Removing the wallpaper can be a very tiring job. Depending on the glue used by the installer, it can withstand the spatula or removal with water. If you can't remove the wallpaper with a homemade solvent, try a steamer or gel solvent.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: The preparation
Step 1. Observe the type of paper to be removed
If it is unpainted, you will get better results with a water-based solvent. If it is painted with a vinyl or similar product, you should buy an enzyme-based solvent.
Step 2. Place stain sheets on the floor
Secure them to the floor with tape to protect it. Get a ladder if the wallpaper goes all the way to the ceiling.
Step 3. Remove the socket plates
If the wallpaper remains under the socket, you will need to unscrew it so you can remove the paper.
Step 4. Remove any electronic devices
Turn off the power to the room. Removing the wallpaper requires the use of water, which poses a danger in the presence of electricity. Work with daylight for better results.
Step 5. Put on work clothes and rubber gloves
Part 2 of 4: Tear and scrape
Step 1. Look for a corner where the paper peels off easily
This is the best place to start. Lift the corner with a putty knife.
- Use a putty knife to raise the edge. You will avoid damaging the wall.
- If the paper comes off easily you can also remove it without getting it wet. Do not apply water, gel or steam unless necessary.
Step 2. Use the wallpaper removal tool
Move it up and down the wall. The small holes created will let the water penetrate which will dissolve the glue.
Step 3. Make a solution with one part hot water and one part fabric softener
Put the mixture in a spray bottle and spray on a small area. Alternatively you can roll it out with the roller.
- Refill the bottle when it starts to cool.
- Little, but very hot, water is used to minimize damage to the wall.
- Buy a chemical solvent if the wallpaper is painted. Use a gel polish remover for best results.
Step 4. Work on a small part of the wall at a time so that the mixture does not dry out
Only spray on an area that you can finish in a quarter of an hour.
Step 5. Let the solution soak into the paper for 5-10 minutes
It should soak up a little before starting.
Step 6. Go from bottom to top, lifting the edges with the putty knife
Part 3 of 4: The most aggressive methods
Step 1. Buy or rent a steamer if you don't want to use chemical solvents
If the paper has been painted, you should go directly to the next step.
Step 2. Apply the steam to a small area
Scratch with the scratch tool while moving the steamer to the neighboring section to soften the glue. Repeat the operation until the job is done.
Step 3. If the water-based solvent doesn't work, switch to a chemical one
Let the solvent sit for 15-20 minutes before you start scraping.
Clean the wall immediately after removing a section of paper. Use a gel remover to dissolve the stronger glue
Part 4 of 4: Remove super strong glue
Step 1. Perhaps the installer used super strong glue instead of traditional glue
Step 2. Fill a bucket with hot water
Heat it until the heat is unbearable for your hands. Wear rubber gloves to work.
If the water cools down before you're done, heat it again
Step 3. Soak a rag in hot water
Squeeze it lightly. Put it on the wallpaper and wait for the water to soak into the paper.
Step 4. Remove the paper before it cools down
Remove the paper and glue with an abrasive sponge. Scratch well.
Step 5. Rinse the sponge
Repeat this until the job is complete. You may need to putty the wall before painting it if you've done any damage by removing the paper.
Advice
- Wash the wall after completely removing the wallpaper. Mix a tablespoon of dish soap in very hot water. Clean the walls with a sponge to remove any remaining glue. Rinse the wall with water only. Dry with a clean rag.
- Try a water-based solvent first. Chemical solvents are more aggressive and must be cleaned up immediately.
- Sand the wall before painting it or putting more wallpaper on it.
Warnings
- Remember that getting a plasterboard wall too wet can damage it. If you have wallpaper on drywall, wring out the sponge well before wiping it on the wall. You could try a light swipe with steam before wetting the wall directly. Knock on the wall to make sure of the material it is made of. The plasterboard sounds hollow, the plaster does not.
- Be careful when using the steamer. The drops can burn you. Wear rubber gloves and a long-sleeved shirt.
