How to Remove Wallpaper: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Gather Your Tools and Materials

Before you begin removing wallpaper, gather the necessary tools and materials. You will need:

• Wallpaper scorer
• Wallpaper scraper or putty knife
• Wallpaper removal solution or vinegar and water mixture
• Spray bottle
• Sponges or cloths
• Bucket
• Drop cloths or plastic sheets
• Protective gloves and goggles

2. Prepare the Room

Start by preparing the room to protect your floors and furniture from water and debris. Remove all furniture or move it to the centre of the room and cover it with plastic sheets or drop cloths. Lay drop cloths on the floor along the walls to catch any falling wallpaper and water.

Turn off the electricity to the room and remove any outlet covers and switch plates. This will prevent water from getting into electrical outlets and causing damage.

3. Score the Wallpaper

Use a wallpaper scorer to create small perforations in the wallpaper. This helps the removal solution penetrate the wallpaper and loosen the adhesive. Lightly run the scorer over the entire surface of the wallpaper, being careful not to damage the wall underneath.

Scoring is especially important for vinyl or coated wallpapers, as these types of wallpaper are more resistant to moisture.

4. Apply Wallpaper Removal Solution

Fill a spray bottle with wallpaper removal solution or a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. Spray the solution generously onto the wallpaper, focusing on a small section at a time. Allow the solution to soak in for 10-15 minutes to soften the adhesive.

For stubborn wallpaper, you may need to reapply the solution and let it soak for an additional 10 minutes. The goal is to make the wallpaper and adhesive pliable for easier removal.

5. Scrape Off the Wallpaper

Once the wallpaper has soaked, use a wallpaper scraper or putty knife to gently lift and remove the wallpaper. Start at a seam or edge and work your way across the wall. Hold the scraper at a slight angle to avoid gouging the wall underneath.

Peel off large sections of wallpaper, using the scraper to loosen any stubborn areas. If the wallpaper does not come off easily, spray more removal solution and allow it to soak before continuing.

6. Remove Remaining Adhesive

After all the wallpaper has been removed, you may still have adhesive residue on the wall. Mix a solution of warm water and a small amount of dish soap in a bucket. Use a sponge or cloth to scrub the adhesive off the wall, working in small sections.

For stubborn adhesive, use a commercial adhesive remover or a mixture of water and baking soda. Rinse the wall with clean water and dry it with a towel once all the adhesive has been removed.

7. Clean and Repair the Walls

Inspect the walls for any damage, such as gouges or holes, caused during the wallpaper removal process. Use spackling compound to fill any imperfections and sand the area smooth once it has dried. Clean the walls thoroughly to remove any remaining residue or dust.

Properly preparing the walls ensures a smooth and even surface for painting or applying new wallpaper.

8. Prime the Walls

Before painting or applying new wallpaper, apply a primer to the walls. Primer helps to seal the surface, providing better adhesion and a more even finish for your new wall treatment. Choose a primer suitable for your wall type and follow the manufacturer's instructions for application.

9. Clean Up

Once the wallpaper removal process is complete, clean up your workspace. Dispose of any wallpaper scraps, drop cloths, and plastic sheets. Clean your tools and store them properly for future use.

Turn the electricity back on and replace any outlet covers and switch plates that were removed. Your walls are now ready for a fresh coat of paint or new wallpaper.

10. Enjoy Your Freshly Prepared Walls

With the wallpaper removed and the walls properly prepared, you can enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done. Whether you choose to paint or apply new wallpaper, your walls will have a clean and smooth surface, ensuring a beautiful and professional finish.