How to Safely Remove Wallpaper Without Damaging Your Walls

1. Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials

Before starting the wallpaper removal process, gather all the necessary tools and materials. You will need:

• Wallpaper scorer
• Wallpaper removal solution or a mixture of water and vinegar
• Spray bottle or sponge
• Putty knife or scraper
• Plastic drop cloths or tarps
• Painter's tape
• Bucket of warm, soapy water
• Sponges or soft cloths

Having all these tools ready will make the process smoother and more efficient.

2. Prepare the Room

Start by preparing the room to protect your floors and furniture. Move all furniture away from the walls and cover the floors with plastic drop cloths or tarps. Use painter's tape to secure the drop cloths and prevent any water or adhesive residue from seeping through.

If you are working in a room with electrical outlets or switches, turn off the power to the room at the circuit breaker. Remove the outlet and switch covers and cover the openings with painter's tape to prevent any water or debris from getting inside.

3. Score the Wallpaper

Use a wallpaper scorer to create small perforations in the wallpaper. This will allow the removal solution to penetrate the wallpaper and loosen the adhesive. Gently roll the scorer over the entire surface of the wallpaper, being careful not to press too hard and damage the wall underneath.

Scoring the wallpaper helps to break the seal between the wallpaper and the wall, making it easier to remove without causing damage.

4. Apply the Removal Solution

Fill a spray bottle with a wallpaper removal solution or a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar. Spray the solution generously onto the wallpaper, starting at the top and working your way down. Allow the solution to soak into the wallpaper for 10-15 minutes, or according to the manufacturer's instructions.

If you prefer, you can also use a sponge to apply the solution. Dip the sponge into the solution and wring out the excess before applying it to the wallpaper. Ensure the wallpaper is thoroughly saturated to help loosen the adhesive.

5. Remove the Wallpaper

Once the solution has had time to soak in and loosen the adhesive, use a putty knife or scraper to gently lift the wallpaper from the wall. Start at a seam or edge and work your way across the wall, taking care not to gouge or damage the wall surface.

Remove the wallpaper in small sections to avoid tearing it and leaving pieces behind. If the wallpaper is stubborn and does not come off easily, apply more removal solution and allow it to soak in for a few additional minutes before trying again.

6. Clean the Walls

After all the wallpaper has been removed, you may find some adhesive residue left on the walls. Use a sponge or soft cloth dipped in warm, soapy water to gently scrub the walls and remove any remaining adhesive. Rinse the sponge frequently and change the water as needed to keep it clean.

Once the walls are clean, wipe them down with a dry cloth to remove any excess moisture. Allow the walls to dry completely before applying new wallpaper or paint.

7. Inspect and Repair the Walls

After the walls have dried, inspect them for any damage that may have occurred during the wallpaper removal process. Look for small holes, cracks, or gouges that need to be repaired. Use a lightweight spackling compound to fill any imperfections, and sand the patched areas smooth once the compound has dried.

If you plan to paint the walls, apply a primer to ensure a smooth and even finish. Primer helps to seal the surface and provide a good base for the paint to adhere to.