How To Remove Wallpaper: A Step-by-Step Guide

Removing wallpaper is something every homeowner faces sooner or later. While it can be quite a challenge, especially if you are doing it for the first time, following a professional DIY wallpaper removal guide ensures the process is effective and safe for your walls. Whether you’re ready to repaper with a fresh design or you’re keen to try a bold new paint color, removing old wallpaper is a necessary first step in any home makeover.

If you are looking for the quick answer on the best way to remove wallpaper, follow these core steps:

• Preparation & Safety: Clear the room, protect your floors with drop cloths, and always disconnect the electricity before working near outlets.

• Identify & Assess: Determine if you have strippable or traditional paper and whether your wall is drywall or plaster to choose the right removal method.

• Soften & Scrape: Use a wallpaper removal solution or steamer to loosen the bond, then carefully scrape away the paper and wallpaper glue with a putty knife.

What to Know Before Removing Wallpaper: Identifying Your Surface

Before you reach for the wallpaper removal tools, there are a couple of things to know and a preparation checklist to follow. Clearing the floors, moving furniture to the center, and taking down all fixtures ensures you have the free space needed to work efficiently around the room.

Identify Your Wallpaper Type

There are different wallpaper types available, such as peel-and-stick wallpaper, traditional wallpaper, and vinyl wallpaper. The wallpaper removal methods of each material can be very different as well, so finding out what type of wallpaper you are preparing to remove is important.

You can identify the type of paper you have by using a putty knife to peel back a corner:

• Strippable Wallpaper: If the paper comes off straight away without leaving a residue, you have strippable wallpaper.

• Peelable Wallpaper: If the wallpaper peels away but leaves a paper backing, you’ve got yourself peelable paper.

• Traditional Wallpaper: If the paper doesn’t move at all when pulled, you have a traditional type of wallpaper that might require a specialized wallpaper removal solution.

Assess Your Wall Condition

Identifying the type of surface underneath the wallpaper is crucial because it determines how much moisture or heat you can safely apply.

• Drywall: Common in modern home interiors, drywall produces a hollow sound when tapped and is easily damaged by excessive water or aggressive scraping.

• Plaster Walls: More common in older homes, plaster produces a dull thud and is significantly more resistant to damage from a wallpaper removal steamer.

• Previously Painted Walls: These surfaces are generally sturdy, but you must ensure all wallpaper adhesive residue is removed to prevent the new paint from peeling.

Gather the Right Tools and Materials

Before you begin the stripping process, gather all the essential materials to ensure your project runs smoothly. Having the right kit on hand will save you time and protect your walls from accidental damage:

• Wallpaper Scraper & Putty Knife: For lifting corners and scraping away loosened paper and glue.

• Wallpaper Scoring Tool: To create tiny holes in vinyl or heavily glued paper so solutions can penetrate.

• Sponge & Bucket: For applying removal solutions and cleaning the walls afterward.

• Spray Bottle: You can use a standard plant sprayer to apply your wallpaper removal solution evenly.

• Drop Cloth: For protecting your floors and furniture from water, adhesive, and debris.

• Wallpaper Steamer: An additional tool you might consider for harder wallpaper removal or large, stubborn areas.
  

Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Wallpaper

Mastering the removal of wallpaper requires patience and the right materials to ensure the surface isn't gouged or warped. To ensure your walls are ready for their next makeover, follow this step-by-step process designed to handle everything from standard paper to stubborn vinyl wallpaper.

Step 1: Protect Your Space and Safety

First things first, you need to prepare the room by clearing the floors and moving furniture to the center of the space. Lay down drop cloths or large sheets to protect floors and furniture from water, adhesive, and debris. Important: Remember to cut the power off and cover any electrical outlets and light switches with painter's tape before you begin.

Step 2: Test a Small Area

Before starting to remove wallpaper completely, we advise testing a small, inconspicuous section of wallpaper to determine how easily it comes off. This will help to determine and decide whether you will need a wet or dry removal method.

