How to Remove Wallpaper

[Dave]

If you’re staring at a roomful of wallpaper that you wish would disappear, unfortunately there’s no way around it but to dive right in and tear it off! It probably won’t be easy, though. What are your options, and how do you get rid of the stuff?


If you’re not picky, and if the wallpaper is in good condition, you might simply paint over it. Another option is to apply a layer of new wallpaper over the old. Without proper preparation, however, this option is only temporary because the new wallpaper might not stick well. Painting over the old wallpaper helps to prepare the surface for the new application, though it does make subsequent removal of wallpaper layers much more difficult, if not impossible.


The best option is to remove the wallpaper. First, determine how hard it will be to remove. Pull away one corner. Does it come off easily, all at once? If so, little may be required to remove it. The next best thing is to have the wallpaper surface come off in one big sheet, leaving behind the paper backing. If you can’t easily expose the backing, the wallpaper will need to be scored so that liquid can penetrate and dissolve the glue. Wallpaper scorers can be purchased at hardware stores. Be careful not to press too hard, or there will be millions of tiny holes in the wall behind the wallpaper that will need repairing.


After the paper is scored or the backing is exposed, you’ll need to get it wet. Wallpaper removal solutions and gels are available, but plain water applied with a spray bottle works just as well in most cases. The gel can come in handy, however, in tight spots or around electric outlets where you don’t want water to drip. Gel removers can be applied with a brush or roller. The gel or water needs to be left to sit for ten minutes or so before you begin to scrape, and additional applications may be necessary if it dries. After removal, wipe the wall down with a damp cloth to remove any remaining glue or gel.


A better option is to rent a wallpaper steamer. Tool rental shops or large home improvement centers usually have them available to rent inexpensively, and they do a far better job at loosening paper than any chemical remover. They can be used on either plaster or drywall without damage. Keep the steamer on the wall for about one minute then scrape immediately with a wallpaper scraper or large putty knife.


Unless you’re really lucky, there are going to be gouges in the wall after the wallpaper is removed. You’ll need to fix these with spackle, then sand it smooth after it dries with fine sandpaper or a foam sanding block. The next step should be to coat the wall with a primer such as “Kilz” before painting. Follow with the final coat of paint.


Removing a room full of outdated wallpaper is rarely easy, but it helps to know the easiest way to do it. Try not to take shortcuts, and take your time – extra time spent doing it right will save time fixing a gouged-up wall later. And unless the walls are patched correctly, the irregularities will show and you’ll never be quite satisfied with the finished result. It can be an intimidating task. Using a steamer makes it go more quickly, but by using water or gel remover you can do a little at a time.