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Bubbles in wallpaper have a way of stealing the spotlight—for all the wrong reasons. You step back to admire your newly installed wallpaper, and there they are: small pockets of air interrupting what should be a smooth, intentional surface. It’s frustrating, but also incredibly common. The good news? Bubbles are rarely a sign of bad wallpaper. More often, they’re a sign that something small—but important—was overlooked during installation.

Understanding why bubbles appear is the first step toward preventing them. And once you know the cause, the solution becomes much simpler than most people expect.

Geometric Art Wallpaper

The Real Reason Bubbles Appear (And It’s Not What You Think)

Many assume bubbles happen because the wallpaper isn’t good quality. In reality, bubbles are almost always caused by air, moisture, or uneven adhesion trapped between the wall and the wallpaper.

This can happen for several reasons:

• The wall wasn’t fully smooth or clean

• Adhesive wasn’t evenly activated or applied

• The wallpaper was installed too quickly

• The room conditions weren’t ideal

Each of these creates the perfect environment for air to get trapped—and once it’s there, it has nowhere to go.

Fresh Bubbles vs. Delayed Bubbles

Not all bubbles are the same, and timing matters.

Fresh bubbles, which appear during or immediately after installation, are usually caused by trapped air. These are the easiest to fix and often disappear on their own within the first 24 hours—especially with pre-pasted or traditional wallpaper.

Delayed bubbles, which show up days or weeks later, are more likely related to humidity, temperature changes, or improper wall prep. These require a more thoughtful approach, because simply pressing them down won’t solve the underlying issue.

Abstract Wallpapers

The One Trick That Changes Everything: Work From the Center Out

Here’s the trick that makes the biggest difference—and it’s surprisingly simple.

When installing wallpaper, always smooth from the center outward, never straight down or randomly across the surface. This technique gently pushes air toward the edges where it can escape naturally, instead of trapping it beneath the paper.

This applies to all wallpaper types, but it’s especially important for:

• Peel-and-stick wallpaper, where air has no time to escape on its own

• Pre-pasted wallpaper, where timing affects adhesive activation

• Large-scale murals or bold patterns, where repositioning is limited

Using a wallpaper smoother or soft plastic tool, apply steady, even pressure—not force.

Novelty Art Wallpaper

Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper and Bubbles: What to Watch For

Peel-and-stick wallpaper is loved for its convenience, but it can be unforgiving if installed too quickly.

Common causes of bubbles with peel-and-stick include:

• Peeling off too much backing at once

• Stretching the material while repositioning

• Installing on walls that aren’t fully cured or primed

The solution is to work slowly. Peel back only a small section of the backing at the top, secure it, and smooth downward gradually. This controlled approach gives air time to escape and prevents tension that later turns into bubbles or lifted seams.

Pre-Pasted and Traditional Wallpaper: Moisture Matters

With pre-pasted wallpaper, bubbles often form when the adhesive isn’t evenly activated. Too much water can oversaturate the paper; too little prevents full adhesion. Following the recommended soaking or activation time is essential.

Traditional wallpaper bubbles usually come from uneven paste application. Dry spots create weak adhesion, while excess paste can trap moisture.

In both cases, patience is key. Many minor bubbles will relax and disappear as the wallpaper dries. This is why it’s important not to overwork the surface immediately after installation.

How to Fix Bubbles Without Ruining Your Wallpaper

If a bubble doesn’t disappear after 24 hours, it’s time to intervene—gently.

For small bubbles:

• Use a fine pin or needle to create a tiny hole

• Smooth outward toward the hole to release the air

For larger or stubborn bubbles:

• Make a small, precise slit with a craft knife

• Apply a small amount of wallpaper adhesive underneath

• Smooth carefully and wipe away excess adhesive

Always work slowly and cleanly. Aggressive fixes often cause more damage than the bubble itself.

Nature Wallpaper

Prevention Is Always Better Than Repair

The best way to deal with bubbles is to prevent them altogether. That means:

• Preparing the wall properly

• Controlling room temperature and humidity

• Taking your time during installation

• Respecting the material you’re working with

At Moose Accents, we’ve learned that wallpaper performs best when the installation process is just as thoughtful as the design itself. A calm, methodical approach leads to walls that look effortless—even though care and intention went into every step.

A Final Thought

Bubbles aren’t a failure—they’re feedback. They tell you something about the wall, the material, or the moment in which the wallpaper was installed. Once you learn how to listen to that feedback, wallpaper installation becomes far less intimidating and far more rewarding.

And when done right, the result isn’t just a smooth wall—it’s a space that feels finished, balanced, and meant to be lived in.