How to Remove Wallpaper

Removing wallpaper can be relatively simple. Newer wallpapers, especially non-woven wallpapers, are designed to be strippable, so you can peel them off the wall easily. To strip wallpaper, or find out what kind of job lies ahead, find a corner and start peeling. If it peels away in one large sheet with ease, you are in luck. However, some older wallpaper will pose more of a challenge to remove. Here are instructions on how to remove wallpaper.

How to Remove Wallpaper

Tools Needed

• Wallpaper knife
• Perforating tool or wallpaper scoring tool
• Wallpaper removal solution
• Solution sprayer such as a Spray bottle
• Drop cloths

Instructions

• Spread drop cloths over the entire area to protect floors
• If your wallpaper removal solution requires mixing, mix the removal solution with hot water in a spray bottle as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Perforate the surface of the wallpaper all over with a wallpaper scoring tool. This will allow the wallpaper removal solution to seep behind the wallpaper and loosen the adhesive.
• Spray the wallpaper removal solution on liberally and allow it to soak into the wallpaper for the recommended amount of time.
• Note: Don’t rush this process. Let the wallpaper removal solution do most of the work.
• Once the wallpaper is loosened, peel it away with a wallpaper knife, being careful not to gouge the wall underneath. Be sure to remove the backing paper, too.
• Some older wallpaper can cling, so some patches may need to be soaked again with the removal solution to loosen the adhesive.
• Finally, spray any residual adhesive with the solution and sponge down the entire wall with clean, hot water to make sure you got all of the glue off.
• Allow the surface to dry thoroughly, and you’re ready to redecorate!

How to Remove Wet Strippable Wallpaper

Tools Needed

• Bucket or tray for water
• Paint roller
• Paper knife or spatula

Instructions

• Apply clean hot water onto the wall with a paint roller. Start to roll upwards to avoid excess water on the floor. Keep the surface soaking wet for 10-15 minutes by adding more water as the paper dries.
• Use a knife or a spatula to lift the top of the wallcovering panel across the full width to allow you to use both hands to gently peel the panel off the wall.
• If the wallcovering delaminates, continue to peel the top layer off and then add more water to the backing for another 5 minutes. Then use the spatula to lift as wide a part as you can and peel the backing off.
• Note: Letting the wallcovering soak longer will allow you to peel larger pieces off.