How to Remove Wallpaper: A Step-by-Step Guide for Homeowners
Wallpaper has been a go-to option for decorating walls for centuries. While it can bring a room to life with intricate designs and colors, removing old or outdated wallpaper is often considered a daunting task. However, with the right tools, techniques, and patience, wallpaper removal doesn’t have to be stressful. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to remove wallpaper effectively and without damaging your walls.
Why Remove Wallpaper?
Before diving into the step-by-step process, it’s worth understanding why removing wallpaper is necessary in some cases. Over time, wallpaper can become worn, faded, or outdated, making your space feel dated. Removing it gives you the freedom to paint or re-wallpaper with a fresh, modern look. In other cases, peeling or bubbling wallpaper may indicate moisture issues, and removing it allows you to address these problems before further damage occurs.
Tools You’ll Need for Removing Wallpaper
To make the process of how to remove wallpaper as easy as possible, it’s important to gather all necessary tools and supplies before you begin. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Wallpaper scraper or putty knife
- Wallpaper scoring tool
- Wallpaper steamer (optional but helpful for stubborn wallpaper)
- Sponge or cloth
- Drop cloths to protect your flooring
- Bucket for water and cleaning solution
- Spray bottle or garden sprayer
- Warm water or a wallpaper removal solution
- Dish soap or vinegar
- Spackle (for patching any damaged areas)
Step 1: Prep the Room
Before starting the wallpaper removal process, you need to prepare your workspace.
- Move Furniture: Clear the room of any furniture or cover it with plastic sheeting or drop cloths to prevent damage from water or debris.
- Protect Flooring: Lay down drop cloths or old towels to protect your floors from water, adhesive, and debris.
- Turn Off Power to Outlets: Removing wallpaper involves water, which can create a risk of electrical shock. Be sure to turn off the power in the room you’re working in. Remove the cover plates from light switches and outlets.
- Ventilation: Open windows or doors for proper ventilation, especially if you’re using a wallpaper removal solution or steamer.
Step 2: Test the Wallpaper
Before jumping into full wallpaper removal mode, it’s important to determine the type of wallpaper you’re dealing with.
- Peelable Wallpaper: Some wallpapers are designed to be easily peeled off. Gently lift a corner of the wallpaper with a putty knife. If it starts to peel off in large sections, you may have peelable wallpaper. Simply peel the top layer off, then remove the backing with warm water or a wallpaper removal solution.
- Traditional Wallpaper: If the wallpaper does not peel easily, you’re dealing with traditional wallpaper, which requires more effort to remove. In this case, follow the next steps carefully.
Step 3: Score the Wallpaper
When wallpaper doesn’t peel off easily, you’ll need to score the wallpaper. Scoring creates small perforations in the wallpaper that allow water or removal solution to penetrate the adhesive.
- Use a Scoring Tool: Run a wallpaper scoring tool lightly over the wallpaper in a circular motion, covering the entire surface. Be gentle to avoid damaging the drywall underneath. The goal is to create small holes for the removal solution to seep through.
- Focus on Problem Areas: Pay extra attention to areas where the wallpaper seems particularly stubborn or where adhesive is thick.
Step 4: Apply the Wallpaper Removal Solution
Once the wallpaper is scored, the next step is to apply a solution that will loosen the adhesive holding the wallpaper to the wall. There are two main options for this step: a homemade solution or a commercial wallpaper removal product.
Homemade Wallpaper Removal Solution:
- Option 1: Mix equal parts warm water and white vinegar in a spray bottle or garden sprayer.
- Option 2: Mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap. The soap helps break down the adhesive.
Commercial Wallpaper Removal Solution:
- You can purchase wallpaper removal solutions at hardware or home improvement stores. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing and applying.
Application:
- Spray the Wallpaper: Generously spray the wallpaper with your chosen solution, starting from the top and working your way down. Be sure to fully saturate the wallpaper to allow the solution to penetrate the adhesive.
- Let It Soak: Allow the solution to soak for 10-15 minutes, giving it time to break down the adhesive. For heavily adhered wallpaper, you may need to repeat this step.
Step 5: Start Scraping
After letting the solution soak in, it’s time to start scraping the wallpaper off the walls.
- Use a Scraper or Putty Knife: Starting at the seams or an edge, use a wallpaper scraper or putty knife to gently lift and scrape away the wallpaper. Be careful not to gouge the drywall underneath.
- Work in Sections: Remove the wallpaper in small sections. If an area becomes dry or difficult to scrape, reapply the removal solution and allow it to soak longer.
- For Stubborn Wallpaper: If sections of wallpaper are still stubborn, consider using a wallpaper steamer. A steamer applies heat and moisture, softening the adhesive and making removal easier. Steam a small section at a time, then immediately scrape the wallpaper off while it’s still warm and damp.
Step 6: Clean the Walls
Once all the wallpaper is removed, you’ll likely notice residual adhesive on the walls. It’s important to remove this before painting or re-wallpapering.
- Use Warm Water and Soap: Mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap in a bucket. Dip a sponge or cloth into the mixture and gently scrub the walls to remove any remaining adhesive. Be sure to rinse the sponge regularly.
- Tough Adhesive Residue: For stubborn adhesive, add a small amount of vinegar to the water or use a commercial adhesive remover.
- Dry the Walls: Once the walls are clean, use a dry cloth or towel to wipe off excess moisture. Let the walls air dry completely before proceeding with any repairs, painting, or re-wallpapering.
Step 7: Patch and Repair the Walls
After the wallpaper removal, you may notice small nicks or damage to the drywall. It’s important to patch these areas before painting or applying new wallpaper.
- Use Spackle for Small Holes: Apply spackle to any holes or dents in the drywall. Use a putty knife to smooth the spackle, making it level with the surrounding wall.
- Sand the Walls: Once the spackle is dry, lightly sand the walls to create a smooth, even surface for the next stage of your renovation.
- Prime the Walls: If you plan to paint, it’s a good idea to apply a primer before painting. This ensures a consistent surface and helps paint adhere properly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Removing Wallpaper
- Not Prepping the Room Properly: Failing to cover floors and furniture can lead to a mess. Always protect your space before starting.
- Rushing the Soaking Process: Don’t rush the wallpaper soaking step. Giving the removal solution enough time to break down the adhesive is key to easy removal.
- Damaging the Walls: Avoid digging too hard with your scraper or using excessive force when peeling wallpaper. This can lead to unnecessary damage to your drywall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to remove wallpaper?
A: The time it takes to remove wallpaper depends on the size of the room, the type of wallpaper, and how well the adhesive holds. In general, a single room can take anywhere from 2-8 hours.
Q: Can I paint over wallpaper instead of removing it?
A: While it’s possible to paint over wallpaper, it’s generally not recommended. The texture of the wallpaper may show through the paint, and moisture in the paint can cause the wallpaper to peel. It’s best to remove the wallpaper for a smoother, longer-lasting result.
Q: What if the wallpaper is old and brittle?
A: Older wallpaper may become brittle and tear easily, making it more challenging to remove. In this case, using a steamer or a more concentrated removal solution can help soften the adhesive and make the wallpaper easier to remove.
Conclusion
Knowing how to remove wallpaper properly can save you time and frustration. By following these steps—preparing the room, scoring the wallpaper, applying a removal solution, and scraping carefully—you can successfully remove wallpaper without damaging your walls. Remember to clean and patch the walls afterward, and you’ll be ready to create a fresh new look in your home!
Whether you’re tackling a small room or an entire house, the process of wallpaper removal is manageable with the right tools and patience. Good luck with your next home project!