When you want a fresh look for your walls, one of the first things you should know is how to remove wallpaper. Removing wallpaper comes with its own set of challenges, especially if you’ve never done it before. While you can certainly do it yourself, it’s safer to call in the pros.
Want to Know How to Remove Wallpaper?
Wallpaper is a popular way to decorate your walls. In the United States, the wallpaper and paint supplies market amounted to $51.58 billion in 2024. Clearly, there is a high demand for the product.
However, there are a number of reasons why you might want to remove your wallpaper. You could be tired of the old design and are looking for a fresh look. You might want to try painting your walls instead of having the same wallpaper. Renters might also want to change things up and turn their space into their own without breaking the bank.
Whatever the reason may be, removing wallpaper is something that millions of people will want to do at some point in their lives. You can’t just pick at your wallpaper and start tearing it off, though. Believe it or not, there is a proper way to remove wallpaper.
How to Remove Old Wallpaper
When your wallpaper is particularly old or stubborn, it can be hard to remove it the usual way. So, how do you remove wallpaper in this case?
The best way to remove old or stubborn wallpaper is to use a steamer. The heat from the wallpaper steamer will help loosen the adhesive. This will allow you to simply pull off the decorative paper from your wall.
Of course, this tends to be a long process, especially if you have a large surface area. You’ll have to steam the entire expanse of the wallpaper, going in sections to make things easier.
How to Remove Wallpaper From Drywall
Not everyone has a steamer they can use to remove wallpaper. Fortunately, there is another way you can peel off wallpaper without the use of hot steam.
Here’s how to remove wallpaper without a steamer.
1. Cover
The first thing you need to do is to protect your floors and electrical outlets. You can do this by covering the floor with a tarp. Make sure to use tape to secure it in place.
For electrical outlets, you can use painter’s tape to cover them up. Since you’re going to be using a liquid mixture in the process, it’s best to keep electrical outlets covered. You should also move away any extension cords.
2. Scrape
The next step in how to remove wallpaper from wall is to scrape. Using a large putty knife or scraper, pry up the edges of the wallpaper. Then, simply peel down the wallpaper in sheets. If you can’t do this with your hands, you can use the putty knife to scrape it off.
The best case scenario is for the wallpaper to come off in large sections. However, you might end up peeling off smaller pieces at a time. This will require more time, effort, and patience. Just keep going at it until you remove most of the wallpaper.
3. Score
If you find that your wallpaper won’t come off, you’ll need to take things further. For wallpaper types that repel water, though, you’ll have to score them first. Just use a wallpaper scoring tool and then lightly score your wallpaper. This will make the next step easier.
4. Mix
More stubborn wallpaper will need a hot water solution. Combine 1/3 vinegar with 2/3 hot water. Another option is to combine 1/4 fabric softener with 3/4 hot water.
Spray the solution onto the wallpaper. If you scored your wallpaper, the solution will penetrate it easier, allowing it to work on the adhesive. Make sure to wear goggles when you do this part so that you don’t hurt your eyes.
During this step, some of the wallpaper might come off. Just peel those parts off and throw them in a garbage bag to make cleanup easier later on.
5. Apply
The hot water solution is effective when you want to know how to loosen wallpaper. Simply spray the solution and allow it to sit for about three minutes. This will give it time to loosen the adhesive.
If the wallpaper doesn’t come off on its own, use your scraper to peel the wallpaper off. It’s best to do this when the wallpaper is still wet. If some parts have dried out, just spray on some more solution again.
6. Remove
There may still be some glue left on the walls after removing the wallpaper. To remove adhesive or glue residue, just apply more of the hot water solution. Then, use the scraper to scrape off the glue. You’ll want to work in smaller sections for this for efficiency. Finally, using a wet rag, wipe the wall clean to make sure no residue is left behind.
The Risks of DIY Wallpaper Removal
Although you can remove wallpaper by yourself, there are some risks that come with it. These include wall damage, concealed mold or mildew, glue residue, structural issues, and electrical hazards.
- Wall Damage. If you don’t use the right techniques, tools, and force, you might damage the underlying wall. You will then have to have the wall repaired before you can proceed with painting or a new wallpaper.
- Concealed Mold and Mildew. You might not know it, but mold and mildew can grow underneath wallpaper.
- Glue Residue. If you don’t properly remove all the adhesive and glue residue, you might inadvertently paint over it or apply new wallpaper over it. This will affect the final look, as bumps and uneven surfaces become evident.
- Structural Issues. You might find undiscovered structural issues beneath the wallpaper, including loose drywall, water damage, and cracks.
- Electrical Hazards. If you’re not careful, you might accidentally nick or cut electrical wiring hidden underneath the wallpaper.
How do Professionals Remove Wallpaper?
When it comes to wallpaper removal, it’s infinitely better to have a professional do it. Professionals don’t just start peeling off your wallpaper. They first inspect the premises to look for underlying signs of damage, mold, and structural issues. They can also remove the wallpaper completely, along with any residual adhesive, to allow for a smooth finish.
If you find that your wallpaper or the wall beneath it has issues to begin with, then you’re better off hiring a professional. Professionals not only have the expertise and experience, but they also have access to the appropriate tools, chemicals, and safety equipment.
There are a few ways professionals remove wallpaper. They can use the same hot water solution to peel off wallpaper or they can use chemicals. Chemical stripping involves the use of a chemical solution, usually made with acid or base, to break down the adhesive binding the wallpaper to the wall. Professionals can also use a steamer to force heat into the wallpaper, loosening the adhesive.
The Final Word
Now that you know how to remove wallpaper, you can proceed with your home projects. However, if you suspect you have underlying wall issues, don’t have access to the right tools, or simply don’t want to do it yourself, you can save a lot of stress, time, and money on potential repairs by hiring a professional.
Queen City Painting Company offers wallpaper removal services to residential and commercial properties in the Charlotte area. Call or text Ron directly at 704-996-9266 for a quote. You can also contact us here!