Air bubbles in wallpaper are annoying, but usually easy to fix. Whether you've just finished hanging wallpaper or only see an air bubble appear under the wallpaper after it dries: with the right approach you can often get the surface smooth again. Especially with non-woven wallpaper and photo wallpaper, bubbles come from uneven gluing, a wall surface that isn't completely flat or from not pressing the wallpaper on properly from the center. Below you'll read how to remove air bubbles from wallpaper, when it's better to wait a bit and how to prevent air bubbles under wallpaper next time.
How do you get air bubbles out of wallpaper?
The best method depends on when you see the air bubble and how big it is. If you see a bump right while hanging, you can often still work it out easily by gently smoothing the wallpaper. If air bubbles appear behind the wallpaper later, extra glue or a small correction is usually needed.
Always work an air bubble out calmly, from the center toward the edge. Use a wallpaper smoother, pressing brush or a soft cloth for this. Don't press too hard, because you could damage the wallpaper or squeeze glue out. With a small air bubble under the wallpaper, this is often enough. If the bubble stays, there's usually too little glue behind the wallpaper or air got trapped while hanging.
Why does wallpaper bubble?
Wallpaper usually bubbles because of a combination of glue, wall surface and hanging technique. That applies to classic wallpaper, but also to air bubbles in non-woven wallpaper and in photo wallpaper. The most common causes are:
- too little glue on the wall or strip
- too much glue, so the wallpaper slides or doesn't bond evenly
- a dusty, absorbent or uneven wall
- not pressing on properly from the center to the sides
- working too fast, so air isn't rubbed out
- seams or edges that come loose and don't bond well
With non-woven wallpaper you often see that an air bubble under the wallpaper appears when the glue wasn't applied evenly everywhere. With photo wallpaper, large strips also have to be placed extra precisely. A small difference in height or a dry spot in the glue layer can then already cause air bubbles in the wallpaper. A poor wall surface also quickly causes blisters and seams; read how to prepare the wall surface.
Removing air bubbles in wallpaper by situation
Small air bubbles in wallpaper
Small air bubbles in wallpaper sometimes disappear during drying, especially if they're very small and the wallpaper is otherwise stuck down well. If you see a small bubble right after hanging, first try working it toward the nearest edge with a smoother or brush. Do this with calm, even movements.
If the air bubble stays visible, you can use a fine glue syringe to put a small amount of wallpaper glue behind the wallpaper. Then press the surface smooth with a clean cloth or smoother. Wipe away excess glue right away to prevent shiny spots or stains.
Large air bubbles behind wallpaper
Large air bubbles behind wallpaper call for more precision. If the air bubble is close to a seam, you can sometimes carefully lift an edge and press the wallpaper down again after adding some extra glue. With non-woven wallpaper that often works better than with more delicate wallpaper, because the material is sturdier and tears less easily.
If the air bubble is in the middle of a strip and you can't work it to the edge, you can make a small opening with a very fine needle or a sharp blade. Then put a little glue behind the wallpaper and smooth the air bubble flat. Work neatly and carefully, so the correction stays as invisible as possible.
Want to prevent open seams in the future? Consider seamless photo wallpaper vs. strips.
Removing air bubbles under wallpaper after drying
Sometimes a strip seems to be stuck smoothly at first, but the bubbles only appear later. Removing air bubbles under wallpaper after drying is still possible, but it's important to first judge whether it's really trapped air or poor adhesion. If the wallpaper feels hollow or loose, glue is often missing. In that case, pressing alone is usually no longer enough.
Use a glue syringe to add some glue locally and press the wallpaper smooth again. Always work cleanly and use a little glue at a time. Too much glue increases the chance of stains or new bumps.
Air bubbles in non-woven wallpaper: what works best?
Non-woven wallpaper is relatively forgiving, but air bubbles under the wallpaper can appear here too if the wall wasn't pasted evenly or if the strip wasn't pressed on calmly enough. The advantage of non-woven wallpaper is that you can often still make some corrections while hanging. If you see an air bubble right after hanging, work it from the center to the side with the right tool.
For non-woven wallpaper it's extra important to apply the glue evenly on the wall. Dry patches quickly cause air bubbles in the wallpaper, while spots that are too wet can lead to shifting or an uneven result. Especially with heavy non-woven wallpaper and custom photo wallpaper, it pays to check strip by strip before you continue. Starting on photo wallpaper? Follow hanging photo wallpaper step by step.
How to prevent air bubbles when hanging wallpaper
Preventing is easier than fixing. Anyone who wants to hang wallpaper smoothly without air bubbles should pay particular attention to preparation and technique. These are the most important points:
- make sure the wall is clean, dry, smooth and firm
- use the right wallpaper glue for the type of wallpaper
- apply glue evenly, without dry or too thick spots
- place the strip calmly and press on right away from the center
- always work air out toward the sides
- check every strip right after hanging it
Preferably use suitable wallpapering tools, such as a pressing smoother, brush and glue roller. At Behang.nl you'll find not only wallpaper and wallpaper glue for non-woven wallpaper, but also handy tools that help prevent air bubbles in wallpaper.
When should you wait and when should you step in?
Not every bump is a problem right away. Very small bumps can still pull flat during the drying process. Large or clearly hollow air bubbles usually stay visible and are better dealt with right away. Unsure? Check whether the air bubble gets smaller while the wallpaper dries. If the shape stays the same or the spot feels loose, repair is needed.
Step in quickly especially if the air bubble gets bigger, if edges come loose or if several air bubbles are visible under the wallpaper. That often points to a problem with the glue distribution or with the wall surface.
Common mistakes when removing air bubbles from wallpaper
- pressing too hard, which damages the wallpaper
- making a hole or cut that is too big
- injecting too much glue
- not cleaning up glue residue right away
- not addressing the cause, such as a dry wall or a loose edge
So always work small and in a controlled way. A subtle correction almost always gives a nicer result than a big intervention.
FAQ about air bubbles in wallpaper
How do you remove air bubbles from wallpaper?
You do that by first trying to smooth the air bubble toward the edge. If that doesn't work, you can carefully make a small opening, add some glue and press the wallpaper smooth again.
How do you prevent air bubbles when hanging wallpaper?
By preparing the wall well, applying the right glue evenly and pressing each strip on from the center to the sides. Always check right away that no air bubbles are left in the wallpaper.
Why do air bubbles appear under non-woven wallpaper?
Usually because of an uneven glue layer, an uneven wall surface or because the strip wasn't pressed on well everywhere. Working too fast can also cause an air bubble under non-woven wallpaper. Want to understand better how this material is hung? Then read up on the hanging instructions for non-woven wallpaper.
Can air bubbles in wallpaper disappear on their own?
Small air bubbles sometimes do, especially shortly after hanging. Larger air bubbles or spots with too little glue usually don't disappear on their own and need to be repaired.
What do you need to repair air bubbles behind wallpaper?
Usually a wallpaper smoother or pressing brush, a soft cloth and possibly a glue syringe with suitable wallpaper glue is enough. Always work carefully to prevent visible damage.
Want to make the chance of air bubbles in wallpaper as small as possible? Then go for good preparation, suitable non-woven wallpaper glue and the right tools. At Behang.nl you'll find wallpaper, custom photo wallpaper and practical tools to hang strips smoothly and neatly. If the wall surface is unstable, also read up on hanging wallpaper over old wallpaper. And if repairing no longer gives a nice result, it may be necessary to remove the old wallpaper first.
