How to Remove Wallpaper
Decorative wallpapers can greatly enhance the décor of a home. They breathe new life into a house, especially if the walls are looking drab and unclean. However, removing wallpaper requires a few guidelines. Here they are listed out for easy reference.
Required Materials
- wallpaper remover solution
- sandpaper
- drop cloths
- white vinegar
- razor blades (single-edged)
- plastic sheeting
Required Tools
- buckets
- wallpaper tigers
- scouring pad
- sponges
- putty knives
- paint rollers
- masking tape
- hand sanders
- wallpaper steamers
Instructions
- Preparation - Make sure that there is no furniture near the walls and that the floor is fully covered with drop cloths.
- Peeling Off the Wallpaper - Using a wallpaper scraper or putty knife, peel off the wallpaper from a corner or edge.
- Remove the Wallpaper with a Razor - If you find that parts of the wallpaper are sticking to the wall and that the paper fails to peel away completely, you can use a razor blade. However, make sure not to scrape into the plaster underneath.
- Loosen the Wallpaper Adhesive - You can either use water or a wallpaper remover for this task. Alternatively, a mild detergent mixed with water can give good results. Apply any of these solutions to the wallpaper using a sponge, paint roller, or squirt gun. This will weaken the wallpaper adhesive.
- Using a Wallpaper Steamer - You also have the option of either renting or purchasing a wallpaper steamer. If you choose to use one, exercise caution: steamers can become very hot.
- Peel Again - Make another attempt at peeling off the wallpaper with your original tool(s).
- Washing Away the Wallpaper Adhesive/Glue - Remove all adhesive that is left on the walls. You may have to do repeated washes until you can see the original wall. An industrial scouring pad may prove useful. Wait for the wall to become completely dry before using sandpaper to sand off all the remaining wallpaper and adhesive.
Tips and Warnings
- Choose a coarse sandpaper to remove all wallpaper remnants.
- Exercise extreme caution. It is recommended that you wear gloves, safety goggles, and a hat when using wallpaper-removing devices; most devices are harsh and caustic in their removal methods.
- As an added safety precaution, you can also wear long trousers and sleeves to avoid contacting hazards with the skin.
- Ensure the rooms are properly ventilated at all times during the removal process.