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How to Patch a Tear in Wallpaper

Tap each step to follow along in order.

  1. Identify the cause of the damage first

    A simple tear from bumping furniture calls for a different fix than damage caused by mold, bubbling, or a water leak, so figure out the cause first. If mold or a leak is behind it, resolve that root cause before patching, or the same damage will just come back.

  2. Re-glue small tears with wallpaper paste

    For a minor tear or a spot that's lifting slightly, spread a thin layer of wallpaper paste or seam adhesive into the gap with a cotton swab or thin putty knife, press it flat with a dry cloth, and hold it in place for about a day.

  3. Patch larger holes with spare wallpaper

    For a bigger hole, use leftover wallpaper saved from installation, or cut a small piece from an inconspicuous spot like behind a closet or piece of furniture, and cut it slightly larger than the damaged area to overlay it.

  4. The trick to matching the pattern

    Lay the patch piece directly over the damaged wallpaper, line up the pattern, and cut through both layers together with a utility knife β€” this double-cut technique makes the seam blend in far more naturally, and it's especially effective on patterned wallpaper.

  5. If mold or bubbling is the cause, fix that first

    If you notice a musty smell or black spots on a bubbling section, simply re-gluing it won't stop the problem from coming back β€” address the underlying moisture or condensation issue before repairing the wallpaper itself.

  6. Finish by smoothing with a seam roller

    Once the adhesive is set, press along the seam with a wallpaper seam roller or a cloth to push out any trapped air, and wipe away any squeezed-out paste immediately with a damp cloth so it doesn't leave a mark.

Small damage is worth fixing right away

A small tear or lifted seam left alone tends to collect dust or tear further over time. Identifying the cause first and choosing a fix that matches the size of the damage β€” re-gluing or patching β€” lets you tidy it up cleanly without much expense.

Basic caulking is another handy skill to have

If you're tackling small home repairs yourself, it's also worth learning the basics of applying silicone caulk for gaps around a bathroom or kitchen counter β€” a similarly simple, low-cost fix that's good to have in your back pocket.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make a patch blend in seamlessly?

For patterned wallpaper, use the double-cut method: lay the patch over the original wallpaper, line up the pattern, and cut through both layers together so the seam lines up almost invisibly.

What if I don't have any spare wallpaper?

You can cut a small piece from a hidden spot, like behind a closet or piece of furniture, and use that instead. If that's not an option either, look for wallpaper with a similar color and texture as a substitute.