Removing wallpaper is a refreshing activity that gets your house ready for a new look. From the older, stickier variety to the newer, easier designs made for removal, we will take you through a step-by-step process on how to remove wallpaper. In fact, with the right tools, techniques, and a little bit of patience, it is really quite easy to strip wallpaper and reveal a renewed wall underneath. In this in-depth guide, we will look at ways to find different kinds of wallpapers, the tools that will be needed, and how to prepare the area for success. Whether you are a DIY kind of person or you are thinking about seeking the services of a professional, by the end of this guide, you will get the insights you need to handle the task with confidence.
Wallpaper Types
The most critical first step in choosing the best removal method involves understanding what kind of wallpaper one is dealing with. Fundamentally, wallpapers can be divided into a few key categories:
- Removable wallpaper: It is a broadly applied type in homes nowadays, which can be removed using no more than peeling without water or tool interventions involved. In short, it is the easiest to take off.
- Strippable wallpaper is a bit more resistant to tear-type, and it can be softened with water for easy peeling.
- Washable or Vinyl-Coated Wallpaper: Usually found in bathrooms and kitchens, it is water-resistant and may be best removed with stronger solutions or steam.
- Uses of Traditional, Older Wall-Paper: It’s stacked on and glued on with some incredibly heavy adhesive; this is probably the worst to remove, requiring the use of scoring tools and steamer devices. Identifying early what type of wallpaper you are dealing with can save you a lot of time and minimal damage to your walls by reminiscing on the right approach.
Tools and Materials Needed
Proper preparation will make the process of removing wallpaper much easier. Having all the tools and materials within reach will make working with any type of wallpaper less painful. Here’s a comprehensive list of what you’ll be needing:
- Tools: Wallpaper scoring tool, putty knife, scraper, sponge, spray bottle, and a steamer if dealing with stubborn wallpaper.
- Materials: Painter’s tape, drop cloths, water, vinegar, fabric softener, liquid wallpaper remover, and cleaning rags.
These items ensure you can tackle each step of the process with ease while protecting your floors and walls.
Step 1: Protect Floors and Electrical Outlets
Before getting into the removal process, make sure to protect your flooring and electrical outlets. Put down a plastic drop cloth or painter’s tarp that catches anything that would otherwise reach your flooring due to water or adhesive remains. Secure the tarp to the edges of the room with painter’s tape so as not to slip or let gaps occur. Protect electrical outlets and switches completely with painter’s tape to keep them from moisture. As a safety precaution, one could shut off the power at the breaker box whenever doing something around outlets.
Step 2: Pry Up Wallpaper
Look for a loose edge of wallpaper. This is typically at a seam or corner of the room. Gently pry the edge of the paper with a putty knife or wallpaper scraper. If the wallpaper peels easily and in large amounts, then you’re in luck! Otherwise, take the time and continue to scrape up smaller pieces with the putty knife. In areas that may prove difficult, keep tools at the ready, but don’t fight the material in order not to ruin the wall.
Step 3: Score Wallpaper
Scoring is necessary for uncooperative wallpapers or wallpapers with a waterproof coating. A wallpaper scoring tool provides small perforations for the surface, allowing water or solution to break through the adhesive layer beneath. Take the scoring tool and run it across in some regular pattern over the wallpaper, pressing lightly to avoid tearing up the wall underneath. Even the most resistant wallpapers are easy to remove.
Step 4: Mix Hot Water Solution
Mix your wallpaper removal solution with hot water and either vinegar or fabric softener. A simple mix is to mix 1/3 vinegar to 2/3 hot water or 1/4 fabric softener to 3/4 hot water. Pour this mixture into a spray bottle or into a pressure sprayer. Hot water is again the ‘not-so-secret’ ingredient, as it dissolves adhesive pretty well. Put on your gloves and goggles for added safety when using hot solution mixtures.
Step 5: Apply Solution and Scrape Off Wallpaper
Liberally spray the hot water solution onto a four-foot section of the wall, completely saturating the area. Allow the solution to stay on for 2–3 minutes to help loosen the adhesive. Take your scraper or putty knife and begin peeling the wallpaper off of the wall, starting at the top. Work in sections, pulling off large pieces at a time and focusing on areas where the solution is still wet. Spray the solution on areas where the adhesive has dried and continue scraping.
