How to Remove Wallpaper- 6 Simple Steps

If you are fed up with the decades-old wallpaper in your house, it is time you should get rid of it. Once you remove your existing wallpaper, you can replace it with something pleasing to the eyes. However, you may wonder how to remove wallpaper before getting on the wallpaper replacement journey. Fortunately, replacing the wallpaper is as easy as 1-2-3, if you are committed to the cause. So to help you in the wallpaper removal game, we have come up with some step-by-step instructions. Use them and give your walls a new look.

Simple Steps on how to remove wallpaper with ease

1. Prepare Room

To learn how to remove wallpaper, you need to understand that you have to prepare your room before starting the removal process. First and foremost, you will need to protect the electrical outlets and flooring. Since you will use water on the walls during the wallpaper removal process, the last thing you would want is to cause damage to the electrical outlets or flooring.

To protect electrical outlets, cover them with electrical tape. As for the flooring, you should cover it with pieces of cloth or plastic sheets. While this process may be time-consuming, it will save you from many hassles later on.

2. Ensure you have the Proper Tools

Before going further, ensure you have the following tools at your disposal:

• Towels
• Dustpan
• Bucket
• Screwdriver
• Sponges
• Wallpaper scoring tool
• Vacuum
• Rags
• Rubber gloves
• Utility knife

3. Remove Wallpaper by Prying or Peeling

The next step in the easy wallpaper removal process involves prying up or peeling the wallpaper.

There are many different wallpaper types, from bamboo to vinyl coated. Most wallpaper types have an outer layer and an inner layer. You must start prying up or peeling the outer layer with a rigid, large scraper or putty knife.

Find an edge on the wallpaper and start peeling it off with the tool of your choice. If you can peel off large chunks of your wallpaper, consider yourself lucky. You need to arrange a wallpaper scoring tool to help you get the job done right.

For most wallpaper types, you will need a hot water solution for the paper and adhesive. This hot water solution will reactivate the adhesive, thus allowing the wallpaper to peel off easily. Some wallpapers are easier to work with than others. For instance, vinyl paper will repel water, making wallpaper removal a hassle. No matter what type of wallpaper you may be working with, getting a wallpaper scoring tool is a good idea.

A wallpaper scoring tool penetrates the outer layer of the wallpaper so that the water solution can get to the adhesive, which will loosen its hold. As for how the tool is used, apply light pressure while running the tool on the wall. Remember, do not put too much pressure as it can puncture wallpaper and cause damage to the plaster or sheetrock.

4. Ensure Hot Water Solution Usage

Once you have used the scoring tool all over the wallpaper, you must apply a hot water solution. You can use a solution consisting of fabric softener and hot water or vinegar and hot water. The critical ingredient is hot water, no matter what solution you opt for.

Make your solution in a pressure sprayer. Only use the sprayer on the wallpaper once you have made sure the electrical outlets and flooring are covered. Also, do not forget to wear eye protection gear. Additionally, keep a garbage bag nearby for pieces of wallpaper you remove.

Now apply the said solution to four-foot sections of the wall. Wait four to five minutes for the solution to do its magic, and then you can use your scraper or prying tool to remove the wallpaper. Keep working on the wallpaper until it’s wet. Once you have removed most of the wet wallpaper, rinse and repeat.

While applying hot water solution on the walls and removing wallpaper, don’t forget the electrical outlets. To remove the wallpaper around the electrical outlets, ensure they are turned off. Get rid of the painter’s tape and remove the cover. Now, you can use your scraper or prying tool to remove the wallpaper around the electrical outlets.

5. Get Rid of Remaining Adhesive

Once you have removed the wallpaper, you will notice that some adhesive may have still stuck around. To get rid of the remaining adhesive, you will need your handy hot water solution and scraper once more. Apply water to those areas that still have adhesive and scrape them without exerting too much force. Make sure you use a clean, wet cloth to wipe each area of the wall as you are done.

6. Prep the Room for New Wallpaper or Paint

Once the walls are completely dry, you can prepare them for new paint or wallpaper. You will need to start with repairing the walls with joint compound. Once the repairs are done, you need to sand the walls until they are completely smooth. If you are planning on applying new wallpaper, do not forget to apply acrylic primer so that the wallpaper removal process is easier the next time around. But, if you plan on painting the walls, use primer specifically made for said purpose.

Final words

Viola! You have successfully learned how to remove wallpaper. Now, you can apply primer and prepare the walls for a new coat of paint. In no time, you will have a wall of your dreams that you can enjoy for ages. While removing wallpaper is incredibly simple, as seen above, it can be tiring. If you do not want to take on such a task all by yourself, you do have the option to hire a professional painting service instead. By hiring a professional painting service like Fish Painting LLC, you can rest easy knowing you are in safe hands.

We hope that the information provided will do wonders for you. So, time to wave goodbye to your dull and boring walls and be prepared for something that will offer you added peace and serenity in your haven.