sunlight, especially in rooms with large windows. Consider using curtains or blinds to protect it.
Keep the Walls Dry: Wallpaper doesn’t mix well with moisture, so be sure to keep your walls dry. If you have wallpaper in the kitchen or bathroom, consider using a moisture-resistant type.
Dust Regularly: Dust can accumulate on the surface of wallpaper. Wipe it down regularly with a damp cloth to keep it looking fresh.

FAQs

Can I use regular glue to fix the wallpaper?

It’s best to use wallpaper-specific adhesive for the best results. Regular glue might not stick properly or could damage the wallpaper.

How long will the wallpaper adhesive take to dry?

It usually takes a few hours for the adhesive to dry completely. Be patient and avoid touching the wallpaper until it’s fully set.

Can I fix wallpaper myself or should I hire a professional?

You can fix wallpaper yourself, especially if the damage is minor. With a few tools and some patience, you can handle most repairs. For larger issues or stubborn problems, hiring a professional might be worth considering.

How do I know if my wallpaper needs replacing?

If the wallpaper is beyond repair (for example, if it’s torn beyond what a patch can fix), or if the pattern no longer suits your home, it might be time for a replacement.

Further Resources

Conclusion

Fixing wallpaper in your Nigerian home is easier than you think. With a little know-how and the right tools, you can restore your walls to their former glory.

So, next time you notice that peeling corner or bubbling section, don’t stress—just grab your tools and get to work. Have you ever had to fix wallpaper in your home?

What was your biggest challenge in the process?