“It looked perfect the day it went up. Now it’s curling at the edges, and you’re wondering — did I get ripped off, or is this just what wallpaper does?”
You’re not alone. Peeling wallpaper is one of the most common frustrations we hear about from homeowners — especially in places like bathrooms, kitchens, or older homes in the Highlands where damp and temperature swings are part of daily life. It can make a freshly done room look tired before its time, and it’s hard not to feel let down when you’ve spent good money on a wallpapered finish.
At Southern Highlands Painting and Wallpapering, we’ve seen every type of peeling wallpaper issue there is — from dodgy DIY paste jobs to high-end designer paper that was never meant for steamy bathrooms. We don’t sugarcoat the realities of wallpaper, but we do know how to make it last.
In this article, you’ll learn why wallpaper peels, what you can do about it if it already has, and how to prevent it happening again — whether you’re choosing wallpaper for the first time or giving it another go.
Why Is My Wallpaper Peeling?
Peeling wallpaper usually comes down to one of four causes: moisture, poor surface prep, bad glue, or cheap paper. Let’s break each down in plain English:
Moisture or Humidity
This is the big one — especially in older homes or rooms like bathrooms and kitchens. If water gets trapped behind wallpaper or if the glue can’t cope with humidity, the adhesive weakens and the paper starts to lift. Even a small leak or unnoticed condensation issue can undo a perfect job.
Common moisture sources:
- Steamy showers (without good ventilation)
- Roof or plumbing leaks
- Rising damp in older properties
- Unsealed plaster or absorbent paint underneath
Poor Wall Preparation
If your walls weren’t properly cleaned, sealed, or smoothed before wallpapering, it’s almost guaranteed to cause problems. Wallpaper needs a stable surface to grip — dust, flaking paint, or leftover glue from an old job can all break the bond.
The Wrong Adhesive
Not all wallpaper glue is created equal.
Some types are made for lightweight paper in dry rooms. Others are formulated for vinyl, fabric, or use in wet areas. If the wrong glue is used — or if it’s not applied correctly — it simply won’t hold up.
Also: Some wallpapers come “pre-pasted” — but that doesn’t mean they’re always suitable for Aussie homes with high humidity.
Low-Quality Wallpaper
Cheaper wallpaper often looks good for a few weeks, but it can fail faster. It might be too thin, tear easily, or have a finish that doesn’t handle changes in temperature. In some cases, it even reacts badly to glue.
Is Peeling Wallpaper Always a Sign of Poor Installation?
Not always — but it can be. And that’s what makes it so frustrating.
Sometimes, wallpaper peels because it was poorly installed. Other times, it’s due to things no installer can fully control — like hidden moisture in the walls or wallpaper being used in the wrong environment.
When It Is the Installer’s Fault
There are a few clear signs that poor workmanship is to blame:
- Edges not properly sealed
- Wrong adhesive used
- Rushing the prep
When It’s Not the Installer’s Fault
Even a perfect install can go pear-shaped if:
- There’s hidden moisture or damp behind the wall
- The wallpaper is used in a high-humidity room
- The wallpaper wasn’t suited for the space
- The surface underneath was unstable (e.g. flaking paint)
What Can You Do if Your Wallpaper Is Already Peeling?
If your wallpaper is lifting or curling at the edges, it doesn’t always mean the whole thing needs to come down.
Step 1: Check the Size and Location of the Damage
- Small area? Try a spot repair.
- Edges lifting? Seam glue may work.
- Large sections peeling? A rehang might be needed.
Step 2: Try a Repair (If It’s Minor)
What you need:
- Wallpaper seam adhesive
- Small paintbrush or syringe
- Seam roller or clean cloth
Steps:
- Lift the edge gently
- Apply glue underneath
- Press and smooth
- Wipe off excess glue
- Let dry
Step 3: Know When It’s Time to Rehang
If the wallpaper keeps lifting or bubbles are widespread, reapplying it properly from scratch is usually the better long-term fix.
How to Stop Wallpaper Peeling in the First Place
1. Prepare the Walls Properly
- Clean, dry, smooth, and sealed
- Prime or seal chalky surfaces before papering
2. Use the Right Glue for the Right Paper
- Match glue to the wallpaper type (vinyl, fabric, paper)
- Use mildew-resistant glue in humid areas
3. Be Selective About Where You Hang It
- Avoid paper wallpaper in steamy bathrooms
- Use vinyl in kitchens and high-moisture spaces
4. Let It Set Properly
- Don’t blast heaters
- Avoid touching for 24–48 hours
5. Hire a Pro When It Matters
Tricky spaces, feature walls, or expensive wallpaper? Get it professionally installed to avoid costly mistakes.
What Type of Wallpaper Is Least Likely to Peel?
Paper-Based Wallpaper
Most likely to peel
Best for: dry, low-traffic rooms
Vinyl Wallpaper
Most resistant to peeling
Best for: bathrooms, kitchens, kids’ rooms
Fabric-Backed or Woven Wallpaper
Very durable
Best for: feature walls or high-traffic spaces
Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
Easy but not always long-lasting
Best for: rentals, short-term updates
Best choice for durability?
Vinyl or fabric-backed wallpaper, installed with proper prep and glue.
Should You Ditch Wallpaper Altogether?
Peeling wallpaper can be frustrating, but it’s not a reason to swear off wallpaper completely.
When used in the right room, installed on a well-prepared wall, with the right product and the right glue, wallpaper can last for years and create a finish that paint just can’t match.
At Southern Highlands Painting and Wallpapering, we’ve helped homeowners fix the mistakes of rushed DIY jobs and dodgy past installs. And we’ve helped many fall back in love with wallpaper — this time, with results that stick.