How to Prevent Wallpaper Bubbles Before You Hang

Usually, wallpaper bubbles and blisters arise from these four preventable problems: insufficient wall preparation, improper adhesive application, air caught due to the wrong smoothing technique, and unstable drying conditions (drafts, heat/cold, humidity). If you repair these before attaching the first strip, you will have very few wallpaper problems with air bubbles.

Quick answer

Prevent bubbles in wallpaper by firstly cleaning and smoothing the wall. Then, apply a proper wallcovering primer/size as a sealer, mix the paste to the appropriate ratio, and observe the booking/soaking time for paper-based wallpapers. Smooth down each drop from the center outwards as you go down the wall. Furthermore, make sure the room is still, with no strong winds, extreme temperatures, or high humidity, until the wallpaper is dry.

What causes wallpaper bubbles, thus allowing you to avoid the issue?

1. Uneven adhesion: The presence of dust, grease, glossy paint, and unpainted areas of differing porosity can cause the adhesion of the wallpaper to be weak in certain spots, leading to the formation of bubbles or blisters.
2. Movement due to expansion: The paper of the wallpaper absorbs water and expands when wet. If the soaking time is not observed, the paper will expand on the wall, and "wrinkle" bubbles will appear.
3. Air/paste being trapped: Irregular smoothing can create air pockets that are round (trapped) or leave paste ridges that cause later bubble development.
4. Poor drying conditions: Drafts and high humidity can lead to uneven drying of the adhesive, which may result in bubbles and blisters at the seams and corners.

Step 1: Prep the wall like you really mean it 

Perfection isn't necessary, but a stable, clean, and uniform surface is a must. 

• Degrease and rinse: Clear the wall in the kitchen, switch areas and zones with much contact. Allow the wall to dry completely. 
• Scrape and repair: Get rid of the paint that is loose. Fill the hole, then smooth it out. Prime the filled areas so that the paste will not soften the repair and cause it to lift. 
• Sand for uniformity: Dull the glossy paint to make it less reflective. Flatten the rough texture and ridges so that the wallpaper gets complete contact. 
• Remove all the dust: First, vacuum and then wipe with a slightly damp microfiber cloth. Dust is one of the leading causes of bubbles and blisters. 

Pro Tip: Use a flashlight at a low angle (raking light). If you notice bumps at this point, they will not get any better after the wallpapering is done.

Step 2: Use the correct primer/size (this is the "missing" step in many bubble guides)

Paint primer and wallcovering primer/size do different jobs. A wallpaper primer/size seals porosity so the wall doesn't "drink" paste, creates a consistent surface for adhesion, and makes future removal easier.

Wallcovering primer/size can be used on:

• New drywall, skim coats, or plaster
• Patched walls (joint compound)
• Very matte, powdery paint

A bonding wallcovering primer should be used on:

• Semi-gloss/gloss paint (after sanding)
• Walls with stain risk

Curing is required, not just drying. If you hang the wallpaper too soon, the paste may re-wet the coating, and soft spots that bubble up will be created.

Step 3: Temperature, drafts, and humidity control

Drying conditions are as important as the technique used.

• Drafts are to be avoided: Do not keep windows or doors open; prohibit air blowing across the wall. Instead, vent for short periods.
• Steady conditions are to be kept: No heaters, direct sunlight, or cold exterior walls that cause uneven drying.
• Humidity (particularly coastal/monsoon climates) is to be monitored: Excessive humidity reduces drying speed and may cause blisters. If the room feels humid, then turn on the air conditioner to "dry" mode or use a dehumidifier.

Step 4: Mixing and applying wallpaper paste in the right way

The paste with the wrong consistency and inadequate coverage leads to both wet bubbles (too much paste) and dry bubbles (too little paste) problems.

• Use the exact ratio: Measure water and powder if you are using mix-your-own (the) paste. Mix slowly so you do not whip air into the adhesive. Let it stand if required by the instructions, then remix gently.
• Apply with "no dry spots": Keep the film even—no puddles and no thin streaks.
• Match method to wallpaper type:
• Paper-based: paste the paper, then book/soak.
• Non-woven / paste-the-wall: paste the wall evenly.
• Pre-pasted: activate evenly and follow the roll instructions.

