Are you tired of looking at your old and outdated wallpaper? Do you want to give your walls a fresh and modern makeover? If so, you might be wondering how to remove wallpaper without damaging your walls or spending too much time and money.
Removing wallpaper can be a daunting task, especially if you don’t know what kind of wallpaper you have or what method to use. But don’t worry; we are here to help you with this complete guide on how to remove wallpaper.
We will show you three different methods that work for different types of wallpaper and explain what tools and materials you need for each one. By following our step-by-step instructions, you will be able to remove wallpaper easily and safely and prepare your walls for painting or new wallpaper.
Before you start removing wallpaper, there are some things you need to know and do. Here are the main points:
Why you might want to remove wallpaper
There are many reasons why you might want to remove wallpaper from your walls. Some of them are:
- You want to change the style or color of your walls.
- You want to repair or replace damaged or peeling wallpaper.
- You want to increase the value or appeal of your home.
- You want to improve the air quality or prevent mold growth in your home.
Whatever your reason, removing wallpaper can be a rewarding and satisfying project that can transform the look and feel of your space.
What kind of wallpaper do you have?
One of the most important things you need to know before removing wallpaper is what kind of wallpaper you have. Different types of wallpaper require different methods of removal, and some are easier than others. The main types of wallpaper are:
- Strippable wallpaper: This is the easiest type of wallpaper to remove, as it can be peeled off in large pieces without leaving any glue residue behind. It usually has a vinyl coating that makes it water-resistant and durable.
- Non-strippable wallpaper: This is the most common type of wallpaper, and it can be either paper-based or vinyl-based. It is glued to the wall with a strong adhesive that makes it difficult to remove. It usually requires soaking or steaming to loosen the glue before scraping it off.
- Washable wallpaper: This is a type of non-strippable wallpaper that has a thin layer of plastic or acrylic that makes it washable and stain-resistant. It can be cleaned with a damp cloth or sponge, but it also makes it harder to remove. It requires more soaking or steaming than regular non-strippable wallpaper.
- Painted-over wallpaper: This is a type of non-strippable wallpaper that has been painted over with one or more layers of paint. It can be very challenging to remove, as the paint seals the edges and prevents water or steam from penetrating the paper. It may require special tools or chemicals to break down the paint before removing the paper.
To determine what kind of wallpaper you have, try peeling off a corner or an edge with a putty knife. If it comes off easily in large pieces, it is probably strippable. If it comes off in small pieces or not at all, it is probably non-strippable. If it feels smooth and shiny, it may be washable. If it feels rough and bumpy, it may be painted over.
What tools and materials do you need?
Depending on what kind of wallpaper you have and what method you choose, you will need different tools and materials for removing wallpaper. Here are some of the common ones:
- Putty knife: This is a flat metal tool with a sharp edge that is used for scraping off wallpaper and glue residue from the wall. You can use any size, but a 4-inch or 6-inch one is recommended for most jobs.
- Wallpaper scoring tool: This is a circular tool with small blades that is used for perforating the wallpaper to allow water or steam to penetrate the paper and glue. It is especially useful for non-strippable, washable, or painted-over wallpaper.
- Spray bottle: This is a plastic bottle with a nozzle that is used for spraying water or a water and vinegar solution onto the wallpaper to soften it and loosen the glue. You can use any spray bottle, but make sure it is clean and has a fine mist setting.
- Water and vinegar solution: This is a homemade mixture of water and white vinegar that is used as a natural and cheap wallpaper stripper. You can use any ratio of water to vinegar, but a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio is recommended for most jobs. You can also add a few drops of dish soap or liquid fabric softener to make it more effective.
- Wallpaper steamer: This is an electric device that heats up water and produces steam that is applied to the wallpaper through a hose and a plate. It is the most effective and fastest way to remove stubborn wallpaper, but it is also the most expensive and dangerous. You can rent or buy one from a hardware store or online.
- Plastic sheeting or drop cloth: This is a large piece of plastic or fabric that is used for covering the floor and the baseboards to protect them from water damage and debris. You can use any kind of plastic sheeting or drop cloth, but make sure it is large enough to cover the entire area you are working on.
- Screwdriver: This is a tool with a metal tip that is used for unscrewing fixtures from the wall, such as lighting fixtures, switch plates, outlet covers, grates, vents, etc. You can use any kind of screwdriver, but make sure it matches the type and size of the screws you are removing.
- Resealable plastic bag: This is a small plastic bag with a zipper or a seal that is used for storing the screws and hardware from the fixtures you remove from the wall. You can use any kind of resealable plastic bag, but make sure it is large enough to fit all the items you need to store.
- Sponge or cloth: This is a soft and absorbent material that is used for wiping off the wall after removing the wallpaper and glue residue. You can use any kind of sponge or cloth, but make sure it is clean and rinsed well before use.
Method 1: Strippable Wallpaper
If you are lucky enough to have strippable wallpaper, you can remove it easily without using any water, vinegar, or steam. Here are the steps:
How to test if your wallpaper is strippable
To test if your wallpaper is strippable, find an inconspicuous corner or edge of the wall and use a putty knife to lift it up. If it peels off easily in large pieces without leaving any glue residue behind, congratulations! You have strippable wallpaper. If not, move on to methods 2 or 3.
