How to repair torn drywall paper?

[Gary_Loomes]

Workmen installing a new kitchen tore the dry-wall paper while removing the old kitchen. The "flaps" are still intact and can be well aligned if there is a simple way to "glue" then back in place. Or will I have to cut them away and do a major repair job?

[MitchellMc · Accepted solution]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Gary_Loomes. It's great to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about repairing the paper coating on plasterboard.

I'd suggest mixing up an 80/20 mix of PVA glue and water and applying it under the paper. Tape the paper back in position until the glue has dried. You could use the PVA neat, but it's a little thick and will flow better diluted.

Depending on how neatly you can glue the section back down, it could solve the issue. I believe it's certainly worth a shot before moving on to more extensive repairs.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[ross224]

What is a recommended PVA glue that is suitable for this type of repair (as I note some product descriptions say not suitable to join wallpaper edges; others say non-sandable etc) ? 
thanks

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @ross224. It's sensational to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about wall paper adhesive.

Poly 250g Wallpaper Paste is ideal for sticking back loose edges. 

When the adhesive behind wallpaper dries out, the wallpaper will sometimes lift and curl away from the wall. If the wallpaper is thick or heavily curled, wet it with a sponge as this makes it more flexible and easier to work with. Remember to wipe away any excess adhesive squeezed out when the wallpaper is pressed back into place.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[ross224]

Thanks for reply but my use is not to stick wallpaper edges down. I used that as an example of some of the restrictions some glue suppliers state (others state other restrictions).

i am looking for a glue (PVA) for covering a plasterboard paper tear that has taken some of the paper layer off but leaving some still attached to the board (so delaminated rather than clean and full separation ) . You are left with a fibrous finish that (apparently) has the potential to delaminate further and cause a blister when you skim coat.  So in essence I’m looking for a PVA glue to smooth and seal the affected area - applied thinly much like you’d apply a jointing compound with a knife. 
cheers

[EricL]

Hello @ross224 

It sounds like the damage is more significant, if that's the case I suggest using either  Parfix 500g Ready To Use Multipurpose Filler or Gyprock CSR 2.25kg Less Mess Multi-Purpose Joint Compound if there is a great deal to be repaired. Your goal is to spread the filler in a very thin and level consistency over the damaged area. This should flatten the fibres down and you won't have to sand a great deal of plaster once it cures. Once the damage has been filled and sanded all you need to do is to paint the surface in the same finish.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric