How To Repair Damaged Wallpaper
Updated: May 21, 2024
How to make an invisible wallpaper patch.
Time A full day
ComplexityBeginner
CostLess than $20
Introduction
Make a nearly invisible patch in damaged wallpaper using this simple technique. Fix the damaged wall at the same time.Tools Required
- Metal straightedge
- Taping knife
- Utility knife
Materials Required
- Drywall compound
- Extra wallpaper
- Primer
Your doorknob has slammed into the wall one too many times, and now it’s punched clear through. The worst wall to repair is one covered with wallpaper. Not only must you repair the wall surface, but you must also undertake the tricky task of installing an “invisible” patch over your broken wallpaper.
Budget about two hours over two days to repair the wall. As you work, apply these tips:
- Select a repair patch from a leftover paper roll section that matches the vertical and horizontal pattern in the existing wallpaper. This can be tricky- and sometimes impossible- if the damaged hole is near a vertical seam that overlaps or has separated.
- When positioning and cutting the repair patch, don’t wet it or apply paste.
- To avoid ragged cuts, put a new blade in your knife.
- Double-cut through both the new patch and old wallpaper. Remove the patch and carefully scrape off the old wallpaper.
- If you nick the wall surface when scraping off the old paper, fill the nicks with joint compound and sand the repairs flat.
- Before applying the patch, seal the repaired wall by brushing on a coat of wallpaper sizing or oil-based primer. This step ensures a tighter bond between the wallpaper patch and the wall.
Project step-by-step (4)
Step 1
Match patterns with new paper
- Cut an oversized swatch of leftover wallpaper and position it over the damaged area so it extends at least 6 inches in all directions beyond the damaged area and match the patterns.
Note: This extra space allows adequate area for feathering out joint compound around the hole repair.
Step 2
Cut the patch
- Cut the new patch oversize. Then, tape the new paper (blue tape) directly over the existing wallpaper so the wallpaper patterns match.
- To establish the cutting lines, place marked pieces of tape (red tape) on the wall to mark the horizontal and vertical cutting lines.
- Lay a metal straightedge between these lines. When you cut the new patch, you’ll also be cutting a hole exactly the same size out of the old wallpaper.
Step 3
Repair the wall
- After removing the patch and old paper, apply a self-sticking metal screen patch over the hole.
- Apply two thin layers of joint compound, feathering it out at the edges and sanding the repair flat.
NOTE: Since the hole repair will be covered by wallpaper, it doesn’t have to look as perfect as a regular wall repair.
Step 4
Install the new patch over the broken wallpaper
- Wet the patch if you’re using the prepasted type of wallpaper, or apply the paste, carefully matching the pattern lines between the patch and the wall.
- Stretch the paper sparingly to fit.
- Smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles with long-pulling strokes using a short-bristled wallpaper brush. Work the brush from the middle out to the sides. Use a dampened sponge to remove any glue residue or fingerprints.