Step 3: Start with Dry Peeling

Use a putty knife to lift up a corner of the wallpaper. Using your hands, slowly start peeling the top layer of wallpaper, keeping it as close to the wall as possible so it does not tear. Repeat this step around the room. For any stubborn areas, use a scraper while being careful not to gouge the surface. If your room has a wallpaper border, then you should start with this part, as a wallpaper border would be installed on top of the wallpaper panels. You can also follow the same steps and start from the corner if you have grasscloth material in your house.

Step 4: Soften the Adhesive

Now it is time to soften the adhesive to make the removal of wallpaper easier and prevent damage to the wall surface. You can mix your own homemade wallpaper removal solution to safely loosen the bond:

• Vinegar Solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water for a natural, effective stripper.

• Fabric Softener Method: Mix 25% liquid fabric softener with 75% water to help break down the chemicals in the glue.

• Commercial Products: Use a professional wallpaper paste remover or spray for heavily glued or vinyl areas.

Step 5: Scrape Off Wallpaper

Once the solution has soaked for 10 to 15 minutes, it is time to use some elbow grease to scrape off the wallpaper. Use the putty knife to scrape the material from the bottom of the wall and make your way up, being careful not to gouge the drywall as you remove the paper.

Step 6: Handle Stubborn Wallpaper with a Scoring Tool

If you are dealing with vinyl wallpaper or heavily glued sections, the moisture might not penetrate the surface easily. We suggest using a scoring tool for wallpaper removal to create tiny holes in the wallpaper that allow the removal solution to reach the backing and loosen the bond.

Step 7: Use a Steamer for Hard-to-Remove Wallpaper

An alternative method for removing old wallpaper from large areas or tough spots is using a steamer for wallpaper removal. The steam works effectively as it penetrates through the wallpaper to the old adhesive glue or paste underneath, and once it moistens, it loosens the paper from the wall, making it the easiest way to remove the paper.

How to use a steamer safely and effectively? Start from the top and move towards the bottom. Hold the steam plate on the wallpaper area for 30 seconds maximum. After steaming a part, try to test how easily the paper removes by using a scraper. If the wallpaper does not remove easily, hold the steamer on the wallpaper surface again. However, do not leave the steamer on the surface for too long, as it may cause damage to it under the wallpaper.

Step 8: Remove Residual Adhesive

After the paper is gone, if there is any wallpaper adhesive residue left on the wall, clean it off to ensure a smooth finish. Use a damp sponge or cloth to wipe away the remaining adhesive, being careful not to scrub too hard to avoid damaging the surface of the wall.

Check out our video tutorial on YouTube, where we guide you step-by-step on how to take down wallpaper with ease. With the right tools and a little know-how, your walls will be ready for their next makeover in no time!

Cleaning and Preparing Walls After Wallpaper Removal

After you have removed the paper, it is important to conduct post-removal cleaning and make sure that you can install new wallpaper. Cleaning the surface as well as any leftover wallpaper adhesive residue is the only way to prepare a smooth surface for the next treatment.

• Clean the Walls Thoroughly: To properly clean the walls and remove any leftover adhesive or residue, we recommend using a mild soap and water solution. After cleaning, let the walls dry completely before moving on to the next steps.

• Repair Any Damage: Once the paper is removed, inspect the walls for any small holes, scratches, or imperfections. Fill them in with spackling paste, then sand the texture smooth to achieve a picture-perfect look for your next interior treatment.

• Prime the Walls: Put a top coat of primer with a painting tool to ensure a smooth, even surface. It will seal any leftover adhesive and improve the durability of paint or new wallcovering installation; leave the primer for a day before moving on to your new makeover.

Tips and Tricks for Efficient Wallpaper Removal

Achieving a clean removal often comes down to strategy and using the right professional techniques. Here is a recap of efficient DIY wallpaper removal tips and methods to follow:

• Start Small: Tackle one wall or section at a time to stay organized. Smaller sections are easier to manage and clean up, which prevents you from feeling overwhelmed and acts as a time-saving method.

• Use the Right Tools: Choose high-quality, sharp scrapers and a durable wallpaper remover steamer. Replacing worn tools is the best way to maintain efficiency and handle stubborn sections in the easiest way.

• Avoid Common Mistakes: Rushing can lead to excessive force that damages the walls. Also, avoid overly wetting drywall with wallpaper remover spray or steamers to prevent the wallboard from softening or warping.