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Image Source: Allkindza/Getty Images- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Estimated Cost: $10-40
Wallpaper is making a comeback in interior design, and we are here for it. However, there will be a time when you need to remove it—whether you’ve grown tired of it, prefer a fresh coat of paint, or need to reclaim your deposit. With the rise of peel-and-stick wallpaper, removal has become significantly simpler compared to traditional glued wallpaper. Still, both types require some planning and care, so we will guide you through the process of removing each. With the right tools and a bit of patience, taking down wallpaper doesn’t need to be a daunting task.
To simplify wallpaper removal in the future, think ahead about the wall's condition before installing wallpaper. The Wallcoverings Association suggests that walls should be clear of dust, dirt, old adhesive, and mildew. New drywall must be fully cured and primed with a high-quality primer. Painted surfaces should also be primed and free from peeling. If applying wallpaper over existing wallpaper, ensure the original layer is securely attached to the wall without any loose seams, grease, or dirt.
Essential Tools and Materials You'll Need
Required Equipment and Tools
Traditional Wallpaper
- 1 Wallpaper scoring tool
- 1 Sturdy plastic or metal putty knife (5-inches wide)
- 1 Spray bottle
- 1 Large sponge
- 1 Screwdriver
- 1 Bucket or dishpan
Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
- Sturdy plastic or metal putty knife (5-inches wide)
- Screwdriver
Necessary Materials
Traditional Wallpaper
- 1 container Wallpaper stripping solution
- 1 bottle White distilled vinegar
- 1 bottle Fabric softener liquid
- 1 roll Painter’s tape
- 1 roll Plastic covering
- 1 to 2 Trash bags
Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
- Parchment paper (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide
How to Safely Remove Traditional Wallpaper
Ensure Safety and Protect Your Floors
When removing wallpaper and dealing with leftover adhesive, expect a messy solution. Prioritize safety by safeguarding your surroundings first.
- Cover electrical outlets and light switch plates with painter’s tape to keep moisture from seeping in.
- Protect baseboards and floors by placing plastic sheeting down, securing it with painter’s tape.
Feeling Lucky? Locate a Corner
If the wall was properly primed, you may be able to peel some wallpaper off in large sections. It's worth testing before moving forward with other techniques.
- Start by locating the top corner of the wallpaper.
- Use a putty knife to gently lift the corner and the top edge of the wallpaper.
- Pull down, letting gravity assist in removing the wallpaper in one continuous strip.
No Success? Time to Score the Wallpaper
Begin at the top of the wall, and with light pressure, run the scoring tool across the entire surface.
Wallpaper Scoring Tool
Most scoring tools are round plastic discs equipped with small stainless steel blades that puncture the wallpaper. Scoring creates tiny holes, allowing the stripping solution to penetrate and loosen the adhesive. This step is especially crucial for vinyl wallpaper, which resists moisture.
Prepare a Stripping Solution
If you've opted for a commercial wallpaper stripper, be sure to follow the instructions on the label. Alternatively, you can create effective homemade solutions. If one doesn’t work as well as you hoped, try the other—but avoid mixing the two.
- Option 1: Combine 3/4 cup of hot water with 1/4 cup of liquid fabric softener.
- Option 2: Combine 2/3 cup of hot water with 1/3 cup of distilled white vinegar.
- For either mixture, make enough to fill a spray bottle.
Apply the Stripping Solution and Begin Wallpaper Removal
- Start at the top of the wallpaper and spray a section about four feet wide with the stripping solution.
- Allow several minutes for the solution to break down the glue.
- Use the putty knife to lift a corner and gently peel or scrape the wet wallpaper off the wall.
- Place large pieces directly into a trash bag to make cleanup easier.
- Work gently to avoid damaging the drywall. If the wallpaper begins to dry out, reapply the stripping solution and continue removing it while damp.
Eliminate the Remaining Adhesive
Even once all the wallpaper has been removed, you’ll likely find glue still sticking to the walls.
- Create a new batch of the stripping solution, then begin spraying and scraping from the top of the wall all over again.
- After each section, use a damp sponge to rinse the wall clean.
- Rinse the sponge frequently in a bucket of warm water, wringing it out until it is just slightly damp.
- Switch off the power to the room's outlets at the breaker box.
- Remove the painter's tape from the outlets, and take off the outlet and light switch covers.
- Wet a sponge with the stripping solution and apply it under the outlet covers to dampen the wallpaper.
- Wait a few minutes, then gently scrape the wallpaper away.
- Use the stripping solution with a sponge to remove any leftover adhesive.
- Let the area dry fully, replace the outlet covers, and restore power at the breaker.
How to Remove Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
Removing peel-and-stick wallpaper is far simpler than traditional pasted wallpaper, and with some care, you can even repurpose the wallpaper for a future project.
Remove the Outlet Covers
Switch off the power to the room’s electrical outlets at the breaker box. Next, use a screwdriver to remove the covers for the outlet and light switch.
Locate a Corner and Begin Peeling
- Begin at the top of the wall and find one of the wallpaper's corners.
- Use either a putty knife or your fingernail to lift the corner.
- Peel the wallpaper slowly, gently, and evenly from the wall. Avoid pulling too quickly, as it can cause the paper to tear and may even damage the paint underneath.
- If you want to reuse the paper for another project, lay the section sticky side up on the floor. You can place the original wallpaper backing or parchment paper on the sticky side to preserve it.
Tips for a Smoother Wallpaper Removal
- Prepare small batches of homemade stripping solutions so they remain warm and effective.
- Take your time and be gentle. Don’t attempt to remove wallpaper in a rush or out of frustration, as this could lead to wall damage.
- Protect your surroundings to prevent having to scrape wallpaper and glue off the floor later on.
