How to Be ‘Patch’ Adams When Doctoring Wallpaper

If torn, blistered or loose areas of wallpaper have you singing the blues, there are quick and easy ways to make repairs.

The only special tools and supplies you need are a sharp utility knife, a ruler, a wallpaper seam roller, an artist’s brush and possibly some premixed wallpaper paste, available at home centers.

Get either cellulose or vinyl paste, depending on whether you are working with a paper or vinyl wallcovering. If you are just gluing down a loose seam, you may be able to use seam adhesive. If you are working with a prepasted covering, the most common type today, you may not need any paste at all.

You may also need some scrap wallpaper for a patch. The most foresighted way to do this is to save some large scraps when a room is wallpapered. Hint: Tack the scraps to an attic or closet wall. When you use them for repairs, they won’t look brand new.

Here’s how to patch a small damaged area:

* For a patch, cut a piece of matching wallpaper at least 1 inch larger in each direction than the damaged area.

* Tape the patch in place lightly with masking tape, matching the pattern exactly.

* Using a sharp utility knife and a ruler, make a rectangular cut around the damaged area. If possible, follow the lines in the pattern to hide the seam. Cut through both the new and old layers of wallpaper. Then carefully take off the damaged area of the old wallpaper. Make sure the wall surface is smooth.

If the wallcovering is prepasted, wet the back of the patch and wait a couple of minutes for the adhesive to get slightly tacky before putting it in place. After 15 minutes, lightly roll the edges smooth (but don’t roll textured or metallic coverings).

If the covering is not prepasted, apply the recommended wallcovering paste to the back of the patch before setting it in place.

Have a loose or curling seam or a blister?

* For a loose seam, cut the edge of the wallpaper diagonally in one or more places with a sharp utility knife so you can peel the edges of the wallpaper back. For a blister, cut an “X’ across it, and peel the pieces back.

* Apply water or adhesive to the back of wallpaper with a small paintbrush and let it become tacky. Then push the edges of the wallpaper back in place. Remove excess paste with a damp sponge. Smooth the edges with a roller.

* Are wallpaper edges curled? You’ll have an easier time getting the edges of a paper wallcovering to stay down if you first mist the area with water. Dampened and relaxed, the curl will lie flat when you glue it. Secure really stubborn edges with pushpins until they dry.

Do you have tears in the wallpaper that expose the paper backing?

Glue any loose backing down first, then cover it with the pattern side. Gently smooth the seam with your fingertip or a pencil eraser.

Here are tips for cleaning nonwashable wallcoverings:

* To remove a pencil mark or other nongreasy spot, use an art-gum eraser or a slice of fresh rye bread.

* To remove a greasy spot, crayon mark or food stain, apply a paste of cleaning fluid and cornstarch. Let dry and brush off. Repeat until the spot is gone.