Step 6: Remove Remaining Adhesive
When the wallpaper is off, some of the adhesive might remain on the walls. Reapply the hot water solution to those spots, letting it sit for a few minutes. Take your scraper and gently scrape off the softened glue. For stronger ones, use a sponge with the solution and rub it in a circular motion. Clean the walls with warm water and a sponge to remove all the solution, making sure no residue is left on the wall. Allow the walls to dry completely before painting or changing the wallpaper.
Cleaning and Prepping Walls Post-Removal
Once the wallpaper and adhesive have been completely removed, the walls must be cleaned and prepared in such a way that they are ready for painting or new wallpaper. Proper cleaning helps avoid the interference of remaining adhesives or other particles with the finish of your wall.
First, clean the wall with a sponge rich in warm water and a mild cleaning solution like dish soap or vinegar with water. It would wash away the residual dust of the remaining adhesives and even out the area. Now, take a soft-bristled brush to those places where you can still see glue sticking up and gently scrub those off. Be not too wet, as excess moisture could spoil the drywall.
After cleaning, check the walls for flaws such as nicks, scratches, or small holes. If there is an imperfection or flaw, fill in a lightweight joint compound and smooth it with a putty knife. Allow the compound to dry completely; this may take several hours or overnight. Lightly sand the area with fine-grit sandpaper until even.
Finally, take a wet rag over the walls again to remove the sanding dust. Let the walls dry thoroughly overnight, for instance, to prevent more moisture from seeping through into the next layer of finish. To paint, start with an oil-based or stain-blocking primer to build an even surface on top of the old finish. If you’re wallpapering, prime the wallpaper with a wallpaper primer for a better bond and even application. Cleaning and preparation are keystones to professional, long-lasting results.
DIY vs. Hiring Professionals
In removing wallpapers, the options of a DIY or a professional could solely be dependent on the scope of the project, the experience, and the desired outcome. The two have advantages and disadvantages hence making it important to consider the options correctly in order to save one time and energy if not money.
DIY Wallpaper Removal
Removing wallpaper yourself saves on costs, particularly for small projects or one room only. With basic tools such as scoring tools, scrapers, and a hot water solution, most homeowners should be able to do it themselves. DIY is ideal if:
- You have experience with home improvement projects.
- The wallpaper is newer, removable, or easily strippable.
- You have the time and patience to tackle a potentially messy and time-consuming process.
Moreover, this method of removal has a slim chance of succeeding when dealing with old wallpaper or walls with sensitive finishes. Using the wrong technique could result in the damage of either drywall or plaster. Removing adhesives or layers that are too stubborn may also take longer when done without professional equipment.
Hiring Professionals
Hiring professionals will be a good investment for you in cases that require more extensive wallpaper removal or when the situation is not easy. Companies like Volcano Builders offer skilled services that ensure the removal is effective and without damage. Here’s why choosing professionals can be a plus:
- Expertise and Tools: Professionals have access to advanced tools like steamers and high-quality scoring devices, making them adept at handling even the most stubborn wallpaper.
- Time-Saving: Large projects or homes with multiple layers of wallpaper can take days to complete on your own. Professionals can expedite the process.
- Preventing Damage: Experienced contractors know how to avoid damage to walls, preserving the integrity of your home’s structure.
- Additional Services: Companies like Volcano Builders not only remove wallpaper but also offer comprehensive remodeling services, including wall preparation, painting, and even full home renovations.
For more than a decade, Volcano Builders has become the name neighbors turn to for top rebuilding results. Whether it is one room or a whole new face of your home, their pros take care of every detail from start to finish. Maintaining a relentless pursuit of customer satisfaction, they use the latest tools and techniques in handling projects of any size to leave your walls ready for a fresh look.
Making the Right Choice
If you are confident of your skills when it comes to DIY projects, and if such does not overwhelm you, then doing it yourself would indeed be rewarding. Otherwise, if the task of removing wallpaper seems somewhat daunting or you want to ensure professional results, it would have quite some difference if you hired experts like the Volcano Builders. By hiring a professional, you protect your walls, save time, and get a finish that will bring more beauty to the space.
Conclusion
Removing wallpaper is not necessarily a daunting process. Know your type of wallpaper, get the proper tools, and just follow these detailed steps to deal with it confidently. Whether you choose to do it yourself or seek professional help, the result will be smooth, clean walls ready for a new look. Patience and preparation mean you’ll transform your space and get that fresh design you’re envisioning.
