Wallpapers are a great way to add personality, texture, and design to a wall. However, their installation is not as easy as it seems. Many people, especially installers, encounter common problems like peeling edges or bubbles. So, this article will help with 8 wallpaper installation issues for installers and spray adhesive solutions.
Knowing what can go wrong and how to fix it is key. Why? It helps complete the toughest wallpaper installation job more efficiently. Awareness of these issues also helps you avoid costly mistakes and saves valuable time. So, don’t let wallpaper problems ruin your hard work! Let’s dive in and explore common wallpaper issues and their solutions.
Wallpaper Installation Issues and Spray Adhesive Solutions
Installing wallpaper is not about just sticking it to the wall. It is all about making the surface look more professional and attractive. However, a small mistake can ruin the aesthetic of an entire place and lead to big problems. To avoid those mistakes, spray adhesives are a game-changer solution. So here is a list of common problems and their solutions with spray adhesive.

1- Peeling Edges
Peeling edges is one of the most common problems in wallpaper installation. This happens when corners or sides of the wallpaper start to lift from the wall. It often starts small but gets worse if not fixed quickly. But what is the reason behind this peeling? One common reason is insufficient adhesives.
If the glue is not appropriately applied to the edges, they won’t stick well and begin to lift. Also, sometimes the wall surface may be dusty or greasy. Such a surface prevents the glue from bonding properly. In some cases, moisture and humidity in the room also weaken the adhesives. As a result, the edges and corners of the wallpaper begin peeling.
How Does Spray Adhesive Help Fix Peeling Edge Issues?
Spray adhesives are a simple and easy way to fix those peeling edges. These adhesives are easy to apply directly to the problem areas. So, if you notice the wallpaper edges are lifting, spray a small amount of wall-safe spray adhesive. After that, press the edges down smoothly. Let it dry, and use a roller to remove the air bubbles if present.
2- Air Bubbles Under the Wallpaper
Air bubbles are another common problem wallpaper installers face. These bubbles look like small air pockets trapped beneath the wall surface. Although they may seem harmless initially, they make the wall look uneven and ruin the smooth finish. So, fixing this problem is crucial to attaining sleekness.
Air bubbles usually occur when air gets trapped between the wall and wallpaper during installation. This happens especially when the wallpaper is not pressed down properly. Also, applying the wallpaper too quickly or not smoothing it section by section can lead to air bubbles. Other factors like humidity and the wrong type of adhesive can also cause air bubbles.
How Does Spray Adhesive Help Fix Air Bubbles Issues?
Spray adhesives can help prevent and fix air bubbles. When you notice bubbles, gently puncture the bubble with a small pin or needle. Now, inject a little adhesive spray under the lifted area. After spraying, press the bubble area down with a clean cloth. For this, you should start pushing from the middle of the bubble and move outward towards the edges. This helps flatten the wallpaper and push out the air.
3- Wallpaper Not Sticking to the Wall
One of the most frustrating problems when installing wallpaper is that it doesn’t stick to the wall. No matter how carefully you press it down, it keeps sliding off and falling. This issue can delay your work and make the installation impossible. There are several reasons for this issue. However, one of the biggest causes is the poor wall surface.
For example, if the wall is dumped, dusty, or oily, the adhesives can’t grip. Sometimes, old paint or molds on the wall interfere with the bonding. Low-quality adhesives or not enough adhesive can also lead to this problem. Sticking becomes a significant challenge if the wall is not cleaned from these issues before installation.
How does Spray Adhesive Help Fix This Issue of Wallpaper Not Sticking?
Spray adhesive can be a great solution to this problem. It gives a more even layer of glue and helps cover the wall more evenly, especially on tricky surfaces. So, first, clean the wall properly and spray the adhesive on the wall or directly on the back of the wallpaper. Let it sit for a few seconds to become sticky. After that, press the wallpaper firmly into place and use a clean cloth to remove the bubbles.

4- Misaligned Seams
When you hang wallpaper, you usually use many long strips side by side. The part where two strips meet is called the seam. Misaligned seams are another common issue that instantly ruins the look. The pattern or design looks broken when these seams don’t line up properly. This problem is more common when wallpaper has repeating patterns or striped designs.
One of the most significant reasons behind this issue is when the first strip of wallpaper is not hung perfectly. Even a slight tilt in the first strip can cause the rest of the strip to go off track. Another reason is that the pattern does not match correctly before placing the next strip. Some wallpapers are pattern-matched. This means you must line up the design carefully for a sleek look.
How Spray Adhesive Helps Fix Misaligned Seams?
Spray adhesive performance helps reposition and realign the seam when things go wrong. If you notice the seam is slightly off, gently peel back the wallpaper near the seam. After that, spray the adhesive on the back of the wall and reposition it carefully to line up with the previous strip. The spray adhesives stay a little sticky and do not dry too quickly. This gives you extra time to adjust or slide the wallpaper to the right seam.
5- Wallpaper Shrinking or Wrinkling
Shrinking means when the wallpaper pulls back slightly after it dries. This creates a small gap between the seams. However, wrinkling means you see the ripples or folds in the wallpaper, making the surface look uneven. Both of these issues affect the smooth and clean look of your wallpaper. But why does this happen? Actually, sometimes, people use too much glue.
This extra glue makes the wallpaper stretch when it is still wet. However, when it dries, the wallpaper returns to its original size. This makes it pull away from the edges or seam, leading to shrinking. Conversely, wrinkling happens when the wallpaper is not appropriately smoothed. Also, if there is too much glue, the paper can fold or bubble up instead of lying flat.
How Does Spray Adhesive Help Fix Shrinking & Wrinkling?
Spray adhesive can help prevent both shrinking and wrinkling. When you use rollers or brushes, there are more chances of applying extra glue. However, spray adhesive applies a thin layer, which prevents overwetting. So when you see wrinkles on the wallpaper, gently lift it and use the spray behind it. After that, smooth it outward with a cloth from the center. However, if you notice shrinking has left a gap at the seam, trim a small wallpaper piece. Now, apply the spray adhesive to it and fix the gap gently.
6- Messy Work Area and Clean-up
A messy work area can make the wallpaper installation more challenging for the installer. During installation, several tools, glue containers, and rollers are scattered. So, the chances of glue spilling, tripping and damaging wallpaper increase. Moreover, it is also frustrating to stop and search for specific tools while working. All this makes the installation process slower.
Further, dirt and dust can stick under the wallpaper if the surface is not clean. This can ruin the final look and affect the aesthetics. So, clean-up becomes a big problem if you don’t stay organized during the installation. Also, glue can drip on the floor, furniture, or walls, making it harder to remove.
How does Spray Adhesive Help Fix Messy Work Areas During Installation?
Spray adhesive helps reduce the mess because it is much easier to apply and clean. Unlike traditional glue, they do not spread and stick to the floor. You simply apply a thin layer of this adhesive onto the wall or back of the wallpaper. This reduces the dripping, spilling and splashes. Also, spray adhesives come with a targeted spray nozzle. This allows you to glue only where it is needed. Since you don’t need extra tools like mixing trays or brushes, it is also faster to clean up after work.

