Why Does Wallpaper Bubble? Causes, Fixes & Prevention Tips

Why Does Wallpaper Bubble? Causes, Fixes & Prevention Tips

Have you ever installed beautiful wallpaper only to notice annoying bubbles or blisters forming afterward? You're not alone. Thousands of people search Google every month asking, “Why does wallpaper bubble?”, “How to fix wallpaper bubbling?”, or “Do embossed wallpapers bubble more?”

At Adawall, with years of experience in the wallpaper industry, we've seen it all. This guide explains why wallpaper bubbles, how to fix it, and most importantly—how to prevent it from happening again. We’ll also share why premium brands like Adawall make all the difference.

1. Most Common Causes of Wallpaper Bubbling

a) Trapped Air

One of the most common culprits is trapped air between the wall and the wallpaper. This is especially true for embossed wallpapers or thick, textured patterns where air can get caught easily during installation.

b) Too Much or Too Little Adhesive

Using the wrong amount of wallpaper paste can lead to poor adhesion. Too little glue causes the paper to lift; too much glue creates uneven surfaces and eventually leads to bubbling.

c) Poor Wall Preparation

If your wall has dust, flaking paint, or moisture, the glue can’t bond properly. Bubbles are almost inevitable on walls that haven’t been cleaned or primed properly.

d) Moisture and Humidity

High-moisture areas like kitchens, bathrooms, or basements can weaken wallpaper glue over time, causing it to lift or expand and form bubbles.

2. How to Fix Wallpaper Bubbling

Looking for how to repair wallpaper bubbles? Here are simple solutions:

• For Small Bubbles: Use a fine needle to gently puncture the bubble, then press the air out using a smoothing tool or soft cloth.

• For Larger Areas: Carefully lift the bubbled section, apply wallpaper adhesive behind it with a brush, and smooth it back into place.

• Damaged Sections: If the bubbled area is torn or stretched, it may be best to replace that portion using leftover wallpaper—especially easy when using Adawall patterns for a seamless match.

3. How to Prevent Wallpaper from Bubbling

At Adawall, we recommend following these steps for bubble-free wallpaper installation:

✅ Prepare the Surface: Clean, smooth, and dry walls are essential. Use primer if needed.
✅ Use High-Quality Adhesive: Don’t skimp on glue—use the correct type and amount for your wallpaper.
✅ Apply Proper Technique: Use a smoothing tool to remove any air bubbles during installation.
✅ Watch for Moisture: Use moisture-resistant wallpapers in humid spaces (like Adawall's vinyl or embossed lines).

4. Why Adawall Is the Smarter Choice

Unlike low-quality imports, Adawall’s premium wallpapers are built to last—and designed to resist bubbling when installed correctly. Our collections, including textured, 3D, and embossed wallpaper, are created with durability and style in mind.

🟣 High adhesion quality
🟣 Moisture resistance
🟣 Easy to clean and maintain
🟣 Modern, classic, and minimalist designs

🔗 Browse all collections now at: adawalls.com

Visit Our Showroom in Houston

Want to see and feel the difference? Come visit us in person.

📍 9722 Hwy 90 Alt, Suite 103, Sugar Land, TX 77478
📞 (832) 944-7878

Our in-house design team will guide you through every step—from style selection to installation.