How to remove wallpaper like a pro? removing wallpaper is an easy thing to do if you know the right way. However, it requires time and patience because removing wallpaper is a repetitive chore. The best ways to remove wallpaper are:
- Liquid Stripper Wallpaper Removing Method
- Steam Removal Wallpaper Stripping Method (Hot water)
- Vinegar Wallpaper Stripping Solution Method (Water & Vinegar)
Wallpaper removal can take up to 3 to 4 hours if you are a beginner. You need some supplies and tools for this project.
Supplies & Tools Required for Wallpaper Removal
- Putty knife
- Painter tape
- Waterproof drop cloth/ Cardboard/ Towels
- Sponges
- Wallpaper scoring tool
- Spray Bottle (for wallpaper stripping solution)
- Electric Kettle (for wallpaper stripping solution)
- Wallpaper Remover Solution
- Stool
- Trash can
However, there is some prework before removing the wallpaper.
Important Steps Before Removing Wallpaper
There are 3 simple steps to take before removing the wallpaper
1. Cover the Floors & Baseboards
Use a protective cloth on the floor to avoid pasty water all over the floor. You can also use towels, cardboard, or a drop cloth to protect your floors and baseboards. As it will catch the drips as well as wet paper.
2. Cut Power & Remove Electrical Covers
Electric boards always cause danger. So you have to cut the power supply from your main control and then remove switch plates and electrical outlet covers. Then cover the boards with painter tapes. This will help you to pull wallpaper away from behind the plates. Remember this is a wet job so do not skip this step.
3. Scoring
After covering the electrical covers, use a scoring tool to score the wallpaper. It makes tiny holes in the top layer of the wallpaper. This remove wallpaper tool helps the wallpaper-removing solution to penetrate and reactivate the adhesive. Now score the entire wall in a circular motion using it but do not put extra pressure. Press gently & lightly otherwise you could puncture through the drywall.
However, you can use a putty knife to pull up the wallpaper before using any wallpaper solution. Use a putty knife at a corner or seam and check if you can peel the wallpaper away without damaging the wall. If you are lucky peel it off. Otherwise, you can try one of the below-mentioned wallpaper removal methods.
Liquid Stripper Wallpaper Removing Method
There are many branded products used as wallpaper removers. You can try anyone which you like. However, I am mentioning Roman & Piranha brands as their feedback is good. Using Liquid Strippers Removal is the best way of removing wallpaper. Simply follow the manufacturer’s directions printed on the can/bottle. Spray the wallpaper remover all over the wallpaper panels until fully saturated according to the instructions. Now wait 15 to 20 minutes for the adhesive to make it work. After that, use a putty knife to loosen corners & edges, and then simply pull away the wallpaper.
If only the first layer is removed, simply repeat the solution application process to remove the second paper layer.
The benefit of using these store products for wallpaper removal is that there is no need for premixing before using it. You don’t have to reapply it as it works fastest among the rest. Be aware, this is a chemical product that is much more expensive than other methods. This is the only drawback of this method. However, this is the best way to remove wallpaper.
Steam Removal Wallpaper Stripping Method
This is the easiest way of wallpaper removal but takes some time and precautions due to steam. First, fill the steamer reservoir full of water up to the waterline mark. Just do not overfill it. Now, attach the handle and hose to the large steamer plate and turn it on. Let the machine build up steam. This can take five to 10 minutes depending upon your machine.
After doing the prework of steps 1 & 2, Lay the plate on a wallpaper section. Now press the trigger for 10 to 20 seconds & then remove the plate.
Now just after removing the plate, immediately begin removing that part of the wallpaper by using the putty knife. If it’s not working, use the scoring tool to score the wallpaper. Steam that section again and try removing it. Continue with the process until the wallpaper is gone.
After removing the wallpaper, re-steam the wall for any residual adhesive. After that use a new, wet sponge to wipe down the wall.
This process is very easy & cheap but Steamers can damage some walls in case if the wallpaper is pasted on unprimed wallboard.
Vinegar Wallpaper Stripping Solution Method
You can remove your wallpaper by using just white vinegar and hot water technique too. Simply, Mix an equal amount of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. You can use also an electric kettle to easily activate wallpaper glue. You will have to mix the new vinegar solution in the spray bottle frequently. This will keep the water hot and will give much better results. Now, spray a section of wallpaper generously with this solution. Once soaked, the wallpaper will separate from the walls easily.
This method is the best way remove wallpaper because it is very inexpensive and also a non-toxic homemade wallpaper removal solution. This remover wallpaper solution method takes much time & effort as well as premixing & reapplication as compared to other methods.
More Tips for Wallpaper Remover
- Never paint over a wallpaper.
- If you are removing wallpaper from drywall, use a scraper or putty knife between the paper and the drywall.
- Use a wallpaper steamer to remove wallpaper from plaster walls. The best way to remove wallpaper for a large room is by using these steamers because most of the wallpapers are made with a modified form of wheat starch. The steamer easily breaks it down due to hot water.
- While using the vinegar water method, saturate the wallpaper with the solution for best results.
- Most importantly, be patient while removing wallpaper as it can be a long and laborious task.
You can also try these 3 wallpaper remover methods on plaster walls. However, the easiest way to strip wallpaper is the liquid stripper method. These are the best ways to remove wallpaper among the rest. If you are applying a new wallpaper, first apply a size primer. This can help you in the future to change it again due to strippable wallpaper.
