Removing old wallpaper is one of the easiest ways to give a new look to your room. It can be an intimidating task; however, with the right tools, you can do it yourself. Depending on what type of wallpaper you have, what kind of adhesive it uses, and how bad the underlying wall is will depend on what method you use. This guide will show you how to remove wallpaper safely and effectively without damaging your walls.
Table of Contents
Tools and Materials Needed
Gather all the required materials to make the job easier.
- Wallpaper scraper or plastic putty knife
- Spray bottle
- Warm water
- Wallpaper remover
- Sponge or cloth
- Drop cloths or plastic sheeting
- Painter’s tape
- Bucket
- Ladder (for high walls)
- Gloves and goggles
If you have a washable or waterproof wallpaper, you may need a scoring tool.
How to Remove Wallpaper
Prepare the Room
Move any furniture away from the wall. Lay down plastic sheeting/drop cloths to protect the floor. Take down any wall décor, picture frames, etc. Turn off the electricity at the breaker so you don’t get any water or remover near the outlet/switches.
Know What Type of Wallpaper You Have
Depending on the type of material your wallpaper is made from will determine how to remove wallpaper most effectively.
- Strippable – Strippable wallpaper can be easier to remove and sometimes comes off in big pieces.
- Peelable – Can sometimes come off in layers, with just a thin paper layer still stuck to the wall.
- Traditional – Usually requires some water or wallpaper remover to loosen the adhesive.
- Vinyl – If it is waterproof, you may need to separate and/or score the wallpaper slightly before using any remover.
It’s always a good idea to test a small area that won’t be seen.
Begin to Remove the Wallpaper
Find a loose edge or seam and gently prise it up using a plastic scraper. If it is strippable, gently pull it back using a low angle. Don’t pull too hard as this can cause tearing or damage to the surface. If it is peelable, start by peeling off the top layer. You can then use warm water or the correct wallpaper remover to loosen the paper.
Use Warm Water or Wallpaper Remover
If the wallpaper isn’t peelable, use a spray bottle to spray either warm water or wallpaper remover. Let it soak into the paper for the amount of time suggested on the product. This will help to loosen the adhesive. If the wallpaper is waterproof, use a scoring tool carefully to make small holes. Don’t go too deep, especially if it’s plasterboard or drywall.
Remove Any Leftover Paper
Once the adhesive has been loosened, gently push the wallpaper scraper under the paper. Do this in small sections and keep the scraper at a shallow angle to stop any scratching or damage. If there are any stubborn areas, add more remover and let it soak.
How to Remove Stuck Wallpaper Adhesive
Once the wallpaper has been removed, you may find some sticky adhesive left behind. This needs to be cleaned off before you can paint or put new wallpaper on. Using a sponge and warm water with a suitable mild cleaning product, gently wipe the wall. Repeat as needed. Don’t get the wall too wet. Once the adhesive is gone, wipe it down with clean water. Let it dry completely.
Things to Avoid
To avoid causing unnecessary damage to your walls when learning how to remove wallpaper:
- Don’t use too much force when scraping. This can cause damage to plaster or drywall.
- Don’t use too much water. This can cause damage to drywall.
- Don’t prepare. This can leave your floor and furniture dirty.
- Don’t ignore the stubborn adhesive. This can affect your paint and wallpaper.
- Don’t rush. Let the remover soak in for longer to make things easier.
If your home has very old wallpaper, you may wish to check for any hazardous materials. Older properties often have lead-based paints behind the wallpaper or other hazardous materials.
How to Prepare the Wall
Once you know how to remove wallpaper, the last thing to do is prepare the wall. Check for any scratches, holes, or flaking plaster. Fill in any small imperfections with the correct wall filler. Once dry, sand the area. Wipe down any dust and leftover residue. Let the wall dry completely. Apply the correct primer. If there is a lot of damage, you may need to get a professional to fix it so it is smooth.
Final Thoughts
Removing old wallpaper doesn’t have to be a complicated DIY project. As long as you have prepared, have the right tools, and know how to remove wallpaper, you can remove unwanted wallpaper. With a bit of patience, you can get your walls ready for a fresh look. The most important part is knowing what type of wallpaper you have, getting the adhesive to loosen, gently scraping, and cleaning the leftover adhesive. Don’t rush and don’t use too much water. This will help you get a cleaner finish and make your next decorating project much easier.