Replacing a damaged strip of wallpaper is a common home maintenance task that can refresh the look of your wall without needing to re-paper the entire room. The process involves carefully removing the old section and fitting a new piece that seamlessly blends with the existing pattern.
Steps for Replacing a Wallpaper Strip
Successfully replacing a wallpaper strip requires precision, especially when matching patterns. Here's a breakdown focusing on preparing and positioning the replacement piece, incorporating key steps from standard practice and the provided reference:
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Remove the Damaged Section: Carefully cut around the damaged area or the entire strip you need to replace using a utility knife. Score the wallpaper lightly to avoid damaging the drywall underneath. Peel away the old wallpaper. You may need to use a wetting agent or steamer to loosen the adhesive. Clean the wall surface thoroughly after removal.
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Select Your Replacement Piece:
- From a wallpaper cut-off or a new wallpaper roll, choose a piece that aligns with the pattern of the damaged strip. Finding the exact match is crucial for an invisible repair. Lay the old piece over potential replacement areas on the new paper to find the best pattern alignment.
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Cut the Replacement Piece:
- Once you've identified the matching pattern section, cut a replacement piece the same size of the piece you cut out PLUS 5 cm on each side. This extra margin allows for precise trimming and pattern matching on the wall. Using a straight edge and a sharp utility knife ensures clean, accurate cuts.
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Preliminary Alignment Check:
- Before applying any adhesive, hold the new piece over the cut-out area on the wall, aligning the pattern/structure. This step allows you to double-check that your pattern matches and the piece is sized correctly relative to the surrounding wallpaper. Mark the wall lightly if needed to help with final placement.
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Apply Adhesive and Install:
- Apply wallpaper paste to the back of the replacement piece, following the adhesive instructions for your specific wallpaper type.
- Carefully position the pasted piece onto the wall, aligning the pattern with the existing paper using the initial alignment check as a guide.
- Smooth the paper down with a wallpaper brush or plastic smoother, working from the center outwards to remove air bubbles.
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Trim Excess:
- Using a sharp utility knife and a straight edge (like a metal ruler), carefully trim away the extra 5 cm margin from the edges of the new piece where it overlaps the existing wallpaper. Cut through both layers and peel away the excess from both the new piece and the old layer underneath. This creates a seamless butt joint.
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Final Smoothing:
- Gently press down the edges again to ensure they are firmly adhered. Wipe away any excess paste with a damp cloth.
Following these steps carefully will help you achieve a clean, professional-looking wallpaper repair.
