How to remove wallpaper

Removing wallpaper can take some time, but it isn't difficult if you have the right tools ready. The method to remove wallpaper depends on the type: peelable wallpaper and traditional styles. This Mytour article will guide you on how to prepare and remove wallpaper.

Lay old fabric on the floor and cover anything you want to protect. Use small nails to attach the fabric to the edges of the walls if needed, but note that the fabric may shift during the process, even if secured. It's best to move furniture out of the room for a smoother experience.

Switch off the power at the circuit breaker for all electrical outlets and lights in the house. If you plan to work at night, consider purchasing halogen lights with long cables.

Secure the outlet covers in place and tape over any gaps. This will prevent water from entering while you're removing wallpaper. Even outlets that are not in use can still pose a hazard when wet and might lead to fire risks. You can remove the wallpaper underneath once you’re nearly done with the task.

Learn about the wall material. This knowledge will guide you on how gently you need to handle the wallpaper removal. Most walls are plastered or made of drywall. Plastered walls are tough, durable, and relatively water-resistant, while drywall is simply a gypsum board covered with paper, and you must avoid letting it absorb too much water. The easiest way to tell is to knock on the wall at different spots. Drywall will sound hollow when tapped. If you’re using liquid or steam methods, exercise more caution with drywall.

Determine the type of wallpaper that needs to be removed. There are many types of wallpaper, but removal is much easier with peelable varieties or those with removable outer layers. To test, use a utility knife to pry up a corner of the wallpaper and gently peel it away.

• If the entire sheet comes off in one piece, your wallpaper is of the peelable type. Time to celebrate!
• If only the top layer comes off while the bottom layer remains stuck (usually with cheaper varieties), your wallpaper is top layer peelable. This is harder to remove than the first type, but you’re still in luck since it’s not traditional wallpaper.
• If you can’t peel the wallpaper off by hand (or it only comes off in small strips), your wallpaper is traditional. You’ll need a special solution or steam-based wallpaper removal equipment for this task.

Find and loosen a corner of the wallpaper. Peelable wallpaper comes off easily, and you can often remove it in large sections.

Peel off the wallpaper. If the paper tears, try finding a different corner and start again.

Clean up any remaining residue. Wash with soap and hot water, rinse thoroughly, and dry with a clean towel or rag.

Find and loosen a corner of the topmost layer of wallpaper. The surface layer is typically made from vinyl and can be peeled off easily. Once the surface layer is removed, the underlying paper remains. If the paper tears, find another corner and try again.

Moisten the layer of paper underneath for a few minutes. Use a damp cloth, sponge, or a paint roller (for hard-to-reach areas) to apply water to the paper.

Scrape and peel off the underlying paper layer. Use a plastic putty knife to scrape off any more stubborn areas.

Clean off any remaining marks. Wash with soap and hot water, rinse, and then dry with a clean towel or rag.

Score the wallpaper as directed by the scoring tool. The small holes created in the paper will allow the wallpaper remover solution to penetrate the adhesive.

• Some people skip this step because it may leave tiny holes on drywall wallpaper. This is not an issue with plastered walls.
• If you prefer not to score the wallpaper, you can use 120-grit sandpaper and a random orbital sander. Sand the paper until the color layer is completely removed.

Pour hot water into a bucket. Ensure the water is as hot as you can tolerate. Mix the wallpaper stripping solution according to the instructions on the bottle.

• A vinegar solution can also be an effective, inexpensive, and non-toxic option. You might consider using a 20% solution, but feel free to experiment with a lower concentration if that feels more comfortable for you.
• Another cost-effective alternative is fabric softener diluted to a 25-50% concentration. You don’t need a special brand of fabric softener, but it should be unscented.
• Mix the wallpaper stripping solution in small batches to maintain the heat of the water.

Dip the paint roller into the hot water/wallpaper stripping solution. You can also use a sponge or a large paintbrush.

• A spray bottle might help you apply the liquid more easily, but it can also cool the water down faster. Consider your options carefully.

Wet one section of the wall at a time. Avoid wetting more wallpaper than you can peel off within 10-15 minutes.

Wait a few minutes for absorption. This time allows the solution to take effect.

Peel off the wallpaper. Use a plastic putty knife to peel off sections of wallpaper one by one.

• Start from the bottom. This makes it easier to slip the knife between the edge of the wallpaper and the wall.

Clean up any remaining residue. Wash with soap and hot water, rinse thoroughly, and then dry with a towel or clean rag.

Rent a wallpaper steamer. This method is ideal for stubborn wallpaper that’s difficult to remove.

Score the wallpaper following the instructions on the scoring tool. This step helps steam penetrate the wallpaper.

• Some people skip this step because it can create small holes in drywall wallpaper. However, if your walls are plastered, this won’t be a concern.

Steam each area individually. Hold the steamer close to the wall to soften and loosen the adhesive. The longer you steam, the easier it will be to peel off the wallpaper.

• Be cautious when using a steamer on drywall, as excessive moisture can damage the wall.
• Hot water from the steamer may drip, so be sure to wear gloves and long sleeves for protection.

Scrape off the wallpaper. Use a plastic putty knife or a tool designed specifically for drywall.

• Start from the bottom. This way, it will be easier to slide the knife between the edge of the wallpaper and the wall.

Clean up any remaining residue. Wash the area with soap and hot water, rinse thoroughly, and then dry with a clean towel or cloth.

• Use a plastic spatula (like a pancake flipper) instead of a metal scraping tool. This will help prevent scratching the wall panels.
• Don't worry if you accidentally leave small marks on the wall. You can sand, patch, repaint, or even reapply wallpaper.
• Hold the scraper at a low angle. This reduces the risk of damaging the wall's plaster.

• The process of completing this task will take three times longer than you originally planned. This is unavoidable.
• No matter how careful you are, the old wallpaper adhesive will stick to everything.
• Both wallpaper and wallpaper glue may contain harmful antifungal chemicals. You need to handle waste and cleaning water with caution. Limit access to others while you are working.
• The plastic decorative strips may be damaged during the wallpaper removal process.

• Furniture covering fabric
• Plastic scraping tool
• Paint roller or sponge
  • This can be replaced with a spray bottle
• Bucket
• Wallpaper removal solution
  • Vinegar or fabric softener can be used as alternatives
• Steam machine
• Gloves