You’ve spent hours measuring, cutting, smoothing, and hanging each panel of wallpaper, only to step back and see… bubbles. Not just one, but a handful—or worse, dozens—scattered across your beautifully chosen wallpaper. It’s frustrating, especially when you’ve worked hard to get it just right. Air bubbles under wallpaper can take a room that’s supposed to look polished and finished and make it look rushed or amateur.
Sometimes these bubbles show up right away, and other times they sneak up a few hours—or even a day—after the job is done. Either way, they’re distracting, and most homeowners aren’t sure whether to live with them or try to fix them (and risk making it worse). The good news? You don’t have to settle for bubbled wallpaper. There are practical, effective ways to fix this—and prevent it from happening in the first place.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve been serving homeowners in Omaha since 1996, and that includes wallpaper installation and removal. We’ve seen it all—paper that peels, glue that dries too fast, seams that won’t match, and of course… air bubbles. Our team uses high-quality products, and we take every necessary prep step to make sure a wallpaper job looks seamless and stays that way.
By the time you finish reading this article, you’ll know exactly why those wallpaper bubbles form, the best way to get rid of them, and how to avoid them next time. Whether you're doing the job yourself or just want to know what to expect from a pro, this guide will give you the confidence to get smooth, beautiful walls without the frustration.
Before you fix it, it helps to understand the root of the problem. Most bubbles come from one of these common causes:
Knowing the cause helps you not only fix the problem but keep it from happening again.
There are two main ways to remove air bubbles, and the method depends on how large the bubble is and whether the adhesive underneath has dried yet.
If you’ve just applied the wallpaper and the glue is still wet:
These techniques usually work best when the wallpaper is freshly installed and still pliable.
If the wallpaper has already dried and the bubble is still there, here’s what to do:
Most small bubbles can be fixed with this method and won’t be noticeable once dry. If a bubble keeps coming back, there may be a bigger issue with the wall surface behind it.
Here’s where good prep work pays off. If you’re installing wallpaper yourself—or watching someone else do it—keep these steps in mind:
Yes, for very small bubbles, a sterilized needle can be used to release the air. Gently press the area to push the air out through the hole, then smooth it with a damp sponge. It’s a quick fix but not ideal for larger bubbles.
Be extra cautious. Some wallpapers are more delicate or thicker than standard wallpaper. If you’re unsure, test any fix in a hidden corner first—or give a professional a call.
Sometimes. If a panel is filled with bubbles and none of the patch methods work, it might be best to remove that section and reapply it. But this should be a last resort, especially if the paper is expensive or patterned.
If you’re staring at your walls right now, wondering if it’s worth the hassle, or if you're thinking about hiring a professional in Omaha to make sure the job is done right, Brush & Roll Painting is here to help. We've been installing and removing wallpaper in Omaha homes since 1996. We’ve made all the mistakes so you don’t have to.
Click the button below to get a quote from our team. Whether you just need advice or want someone to take over the job completely, we’re here to guide you toward walls you’ll actually want to show off.
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