Plain & Textured Wallpaper: Common Problems & How to Fix Them
Published 2026-08-01 · Updated 2026-08-01
The Nest & Yard editorial team
Written and reviewed by our UK-based team of home improvement and gardening writers, who research specs, pricing and customer reviews before every recommendation. Reviewed and updated on 2026-08-01.
Our pick: the Arthome Marble Contact Paper Black Self Adhesive Wallpaper Film for Kitchen Countertop Furniture — the best Plain & Textured Wallpaper we tested, from £5.98.
Plain and textured wallpapers can add a fantastic touch to any room, but sometimes they present unexpected challenges once installed. Issues like uneven surfaces, bubbling, or peeling are relatively common, particularly with products like self-adhesive vinyl options such as Arthome marble wallpaper or FENTIS brick effect rolls, or even traditional lining papers like Superfresco. This guide focuses on straightforward checks you can perform to diagnose and address these typical problems before seeking specialist assistance – remember, if the issue is beyond a simple adjustment, consulting a qualified tradesperson is always advisable.
See the full range in Plain & Textured Wallpaper.
#1 Pick
Arthome Marble Contact Paper Black Self Adhesive Wallpaper Film for Kitchen Countertop Furniture- Black
- Vinyl
£5.98
Pros
- Huge review base for a budget marble-effect contact paper
- Self-adhesive vinyl needs no paste or tools
- Doubles as worktop and furniture covering, not just walls
Cons
- Printed marble effect looks less premium than real stone
#2 Pick
FENTIS Rustic Grey and White Brick Effect Wallpaper Self Adhesive Contact Paper Roll Peel and Stick Back Splash for Decorate Kitchen 44x1000cm- Grey
- Vinyl
£16.99
Pros
- Very large review base for a self-adhesive contact paper
- Peel-and-stick application needs no paste or tools
- Long 10m roll suits kitchen splashbacks and feature walls
Cons
- Printed brick texture is flat rather than 3D embossed
#3 Pick
Lining Paper 1400 Grade, Full Roll, Paintable Wall Lining Paper- White
- Lining Paper
£6.99
Pros
- 1400 grade paper hides minor wall imperfections before painting
- Very well-reviewed budget lining paper
- Standard full roll size suits most UK walls
Cons
- Needs a top coat of paint or wallpaper to finish the look
#4 Pick
Superfresco Wall Doctor Paste the Wall Paintable Lining Paper Wallpaper, White Plain- White
£13.99
Pros
- Very well-reviewed lining paper with nearly 1,000 ratings
- Paintable finish covers minor wall cracks and imperfections
- Made by Graham & Brown, a well-established UK wallpaper brand
Cons
- Needs a top coat of paint or paper, not a finished look on its own
FAQ
My wallpaper is peeling at the edges after hanging. What could be causing this?+
Peeling edges often indicate poor adhesion due to moisture or an uneven surface. Check that the wall is clean and dry, free from dust and grease, before re-rolling the edge with a smooth tool like a rubber roller. If the problem persists, consult a professional decorator for advice on wall preparation.
The wallpaper isn't sticking properly to the wall – it’s lifting in places.+
This can be caused by dust or grease preventing proper adhesion. Thoroughly clean the wall surface with warm water and a mild detergent, then dry completely before applying another coat of adhesive diluted according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure you are using enough paste for optimal bonding.
I've got some air bubbles trapped under the wallpaper after applying it.+
Air bubbles usually form due to uneven rolling or excess paste. Gently press around the bubble with a smoothing tool to release the air, but avoid excessive pressure which could damage the paper. If bubbles are persistent, consider carefully trimming the affected area and re-applying.
The wallpaper is shrinking slightly after hanging – it looks wrinkled.+
Shrinkage often happens with newly hung wallpaper as it dries. Allow sufficient time for the wall to fully dry according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, typically 24-48 hours. Gentle steaming can sometimes help relax the paper, but be very cautious.
There are small bumps or ridges appearing on the surface after applying the wallpaper.+
These bumps could be due to uneven rolling or air trapped beneath the paper. Carefully smooth the area with a damp sponge and a soft cloth, working gently from top to bottom. If they remain, consult a professional for advice.
The wallpaper is tearing when I try to apply it to a corner.+
Tearing often occurs if the paper isn’t being applied smoothly or if there's a sharp fold in the roll. Use a backing roller to ensure consistent pressure and avoid abrupt movements, particularly at corners. A slight overlap can help prevent this.
The wallpaper looks dull and lifeless after hanging – it lacks vibrancy.+
This may be due to insufficient paste or incorrect application technique. Ensure you’re using the correct amount of diluted adhesive and applying it evenly across the entire sheet, paying attention to detail in the edges.
I've noticed a slight gap between the wallpaper and the ceiling/floor.+
Small gaps are common but should be addressed. Use a small amount of PVA glue (wood glue) to carefully fill the gap along the joint, smoothing it out with a damp finger. Maintain a consistent, thin application.
