How to remove wallpaper

Knowing how to remove wallpaper is the key to achieving smooth, damage-free walls for your next interior project— whether you're planning to paint or install new wallpaper. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of wallpaper removal, including identifying different wallpaper and wall types, safety precautions, various techniques, tips for handling old wallpaper, and post-removal suggestions.

 

Understanding wall and wallpaper types

Before we dive into the removal process, it's crucial to understand the two main components involved: first, the wallpaper itself, and second, the wall it's attached to. We’ll discuss both in this section.

 

Wallpaper types

 

When it comes to removing wallpapers, the five most commonly encountered types are strippable, peel-and-stick, traditional, vinyl-coated, and textured. They are the subjects of DIY wallpaper removal projects:

● Strippable wallpapers: This category includes non-woven versions and is designed for easy removal, often peeling off in large strips.

● Peel-and-stick wallpapers: This type of wallpaper offers a straightforward application and removal process, perfect for those who want to update their space’s look frequently.

● Vinyl-coated wallpapers: These are designed to withstand moisture and scrubbing, making them harder to remove than other types.

● Traditional wallpapers: Also known as non-peelable wallpapers, these typically require more effort to remove as they are designed to adhere firmly to the wall. This can include foil, flocked, bamboo, textile, and flat or smooth wallpapers without any texture or embossing.

● Textured or embossed wallpapers: Apart from traditional wallpapers, some wallpapers are specifically designed with raised patterns for a textured feel. Their removal process may require additional steps to ensure that the solution penetrates the wallpaper thoroughly.

 

Wall types

 

The type of wall beneath your wallpaper impacts the removal process. This section focuses on the most common wall types where wallpapers are installed— drywall and plaster. These two surfaces are the ones highly relevant in the context of wallpaper removal.

● Drywall: This type of wall is more common in newer homes. It's more susceptible to damage during wallpaper removal, mainly if the wallpaper has been applied directly to it without a proper primer. You can identify drywall by its hollow sound when you tap on it and its relatively smooth surface.

● Plaster: This wall type is more common in older homes and is more resistant to damage during wallpaper removal. Plaster walls can withstand more aggressive removal techniques, such as scraping and the use of a steamer. Plaster walls feel hard, solid, and cool to the touch, and they produce a dull thud when you tap on them.

 

Room preparation and safety precautions 

Now that you’ve identified your wall and wallpaper type— it’s time to prepare for a safe, smooth, and efficient process:

● Room preparation: Clear the room as much as possible to create ample working space and prevent damage to furniture. Cover remaining furniture and flooring with plastic sheeting or tarps to protect them from potential drips of the cleaning solution.

● Personal safety measures: To ensure safety during wallpaper removal, wear protective gloves to safeguard against skin irritation. Use safety goggles to protect your eyes from debris and chemicals. If you're sensitive to dust, wear a mask. Ensure good ventilation to avoid inhaling harmful fumes.

● Ensuring electrical safety: Ensure electrical safety during wallpaper removal by covering outlets and switches with waterproof tape. Consider turning off the electricity supply to your work area for added safety. 

 

Techniques for wallpaper removal

 

This section will cover five techniques for wallpaper removal suitable for different types of wallpaper and wall materials, such as the ones we discussed earlier. Know the tools, steps, and tips relevant to each technique.

 

Technique 1: Peeling 

 

 

Suitable for: Strippable (including non-woven) and peel-and-stick wallpapers; wall types drywall and plaster

Peeling is a simple yet effective technique designed for wallpapers that can be easily removed, which are the types that Photowall offers— non-woven and peel-and-stick wallpapers. 

 

Tools

 

● Plastic scraper

● Warm, soapy water

● Sponge or soft cloth

 

Step-by-step guide

 

1. Loosen the edge of the wallpaper with the plastic scraper.

2. Once an edge is loose, peel the wallpaper off. It should come away easily.

3. If any adhesive residue remains, clean the wall with warm, soapy water using a sponge or soft cloth.

 

Tip: Be gentle when scraping wallpaper off drywall to avoid damaging the surface. Plaster walls can handle more vigorous scraping, but it is still essential to be cautious.