7- Wallpaper Falling Off After a Few Days
One of the most frustrating issues is when wallpapers start to peel off just after a few days of installation. First, everything may look perfect, and the wallpaper will remain sticky. However, the edges often loosen after a few days, or the entire section detaches. This ruins the look and wastes time, effort, and material.
There are several reasons behind this issue. However, the common one includes using the wrong type of adhesive. When you use a glue that is not strong enough to hold the wallpaper, it starts to loosen. Other causes include applying wallpaper on dirty or moist walls. Such conditions weaken the bond between wall and wallpaper, causing it to come off sooner.
How Spray Adhesive Helps Fix This Issue Wallpaper Falling Off?
Spray adhesives provide a strong and lasting hold to wallpapers, preventing them from peeling off later. Unlike traditional glue, they can stick firmly to many surfaces. These adhesives also dry evenly, reducing the chance of weak spots under the wallpaper. For extra security, adhesive sprays are great for touch-ups, too. For example, if you notice any corner peeling, apply a little adhesive and press it back down.
8- Hard-to-Reach Areas
Hard-to-reach areas include corners, near ceiling edges, and around light switches and outlets. These areas make the wallpaper installation feel tricky and time-consuming. For example, these tight areas are hard to measure, cut, and apply wallpaper smoothly. So slight mistakes in this spot can lead to bubbles, wrinkles, and peeling off.
Further, installers struggle to get even glue coverage using rollers. It is also harder to hold the wallpaper while applying the glue in such places. This can lead to gaps between the strips and leave patches that don’t stick properly. Hence, special skills, gadgets, and adhesives are required to handle these tight spaces.
How Spray Adhesive Helps Fix This Issue?
Spray adhesives are a great way to deal with hard-to-reach areas. Regular paste and glue need rollers and brushes that don’t apply glue well. However, spray adhesives let you apply glue evenly and quickly to tight spaces. You just spray the adhesives directly on the wallpaper back or wall, which saves time and reduces mess. Further, the spray adhesive covers the surface with a thin and even layer. It helps the wallpaper stick well, even in the corner and behind the fixture.
Tips for Using Spray Adhesive Safely and Effectively
First, choosing the right spray adhesive for the right wallpaper is crucial. After you have selected, applying the adhesive correctly is vital. For this purpose, here are some practical tips to use it safely and efficiently:
- Read Instructions Carefully: Before using a spray adhesive, always read the instructions on the can. Different brands may have slightly different directions and safety warnings. So, the label will tell you how far to hold the can and how much to spray.
- Ventilate the Room: Spray adhesive has strong fumes. So it is essential to use it in a space with fresh air. Also, open the door, turn on the fan, and avoid breathing in fumes.
- Protect Surroundings: Spray adhesives can spread in the air and stick to things around you. So before spraying, cover the nearby things with plastic sheets or old cloth. This keeps your workspace clean and prevents damage.
- Shake the Can Well: This is a critical point many people forget. Inside the can, the glue ingredients settle down when the can sits for a while. So before spraying, shake the can well so that everything mixes evenly.
- Store Safely: After using spray adhesive, store it in cool and dry places. The adhesive cans are pressurized, so exposure to heat can explode. Also, keep it out of reach of children.
perguntas frequentes
Can I use spray adhesive for all types of wallpaper?
Not always. Spray adhesive often works best with lightweight and peel-and-stick wallpapers. However, it is not ideal for heavy or fabric-backed wallpaper.
Will spray adhesive damage my wall?
If used correctly, spray adhesive will not damage the wall. However, using too much or applying it over delicate paint might leave residue or peel off the surface.
How do I clean spray adhesive if I make a mistake?
If you accidentally spray the wrong spot, clean it before it dries. For this purpose, use a soft cloth with warm soapy water. Gently rub it and remove the spray adhesive. However, if it dries, use alcohol or adhesive remover.
Conclusão
Wallpapers bring style and personality to any place. However, their installation is not as simple as it seems. Even the experienced installer can face several problems. Understanding and fixing those issues is crucial to attaining the desired elegant look. That’s why I have explored some common wallpaper installation issues.
The good news is that those issues can be fixed with spray adhesive. These adhesives are easy to apply and clean, proving a game changer for all those issues. They offer strong hold, easy repositioning, and cleaner applications. Understanding the problems and their solutions makes you better prepared to handle any wallpaper job. So go ahead, spray smart, and create beautiful wallpapers.