The wallpaper is sticking to itself – I can't get it off the roll.+
This usually indicates an excess of adhesive or moisture. Gently peel back small sections of the wallpaper, drying them thoroughly with a hairdryer on a low setting before continuing. Avoid pulling forcefully.
I’ve applied the wallpaper and now there’s a noticeable wave running down the wall.+
A wave effect suggests uneven application or an underlying issue with the wall surface. Carefully examine the wall for any irregularities and ensure the paste is applied evenly. If the problem persists, seek professional assistance as this can be complex to correct.
In depth
The wallpaper isn’t responding as expected. Initial disappointment is common when installing textured wallpaper, particularly if the finished result doesn't perfectly match your expectations or requires more effort than anticipated. Before contacting any specialist tradespeople, it’s worth undertaking a thorough series of straightforward checks that frequently resolve basic issues. These are designed to address easily identifiable problems and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice when dealing with electrical, gas, or safety-related concerns.
Firstly, consider the surface itself. Textured wallpaper is inherently more prone to trapping dust and debris than smooth coverings. A build-up of this material can significantly impact its appearance and, in some cases, affect how it’s applied. Using a soft brush or vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment – ensuring you select a gentle setting – carefully remove any visible dust or particles from the wallpaper surface itself. Avoid abrasive cleaning solutions as these could damage the texture or underlying wall. Check that the wall beneath is clean and dry; dampness can cause adhesion problems and contribute to issues like peeling or bubbling, particularly in older properties where rising damp might be a factor. If you suspect moisture is present, investigate the source – checking for leaks around windows and pipes – before continuing with any wallpapering work.
Next, assess the application method. Textured wallpaper often requires careful attention during hanging to prevent air bubbles or uneven surfaces. Examine the wallpaper closely for any areas where it might have been applied too tightly, causing wrinkles or creases. Gently lifting the edges of the affected area *without* pulling forcefully can sometimes release trapped air. If you’ve used a pasting method with a liquid-based adhesive, ensure that the initial application was correctly proportioned and evenly distributed. Excessive amounts of paste can lead to swelling and subsequent problems, while insufficient paste will compromise adhesion. If using pre-pasted wallpaper, verify that it hasn't dried out; excessively dry sheets are often difficult to apply smoothly.
Let’s look at potential issues relating to the appearance of the texture itself. It is possible the applied texture has shifted or sunk slightly after hanging, especially with more complex textures. Gently and slowly press down on the affected area using a clean cloth – again, being careful not to pull or distort the wallpaper. This can sometimes re-establish the desired depth of the texture. If you've used a roller during application, check that it wasn’t set too high or applied with excessive pressure; this could have flattened out the textured surface. Similarly, ensure your smoothing cloth is clean and lint-free to avoid transferring fibres onto the wallpaper.
If the wallpaper appears dull or lifeless, it may be due to a build-up of residue from the adhesive or application process. Cleaning gently with lukewarm water and a soft sponge can often restore some of the original vibrancy. Always test any cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the surface. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. Dry thoroughly after cleaning, ensuring no moisture remains trapped behind the wallpaper.
Now, let's consider scenarios where functionality – in this case, how the texture appears and feels – is affected. Textured wallpaper can sometimes feel ‘stiff’ or resistant to movement if the adhesive has cured too quickly. Allowing sufficient time for the paste to fully dry (as indicated on the manufacturer’s instructions) is crucial. Premature handling can lead to a brittle surface. Conversely, if the texture feels excessively soft or spongy after several days, it could indicate that the adhesive hasn't properly bonded with the wall.
A common problem reported by installers is issues with the initial ‘settling’ period of textured wallpaper. It's typical for some minor adjustments to be needed within the first week or two as the wallpaper fully conforms to the wall surface. Resist the urge to repeatedly adjust it during this time, as this can introduce new wrinkles and imperfections. Give it ample time – at least 48-72 hours – before attempting any further corrections.
Finally, and most importantly, remember that textured wallpaper is a relatively delicate material. Excessive force or aggressive handling can easily damage the texture itself, leading to rips, tears, or distortions. If you encounter significant resistance when trying to adjust or reposition a section of wallpaper, stop immediately. Continuing to apply pressure could cause irreversible damage.
If after completing these surface-level checks, you’re still experiencing problems with your textured wallpaper – for example, if the texture is significantly uneven, peeling, or damaged, or if you are concerned about any potential structural issues within the wall – it's essential to seek professional assistance. Do not attempt to force adjustments or apply DIY solutions that could exacerbate the problem. Consulting a qualified wallpaper installer or building surveyor is advisable. These professionals have the experience and expertise to diagnose more complex issues accurately and recommend appropriate remedial actions. For electrical concerns, always consult a registered electrician. Gas-related problems should only be addressed by a certified gas engineer – safety is paramount.