5 Ways to Remove Wallpaper

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-02 02:12

Removing wallpaper can be quite a hassle, but you can make the process easier with the right tools and the correct approach. Read the article to get a global view on how to do the job without problems.

Steps

Method 1 of 5: Preliminary Steps

Step 1. Spread protective sheets over the carpet and whatever you want to protect

Use pegs to secure the drapes to the bottom of the wall, but always remember that the drapes will still move even if you've tried to secure them. Moving the furniture out of the room where you need to do the work will make things a lot easier.

Step 2. Turn off all light switches and electrical outlets in the room

If you have a steady job and also have an active social life on weekends (so you will be doing this work at night after work) you should buy a halogen lamp and a suitable extension cable.

Step 3. Leave the covers on the electrical outlets, if any, otherwise line them with electrical tape

This will prevent water from entering it when removing the paper. Even unpowered electrical outlets can be dangerous when moisture builds up and can cause fires. You will be able to remove the card underneath when the job is about to finish.

Step 4. Try to understand how the wall is made up

This way, you will be able to understand how gentle you need to be when removing the wallpaper. Most of the walls will be made of plaster or plasterboard. Where the plaster is rigid, durable and water resistant, plasterboard is nothing more than a sheet of paper covered with gypsum and does not tolerate much humidity. The simplest way to check is to knock at different points on the wall; if it sounds hollow, it is plasterboard. If your wallpaper removal method involves the use of liquids or steam, be careful with drywall.

Step 5. Try to determine which type of wallpaper your wallpaper belongs to

There are several types of wallpaper, but the removal will be quicker if your paper is of the removable type or with a vinyl background, compared to traditional paper. To check this, stick the blade of a small knife under a corner of the paper, leaf through it far enough, then try to pull off all the paper with your hands.

• If only one piece comes off, it is one removable wallpaper. It is an opportunity to uncork a bottle of champagne.

• If only a single layer comes off and a paper layer remains adhering to the wall, it is vinyl wallpaper. Removal won't be as easy as removable paper, but you still have to feel lucky that it's not traditional wallpaper.

• If you can't remove the wallpaper with your hands (or if it comes off in small pieces), this is it traditional wallpaper. You will have to do this necessarily with a separating product or by steam.

  Method 2 of 5: Remove the Removable Wallpaper

  

  Step 1. Take a corner and start pulling it

  This type of wallpaper is easy to peel off and can be pulled off in one go.

  

  Step 2. Pull the paper off the wall

  If the paper tears, pick up another corner and continue.

  

  Step 3. Wash off any residue

  Clean with detergent and warm water, rinse and dry with a cloth or rag.

  Method 3 of 5: Remove the Wallpaper from the Vinyl

  

  Step 1. Take a corner of the top layer and start pulling it

  The top layer should be vinyl and it should come off easily. Once removed, the paper background remains. If the paper tears, pick up another corner and continue.

  

  Step 2. Moisten the paper layer with water for several minutes

  Use hot water with the help of a rag, sponge or roller (for hard to reach places).

  

  Step 3. Scratch the paper layer off the wall

  Use a plastic blade to peel off the tightest parts.

  

  Step 4. Wash off any residue

  Clean with detergent and warm water, rinse and dry with a cloth or rag.

  Method 4 of 5: Remove Traditional Wallpaper with Peeling Liquid

  

  Step 1. Practicing slits in the wallpaper, following the product instructions

  Drilling holes in the wallpaper will help the stripping liquid to soak into the glue.

  • Some people skip this step to avoid damaging the drywall. If your wall is made of plaster, this risk is practically non-existent.

  • If you don't want to puncture the wallpaper, use 120 grit sandpaper, together with an electric sander. Sand just enough to remove some of the color.

    

    Step 2. Fill a bucket with hot water

    Make sure it's not too hot to burn you. Mix with the stripping solution according to the package instructions.

    • A vinegar solution is equally effective, economical and non-toxic. Try using a 20% solution, but if you prefer a more diluted solution, you just have to try it.
    • Another economic alternative is the softener with a concentration of 20-50%. It doesn't need to be a popular fabric softener, but make sure it's not scented.
    • Mixing the stripping solution in small quantities will allow you to keep the water always hot.

    

    Step 3. Dip a roller into the diluted stripping solution

    Alternatively, you can use a sponge or large brush.

    A nebulizer can facilitate the application of the solution, but it will drip off more easily. Consider your options well

    

    Step 4. Treat one part of the wall at a time

    Treat a piece of wallpaper that you think you can remove within 10-15 minutes.

    

    Step 5. Let it soak for several minutes

    This will allow the liquid to do its job well.

    

    Step 6. Remove the wallpaper

    With the help of a plastic blade, remove one piece of paper at a time.

    Pull the card upwards. This will allow you to better handle the blade between the raised paper and the wall

    

    Step 7. Wash off any residue

    Clean with detergent and warm water, rinse and dry with a cloth or rag.

    Method 5 of 5: Steam Removing Traditional Wallpaper

    

    Step 1. Rent a steam breaker

    Steam is the ideal system for difficult to remove wallpaper.

    

    Step 2. Practice the slits in the wallpaper, following the product instructions

    Drilling holes in the wallpaper will help the steam get into the glue.

    Some people skip this step to avoid damaging the drywall. If your wall is made of plaster, this risk is practically non-existent

    

    Step 3. Treat the wallpaper in sections

    Hold the peeler against the wallpaper to soften and peel off the glue. The more steam you administer, the easier the paper will come off.

    • Use caution when using steam on drywall. Excessive humidity could damage the walls.
    • Since the steam separator will drip hot water, be sure to wear gloves and long-sleeved clothing.

    

    Step 4. Scratch off the wallpaper as you go

    Use a plastic blade.

    Pull the card upwards. This will allow you to better handle the blade between the raised paper and the wall

    

    Step 5. Wash off any residue

    Clean with detergent and warm water, rinse and dry with a cloth or rag.

    Advice

    • Use a plastic spatula instead of a metal one. This way, the surface of the wall will be less scratched.
    • Don't be upset if you mark the surface of the wall with various scratches, you can always sand, putty, paint or put more wallpaper again.
    • Call a professional!

    Warnings

    • You will have to repeat the whole process at least three times. It is inevitable.
    • As careful as you are, the old paper glue will stick to everything and everything.
    • Wallpaper and glue can contain anti-mold compounds, which are toxic. Consequently, get rid of waste and dirty washing water and limit the entry of others into the room where you are working.
    • Any plastic moldings, in all likelihood, will be completely destroyed in this process.