How to peel off strippable wallpaper
To peel off strippable wallpaper, follow these steps:
- Remove all fixtures from the wall using a screwdriver and store them in a resealable plastic bag.
- Protect the floor and baseboards by covering them with plastic sheeting or drop cloth and securing them with painter’s tape.
- Start from an edge or corner of the wall and use a putty knife to lift up a section of the wallpaper. Pull it gently and slowly at an angle away from the wall. Try to peel off as many large pieces as possible without tearing them.
- Repeat this process until you have removed all the wallpaper from the wall. If you encounter any stubborn areas, use your putty knife to gently scrape them off.
- Dispose of the wallpaper pieces in a trash bag or bin.
How to clean the wall after stripping wallpaper
To clean the wall after stripping wallpaper, follow these steps:
- Use a sponge or cloth dampened with water to wipe off any dust or dirt from the wall. Make sure to wring out excess water before using.
- Let the wall dry completely before painting or applying new wallpaper.
Method 2: Water and Vinegar Solution
If you have non-strippable wallpaper that is not washable or painted over, you can try using a water and vinegar solution to remove it. This method is cheap and natural, but it may take longer and require more effort than method 3. Here are the steps:
How to prepare the water and vinegar solution
To prepare the water and vinegar solution, follow these steps:
- Fill a spray bottle with water up to two-thirds or three-quarters of its capacity.
- Add white vinegar to fill up the rest of the bottle. You can use any ratio of water to vinegar, but a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio is recommended for most jobs.
- Optionally, add a few drops of dish soap or liquid fabric softener to the solution to make it more effective and reduce the vinegar smell.
- Shake the bottle well to mix the ingredients.
How to apply the solution to the wallpaper
To apply the solution to the wallpaper, follow these steps:
- Remove all fixtures from the wall using a screwdriver and store them in a resealable plastic bag.
- Protect the floor and baseboards by covering them with plastic sheeting or drop cloth and securing them with painter’s tape.
- Use a wallpaper scoring tool to make small holes or cuts in the wallpaper. This will help the solution penetrate the paper and glue. Be careful not to damage the wall underneath.
- Spray the solution generously onto the wallpaper, starting from the top and working your way down. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the wall. Let the solution soak for 10 to 15 minutes, or until you see the wallpaper bubbling or peeling.
- If you have multiple layers of wallpaper, you may need to repeat this process until you reach the bottom layer.
How to scrape off the wallpaper and glue residue
To scrape off the wallpaper and glue residue, follow these steps:
- Use a putty knife to lift up an edge or corner of the wallpaper. Pull it gently and slowly at an angle away from the wall. Try to remove as many pieces as possible without tearing them.
- If the wallpaper is still stuck, spray more solution on it and let it soak for a few minutes before trying again.
- Use your putty knife to scrape off any remaining wallpaper and glue residue from the wall. Be careful not to gouge or scratch the wall.
- Dispose of the wallpaper pieces and glue residue in a trash bag or bin.
Method 3: Wallpaper Steamer
If you have non-strippable wallpaper that is washable or painted over, or if you want to remove wallpaper quickly and easily, you can use a wallpaper steamer. This method is the most effective and fastest way to remove stubborn wallpaper, but it is also the most expensive and dangerous. You need to be very careful when using a steamer, as it can cause burns, electric shocks, or fire hazards. Here are the steps:
How to set up and use the wallpaper steamer
To set up and use the wallpaper steamer, follow these steps:
- Remove all fixtures from the wall using a screwdriver and store them in a resealable plastic bag.
- Protect the floor and baseboards by covering them with plastic sheeting or drop cloth and securing them with painter’s tape.
- Fill the steamer tank with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Plug in the steamer and turn it on. Wait for it to heat up and produce steam. This may take 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the model.
- Hold the steamer plate against the wall for 10 to 15 seconds, starting from an edge or corner of the wall. Move it slowly along the wall, covering one section at a time. Be careful not to touch the plate or hose with your skin, as they can be very hot.
- If you have multiple layers of wallpaper, you may need to repeat this process until you reach the bottom layer.
How to remove the wallpaper with a putty knife
To remove the wallpaper with a putty knife, follow these steps:
- Use a putty knife to lift up an edge or corner of the wallpaper. Pull it gently and slowly at an angle away from the wall. Try to remove as many pieces as possible without tearing them.
- If the wallpaper is still stuck, use the steamer plate to apply more steam to it and let it soften for a few seconds before trying again.
- Use your putty knife to scrape off any remaining wallpaper and glue residue from the wall. Be careful not to gouge or scratch the wall.
- Dispose of the wallpaper pieces and glue residue in a trash bag or bin.
Conclusion
Removing wallpaper can be a challenging and tedious task, but it can also be rewarding and satisfying. By following this guide, you can choose the best method for your type of wallpaper and remove it safely and effectively. Whether you want to peel off strippable wallpaper, spray a water and vinegar solution, or use a wallpaper steamer, you can transform your walls and give them a new look.
We hope you find this article helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. And if you are looking for more tips and tricks on home improvement, check out our other articles on our website.