Step 5: Respect booking/soaking time (paper-based wallpaper)

Booking allows paper wallpaper to soak up moisture and stretch prior to getting hung. If you do not wait, it grows on the wall and makes bubbles.

Consistent booking method:

• Paste uniformly edge-to-edge.
• Fold paste-to-paste, taking care not to wrinkle the face.
• Roll loosely and keep track of the time.
• Make the booking time the same for every strip.

Although non-woven wallpaper generally does not require soaking, it is still essential to ensure that the paste coverage is even.

Step 6: Provide for bubble prevention method (from center-out, top-down)

The majority of advisories on "how to remove air bubbles in wallpaper" commence with stating the problem first. Apply this technique so that bubbles will not appear.

1. Begin perfectly straight: Strike a plumb line and set the first piece in line with it.
2. Lightly tack up the top: Place and adjust the paper without applying much pressure.
3. Smooth down the center first: Take a smoothing brush/tool and slide from the center downwards.
4. Move air to the sides: Gradually work from the center towards both sides with overlapping strokes as you go down.
5. Clean while working on it: Use a damp sponge and clean water to immediately wipe the paste that has been squeezed out.
6. Avoid overstretching: Let the strip lose tautness on its own. Stretching too much may cause lifted edges and bubbles when it dries.

Step 7: Treat seams, corners, and cutouts as high-risk zones

In such areas, bubbles usually appear first where unevenness of coverage or pressure is noticed.

Seams

Butt seams cleanly (unless your wallpaper gives the specification of overlap). First, smooth the field and then use a seam roller gently. Heavy rolling can squeeze paste out and create dry bubbles along the seam.

Inside corners

Do not force a full-width strip hard into an inside corner. Follow standard corner practice (trim/overlap) so the wallpaper does not bridge a void that later blisters.

Outlets and switches

Power should be turned off, covers should be removed, and a small X should be cut. Start smoothing away from the cut so that air is not trapped around the box.

Step 8: Prevention notes for peel-and-stick

People search peel and stick wallpaper bubbles because self-adhesive panels can trap air if you rush.

• Clean and dry the walls absolutely. Dust causes bubbles right away.
• Do one part at a time: Pull a little of the liner, put it right, and flatten from the middle out, then go on.
• Apply uniform pressure: A felt-edge squeegee is useful. Don't pull the panel.
• Slow down on self-adhesive: The less breathable the material, the more air can be trapped, so you need to be very careful with your smoothing passes.

Pre-hang checklist

• The wall is free of dirt, moisture, smooth and free of dust
• Patchwork has been sanded and primed evenly
• Wallcovering primer/size has dried completely
• Room conditions are stable (no strong drafts, humidity controlled)
• Paste is prepared to the correct ratio; application has no dry areas
• Booking/soaking time is set for paper wallpapers
• Equipment at hand: smoothing brush/tool, sharp blades, sponge, seam roller

FAQ

Will small wallpaper bubbles disappear as they dry?

Some small, soft bubbles might ease out as the glue dries and the wallpaper is pulled taut. Don't cut anything before 24-48 hours unless you can feel debris or a dry, hollow spot.

What is the main reason for bubbles in wallpaper?

The main reason for bubbles in wallpaper is improper wall preparation, such as dust, grease, unpainted patches, and uneven porosity. These factors create weak bonding that results in bubbles and blisters.

Can high humidity cause blistering of the wallpaper?

Yes. High humidity retards drying and may result in blisters, particularly around seams and corners. The humidity should be controlled during both installation and drying periods.

Will using a seam roller assist in bubble prevention?

A seam roller is useful, but it applies very little pressure, only after the field is smoothed. Over-rolling may push the paste out and create dry bubbles.

Control the Basics to Prevent Wallpaper Bubbles Before Hanging

The fundamentals can be controlled to avoid the incidence of bubbling wallpaper by the following methods: prepping and sealing the wall, keeping the paste consistent and evenly applied, sticking to the booking/soaking time, smoothing from the center towards the outside as you work down, and making sure that the drying conditions are stable. Do this, and you will spend much less time looking up the topic "how to get rid of air bubbles in wallpaper."

Related Ideas: How Much Wallpaper Do You Need A Wall Measurement Guide