How to Remove Wallpaper for a Fresh Start

Today we want to share with you something special:

Peel Away the Past: How to Perfectly Remove Wallpaper

Wallpaper can be a great way to update any room in the house, but sometimes you just need to start from scratch.

If you want to remove the wallpaper to prepare your walls for a coat of paint or you just want to put on a new, modern wallpaper, you will need to remove any existing wallpaper on your walls first.

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Despite rumors to the contrary, it is actually not that difficult to remove wallpaper. While this project is definitely a little painstaking, even a beginner can remove the wallpaper.

If you can't keep looking at that horrible wallpaper that's been in the air since you moved in, it's time to grab your tools and start from scratch.

Read on for a step-by-step guide to removing wallpaper, no matter how long it has been in place.

Materials for Wallpaper Removal:

Putty knife
Scoring tool
Old towels or drop cloths
Liquid wallpaper remover or vinegar
Hot water
Spray bottle
Optional: a steamer

First, Protect Your Floors

Before you begin removing, be sure to lay down old towels or rags to protect baseboards and floors. If you have plugs where the wallpaper hangs, use masking tape to cover them. It's okay to leave the plate on.

Remove the First Layer

Most wallpapers have two layers: the printed layer that you can see and the sticky layer underneath it. With a putty knife, remove the first layer of wallpaper.

Find a loose end and pick it up, pulling as much as you can at once. It may take a while, but you'll want to remove any visible patterns before moving on to the next step.

Score the Under-Layer

After removing the top layer of wallpaper, it is important to take care of the bottom layer before painting the wall. Using a cutting knife, gently cut through the adhesive.

This allows the removal solution to penetrate the paper so you can lift it more efficiently.

Quick Tip

Don't apply too much pressure or you risk cutting the drywall underneath. A slight score is all it takes to loosen the paper.

Spray a Removal Solution

This is where the fun begins. You have a few options when it comes to wallpaper removal sprays. You can purchase a liquid wallpaper remover from a hardware store, or you can make your own.

Either way, you'll need to get your back wet to loosen the adhesive.

If you want to make your own, mix one-part vinegar with two parts hot water. Fill a spray bottle and moisten the entire wall. Let it sit for a few minutes to really penetrate.

Continue Scraping

Now is when you might regret hanging that gorgeous wallpaper, but focus on how gorgeous these white walls will look when you're done.

Using your putty knife, begin scraping the mount. The paper may need to be moistened again, but continue to scrape as long as the surface is wet. As it dries, re-wet and wait a few more minutes before scraping more.

Consider a Steamer

After attacking the paper with a spatula and removing the liquid, it may be necessary to apply heat to remove the remaining residue.

If you find there are stains that you just can't get rid of, use a steamer filled with water to warm up the tough areas. This can help loosen the adhesive and make it easier to remove with a scraper.

After removing all the remaining pieces of wallpaper, it's time to prepare the walls for the next steps. If you removed the wallpaper for painting, you will want to prep the walls.

You may need to use a little caulk to fill in any holes or marks you made when removing the wallpaper.

You can use oil or a latex-based primer, but the oil will help paint the walls better if any residue remains.

Can You Paint Over Wallpaper?

If removing your wallpaper seems scary, you might be wondering if you can just paint over it. While technically it can be done, most professionals do not recommend it.

If the wallpaper has any detail or texture, painting over it will leave an unsightly finish. Also, air bubbles in the wallpaper can come off later, which can end up ruining the painting.