Depending on the type of wallpaper you have, removing it could be a relatively simple job or a time-consuming project. Newer vinyl wallpaper is “strippable,” designed for easy removal. All you have to do is find a loose corner and pull it off. Older wallpaper, on the other hand, has a death-grip on the walls and is very difficult to remove.
That doesn’t make it impossible though.
If you have old wallpaper, your first step is going to be applying wallpaper remover solution to the areas around the edges to break down the glue. Wait an hour and then move onto step 1 below!
Tools
- Wallboard knife
- Bucket
- Perforating tool
- Drop cloth
- Sponge
- Solution sprayer
Materials
- Wallpaper remover solution
Step 1
Find a loose edge of wallpaper and give it a tug. Newer vinyl wallpaper should peel away pretty easily. If not, use the wallboard knife and the wallpaper remover solution to get it free.
Step 2
If wallpaper won’t come off by hand, lay down several layers of newspaper covered by your drop cloth to protect the floor from the wallpaper remover solution.
Step 3
Poke holes into wallpaper with a perforation tool so that the wallpaper remover solution gets in behind the wallpaper and loosens the adhesive.
Step 4
Use a sprayer, sponger, or paint roller to apply the wallpaper remover solution. Allow the solution to soak into the wallpaper, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 5
Once you’ve loosened the wallpaper, begin peeling it off with a 6-inch wallboard knife. Remove the wallpaper without damaging the plaster behind it.
Step 6
Once the wallpaper is completely removed, rinse the adhesive residue and wallpaper remover from the wall with clear, cold water. Let everything dry completely before putting up your new wallpaper.
For more do-it-yourself advice, check out the Bauer Construction blog. For bigger projects, contact Jeff at JBauerBuilt@gmail.com or 847-553-5331.