How to repair a 'popped' wallpaper seam

[ProWallGuy]

This is just a quick how-to thing I did yesterday on a job. Had my camera, so I decided to document the process I used. Feel free to add comments or criticism at the end.

BTW, you might notice the pictures are from different seams. I just picked the image that best suited what I was explaining.

For those who care, the paper is Imperial from the Raymond Waites Collection, pattern number 31131010.

This first picture shows the popped seam.

[ProWallGuy]

After looking at this seam closely, I was able to determine the failure was not caused by anything the hanger did or didn't do. The paper is adhered well to the pre-wallcovering primer layer, but unfortunately, over time the underlying paint layer let go of the drywall. You can tell this by the chunks of paint stuck in the seam.

[ProWallGuy]

When first encountered, these seams are hard and brittle. Use a warm, wet rag to moisten the seam. This will also soften it up a bit, and make it pliable.

[ProWallGuy]

After it has softened up a bit, you may need to open it up with a stiff blade.

[ProWallGuy]

Here is a closeup of the damage paper can do when it comes loose. Look at how thick of a layer of coatings it pulled off to the bare drywall. The hanger suspects the contractor on this remodel decided not to use a primer before painting to save a couple pennies. Bad move.

[ProWallGuy]

Using a brush, jam some adhesive in the open seam. Make sure to get it all the way in, or you could create a bubble when the seam is closed back up. Adhesive used was Gardner-Gibson's Dynamite 234 HD Clear.

[ProWallGuy]

Using a smoother, or skimmer, or sweep, (or whatever you want to call it), gently smooth the seam back in place. Use the tool to gently push out excess paste.

[ProWallGuy]

Hit the seam with a heat gun. This will make the adhesive super-sticky, and help the wallpaper lay back down tightly. This also removes the 'memory' of its position. Make sure to keep the heat gun moving. don't let it sit on one spot of the paper for more than a couple seconds unless you like the smell of smoke.

[ProWallGuy]

Use a seam roller, and roll the seam until it stays down. You may need to repeat the heat and seam roller parts 2 or 3 times until it surrenders, and lays down.

[ProWallGuy]

Wipe off the seam one last time. This will remove any adhesive on the surface, and also help to 'reset the memory' of the paper.

[ProWallGuy]

The seam is laying down tight again. All that needs to be done at this point is color the seam to get rid of that white stripe. You can use whichever media you like: gouche, thinned latex paint, acrylic markers, colored pencils, or chalk. Rub it in the seam, and wipe off the excess. Sorry, I didn't take pictures of this step.

[ProWallGuy]

And here is a quick video of the process. Enjoy!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=d7KZm5shU10

[ProWallGuy]

BTW, this technique was done on a run-of-the-mill vinyl coated paper. Do not try this on any English pulps, paper-papers, silks, fabrics, etc. or you will mess it up big time.

This will work for commercial vinyl, only I would use a heavy duty non-strippable clay.

[Lynjowoman]

Very good lesson on popped seams. Thanks it may come in handy, although I hate wallpaper.

Lynjo

[ProWallGuy]

I hate wallpaper.

Bite your tongue Missy!