 

Technique 2: Using a homemade solution

 

 

Suitable for: Traditional, vinyl-coated, and textured wallpapers; wall types such as well-primed plaster and drywall

This approach, which avoids the need for harsh chemicals or heat, is particularly suited for moderately stubborn wallpapers, including traditional, vinyl-coated, and textured types. The fabric softener mixture is especially handy for textured wallpapers, as it can seep into crevices for more efficient removal.

 

Tools

 

● Bucket of warm water

● Sponge or soft cloth

● Plastic scraper or putty knife

● Fabric softener 

 

Step-by-step guide

 

1. If dealing with moderately stubborn or textured wallpapers, mix equal parts fabric softener and warm water in a bucket. For less stubborn wallpapers, plain warm water should suffice.

2. Saturate the wallpaper with your chosen solution using a sponge or soft cloth. Let the water or solution soak in for a few minutes (up to 20 minutes for the fabric softener mixture) to soften the wallpaper and its adhesive.

3. Use a plastic scraper or putty knife to peel off the wallpaper carefully.

4. Wipe down the wall with warm water to remove any remaining adhesive.

 

Tip: If the wallpaper isn't soaking up the solution well, try scoring the surface lightly before applying the solution.

 

Technique 3: Chemical wallpaper remover

 

 

Suitable for: Traditional and vinyl-coated wallpapers; well-primed drywall and plaster walls

When dealing with stubborn wallpapers, resorting to a chemical wallpaper remover might be necessary. This potent solution is designed to dissolve tough adhesive bonds, facilitating the removal process. Always adhere to safety instructions when using chemical products.

 

Tools

 

● Chemical wallpaper remover

● Sponge or soft cloth

● Plastic scraper or putty knife

 

Step-by-step guide

 

1. Use a sponge or soft cloth to apply the wallpaper remover to the wall, following the manufacturer's instructions.

2. Allow the remover to sit for the recommended time to penetrate and soften the adhesive.

3. Use a plastic scraper or putty knife to peel off the wallpaper.

4.Clean the wall according to the remover's instructions to eliminate any leftover adhesive.

 

Tip: Use chemical removers in a well-ventilated area and consider wearing protective clothing and eye protection.

 

Technique 4: Wallpaper steamer

 

Suitable for: Vinyl-coated, textured, and traditional wallpapers; well-primed drywall and plaster walls

Steamers are an excellent tool for removing wallpapers that have deep-set adhesive. The heat from the steamer allows the adhesive to soften, enabling the wallpaper to be peeled off more comfortably.

 

Tools

 

● Wallpaper steamer

● Plastic scraper or putty knife

 

Step-by-step guide

 

1. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to prepare and use the wallpaper steamer.

2. Use the steamer on one section of the wall at a time, then immediately scrape off the wallpaper with a plastic scraper or putty knife while the adhesive is still soft.

3. Repeat the process until all wallpaper is removed.

4. Wipe down the wall with warm water to remove any remaining adhesive.

 

Tip: Be patient and allow the steamer to do its work. Do not force the wallpaper off; it could damage the wall.

 

Technique 5: Scoring and soaking

 

Suitable for: Textured or embossed wallpapers; drywall and plaster walls

This method involves creating tiny punctures in the wallpaper's surface to help your removal solution penetrate the material and reach the adhesive. It's particularly effective for wallpapers where the raised design might otherwise prevent your solution from soaking in evenly.

 

Tools

 

● Scoring tool (or wallpaper perforator)

● Bucket of warm water

● Fabric softener or wallpaper removal solution

● Sponge or soft cloth

● Plastic scraper or putty knife

 

Step-by-step guide

 

1. Use a scoring tool to create small punctures in the wallpaper surface without damaging the wall underneath. This helps the removal solution penetrate the wallpaper.

2. Mix equal parts fabric softener and warm water in a bucket (or prepare your wallpaper removal solution according to the manufacturer's instructions).

3. Soak the wallpaper with the solution using a sponge or soft cloth. Allow it to sit for 20 minutes to soften the wallpaper and adhesive.

