Wallpaper Peeling Off the Wall (Especially at the Seams)

If your wallpaper starts peeling off — especially along the seams — it’s usually due to adhesive or wall preparation issues. Learn why this happens and how to fix it quickly and permanently, even after installation.

Why does wallpaper come off at the seams or edges?

If wallpaper starts to peel off the wall, especially along the seams, there are several possible causes:

  1. Insufficient adhesive:
    Too little paste may have been applied during installation, or excess adhesive may have been squeezed out when pressing down the seams. As a result, the wallpaper does not adhere properly.

  2. Problems with the substrate:
    If the wall surface is too absorbent or was not properly prepared, the paste may dry too quickly and lose its adhesive power before the wallpaper bonds.

  3. Too short soaking time for paper wallpapers:
    With paper wallpapers, a soaking time that is too short can cause the wallpaper to shrink as it dries, resulting in slightly open seams.

  4. Temperature or humidity fluctuations:
    High room temperatures or humidity can cause the wallpaper to expand or contract, which may lead to peeling at the seams.


What can you do if the wallpaper is already peeling off?

Even if the wallpaper has already been applied, the problem can usually be fixed easily.

Steps for reattaching wallpaper:

  1. Lift the affected area carefully:
    Gently lift the loose area (such as a seam or small bubble) using a fine spatula or craft knife.

  2. Inject wallpaper paste:
    Use a syringe with a fine needle (available at any pharmacy) to inject wallpaper paste under the lifted area.
    We recommend our ARTE Wallpaper Paste Clearpro 2 kg – it provides extra-strong adhesion and is ideal for reattaching high-quality wallpapers.

  3. Press down the wallpaper:
    Press the area gently with a clean, soft cloth or seam roller.
    Make sure no paste gets on the wallpaper surface.

  4. Allow to dry:
    Let the area dry at normal room temperature. Avoid direct sunlight or heat.


Prevention Tips

  • Make sure the wall is properly prepared (clean, dry, smooth, and slightly absorbent).

  • Apply the paste evenly and in sufficient quantity.

  • For very absorbent walls, apply a diluted paste primer or wall sealer before wallpapering.

  • After hanging, roll seams gently — not too firmly, to avoid squeezing out the adhesive.