How to Fix Torn Wallpaper? - A Step-by-Step Guide by Adawall

When you invest in luxury wallpaper, the last thing you want to see is a tear ruining the elegance of your walls. Whether caused by moving furniture, pets, or everyday wear and tear, torn wallpaper is a common issue—but it’s one that can be fixed without replacing the entire wall.
At Adawall, where craftsmanship meets creativity, we believe luxury doesn’t end at installation. With the right guidance, you can restore your wallpaper to its original beauty using a few simple tools and professional techniques.
What Causes Wallpaper to Tear?
Even high-end wallpapers can experience damage over time. Common causes include:
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Furniture bumps or scrapes
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Improper installation
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Moisture or humidity
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Aging adhesive
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Pets or children
Whether you’re dealing with embossed wallpaper, designer wallcoverings, or a delicate textured wallpaper, the repair steps are often similar and manageable.
What You’ll Need
Before starting your repair, gather the following items:
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Wallpaper adhesive or paste
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Seam roller
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Utility knife or precision blade
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Sponge and clean water
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Matching wallpaper (for patches if needed)
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Smoothing brush
These are the same tools that both homeowners and professionals use for wallpaper maintenance and repairs.
Step-by-Step: How to Repair a Small Tear
1. Clean the Area
Use a damp sponge to gently clean around the tear. Remove any dust or loosened wallpaper. Let the surface dry before applying any adhesive.
2. Apply Adhesive Behind the Tear
Carefully lift the torn edge and use a brush to apply wallpaper paste behind it. Avoid over-applying glue, as this may cause staining.
3. Smooth the Wallpaper Back Into Place
Align the edges properly and press them into place. Use a seam roller to eliminate bubbles and ensure strong adhesion.
4. Let It Dry
Let the adhesive dry completely, typically for 24 hours. Avoid disturbing the area during this time.
How to Patch a Large Rip or Missing Piece
If the damage is too big for a simple repair, patching is the best method.
1. Cut a Matching Patch
If you have leftover wallpaper from your Adawall installation, use it. Cut a slightly oversized patch and make sure to align the pattern accurately.
2. Trim and Align
Place the patch over the damaged area and cut through both layers using a utility knife. Remove the old piece and insert the new one.
3. Apply Adhesive and Smooth It Out
Paste the patch and carefully position it. Use a seam roller to blend the patch into the rest of the wallpaper.
Can You Wallpaper Over Torn Wallpaper?
One of the most common questions asked is: Can I apply new wallpaper over damaged wallpaper?
Technically, yes—but it's not recommended. At Adawall, we advise repairing or removing torn wallpaper first. Applying wallpaper over an uneven or damaged surface can result in poor adhesion and a subpar finish, especially with embossed or luxury textures.
How Adawall Wallpapers Make Repairs and Maintenance Easier
Unlike mass-market options, Adawall wallcoverings are known for their thicker textures, superior finishes, and long-lasting performance. Our embossed and designer wallpapers are crafted not only for aesthetic beauty but also for functionality.
Key advantages include:
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Easy maintenance and cleaning
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Patterns that naturally hide small imperfections
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Strong materials that make patching more effective
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Durable surface resistant to everyday wear
While other premium brands such as Farrow & Ball, Cole & Son, or Graham & Brown offer beautiful options, Adawall's collections are specially curated for spaces where elegance meets durability.
Tips to Prevent Wallpaper from Tearing Again
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Use corner guards or furniture pads near wallpapered walls
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Avoid dragging furniture against the walls
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Keep humidity under control with ventilation or dehumidifiers
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Store leftover wallpaper for future repairs
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Always work with trained installers for best results
Why Choose Adawall for Your Wallpaper Needs?
At Adawall, we bring together design innovation and premium materials to produce wallpapers that transform living spaces. Our collections include everything from floral patterns and geometric designs to fabric-look textures and modern embossed styles.
Whether you're updating a home, hotel, or office, Adawall provides:
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Consistent pattern quality
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Global design trends fused with timeless taste
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Options for moisture-resistant and scrubbable wallpapers
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Customer-first service and fast sample delivery
Visit our official website at adawalls.com to browse collections, request samples, or speak with a design consultant.
FAQ: Torn Wallpaper Repair
1. Can torn wallpaper be repaired without replacing the wall?
Yes. Small and medium tears can often be repaired with adhesive and proper tools. For larger damage, patching with matching wallpaper is a simple solution.
2. What’s the best adhesive to use?
We recommend using a wallpaper-specific adhesive. Adawall products work well with top-grade pastes that don’t damage the material or design.
3. Is it OK to wallpaper over torn or damaged wallpaper?
It’s possible, but not advisable. It's best to fix or remove the damaged area before applying a new wallpaper layer for a smooth, durable result.
4. Will the patch show?
If the pattern is aligned correctly and applied with care, the patch can be nearly invisible—especially on embossed or textured wallpapers.
5. How do I avoid similar damage in the future?
Handle furniture carefully, avoid high humidity where possible, and always install wallpaper with professional tools and support. High-quality wallpapers like those from Adawall are also more resistant to damage.
Need help selecting the right tools or wallpaper for your next project? Visit adawalls.com to shop our luxury collections or speak to one of our experts.