4. Use a plastic scraper or putty knife to peel off the wallpaper carefully.

5. Wipe down the wall with warm water to remove any remaining adhesive.

 

How to remove old wallpaper

 

When removing old wallpaper, you can apply the same techniques mentioned earlier; however, it may require additional patience and effort due to the age of the adhesive and other issues. If the standard techniques enumerated before don’t work, here are supplementary solutions to address specific issues commonly encountered when dealing with old wallpapers in particular.

 

Handling brittle or crumbling wallpaper

Older wallpaper can become brittle and crumble during the removal process, making it harder to remove in large strips. In this case, refer to the previous section, apply your chosen removal solution generously (such as fabric softener and water mixture or a chemical wallpaper remover), and give it ample time to soak in before you start to scrape. You may need to repeat the application and removal process several times to get all the pieces off the wall.

 

Addressing old adhesive

The adhesive used for old wallpaper might be different from more modern adhesives and could be harder to remove. If you're struggling with stubborn adhesive, consider using a wallpaper steamer or a specialized adhesive remover. There are more techniques for removing wallpaper glue here: How to remove wallpaper glue

 

Dealing with multiple layers of wallpaper

When dealing with old wallpapers, the challenge often arises from the presence of multiple layers. In this case, you should start from the top layer and work your way down, layer by layer, using a suitable technique described in the earlier section. You might find that different layers will require different removal methods, depending on the wallpaper used.

 

How to clean and prepare walls after removing the wallpaper

Clearing the canvases of your wall for the next creative endeavor involves a few crucial steps. Let's delve into them in detail.

 

 

● Adhesive removal: After removing the wallpaper, tackle any leftover adhesive. Using a wallpaper removal solution or warm water with dish soap, gently scrub the wall to dissolve the adhesive residue. The most complete information on removing wallpaper glue is available here: How to remove wallpaper glue

● Wall cleaning: Once the adhesive is removed, thoroughly clean the walls. Use a mild detergent solution and a sponge or soft cloth to wipe away any remaining residue, dirt, or grease. Rinse the walls with water and allow them to dry completely.

● Wall preparation: Before applying paint or new wallpaper, prepare the wall surface. Fill any holes or cracks with spackle or joint compound, and sand them down for a smooth finish. Prime the wall to ensure proper adhesion of the new material.

 

Final tips for easier wallpaper removal in the future

Proper planning can make wallpaper removal less of a chore in the future. One essential strategy to consider is choosing the right type of wallpaper. It's best to select options like peel-and-stick and non-woven wallpapers, known for their easy removal attributes. Photowall offers a broad range of wallpapers, providing style, quality, and a future-friendly decorating choice.

Another key point to consider is the proper priming of your walls. Creating a barrier between the wall and the wallpaper makes future removal easier. A good primer can prevent the wallpaper from bonding too firmly to the wall, allowing for smoother removal without causing excessive damage or requiring extensive effort.

 

Common mistakes when removing wallpaper 

 

Despite the comprehensive guidance provided in this guide, it is common to stumble upon a few hitches during the wallpaper removal process. Here are some of the frequent mistakes that individuals commit while removing wallpaper and how to avoid them:

 

● Forcing the wallpaper off the wall: This may damage the wall surface or leave behind stubborn adhesive residues. Always allow sufficient time for the removal solution or steam to penetrate and soften the wallpaper and adhesive before starting to scrape.

● Using sharp and abrasive tools: These tools can cause unintentional damage to the walls, resulting in scratches or gouges. This can lead to extra work and expensive repairs. Instead, choose safer options like scrapers or putty knives with smooth edges. These tools will effectively remove the wallpaper without compromising the integrity of your wall surfaces.

● Not testing the wallpaper type: Failure to identify the type of wallpaper before starting removal can cause unnecessary difficulties. Different wallpapers respond to different removal techniques. Conduct a small test in an inconspicuous area to identify the best removal method for your wallpaper.

 

By considering all these aspects, you can truly embrace the transformative power of wallpaper while making interior decorating simpler when it's time for a change. And when you're ready to install new wallpaper, be sure to check out our complete resource on wallpaper installation: How to install wallpaper