Dear James: It's been just two years and the wallpaper I installed is separating and bubbling in many spots. When I remove it and install new wallpaper, how can I make sure this does not happen again? — Randy P.
Dear Randy: Wallpapering is not as simple as many think, and there is a learning curve to doing it properly. Hopefully your second try at it goes better. You can follow some simple steps to ensure a long-lasting job.
There are many steps and, as you have found, if they are not followed exactly, there often are problems. The issues you describe probably occurred during the installation and preparation processes, including relaxing time and choice of adhesive.
If you are having a bubbling problem, you are probably not letting the wallpaper relax long enough before applying it to the wall. Make sure you are allowing the adhesive to soak into the wallpaper. If the wallpaper is hung on the wall too soon, it will continue to relax after it is installed. As it expands, the paper will bubble.
On the flip side, wallpaper can also be left to relax for too long before hanging it on the wall. A delaminating problem will occur if the wallpaper has sat for too long after applying wet adhesive. This is true no matter what quality of paper or adhesive you are using. This can also happen if the paper is too wet for too long.
Another possible culprit is the wallpaper adhesive. Sometimes certain types of wallpaper require specific adhesives. Do not just select the most inexpensive adhesive and expect it to work. Any wallpaper store should be able to assist you in selecting the correct adhesive and appropriate relaxing time for your chosen wallpaper.
Living in a high humidity area may also affect your wallpaper's appearance. In certain types of very humid conditions, you need to use a high-quality, more expensive wallpaper. Inexpensive wallpapers tend to have lesser-quality paper backing that will absorb the moisture from the air. This can often cause the paper to fall away from the wall or separate into layers.
Preparing the surface correctly will help eliminate many issues. All wallpaper needs a reliable surface to stick on; otherwise, you may have just wasted your time. Make sure you both primed and thoroughly cleaned the walls first.
There may be some areas of your walls that have drywall joint compound on them. If there are, make sure you clean each section with a 50% mixture of ammonia before you prime the walls.
Sizing your walls first will help establish an even wall surface so the adhesive can dry at the same rate. Sizing compounds are formulated to improve the binding power of the adhesive. To save some money, you can make your own sizing by thinning down some adhesive. Mix it until it is the consistency of latex wall paint and apply it to the walls. Let it dry before hanging the wallpaper.
Backrolling is another important step in wallpapering. This process will take the curl out of the wallpaper. It also allows you to inspect it before you hang it. Once the paper does not curl, it will lay flat and be much easier to hang.
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