Are you tired of looking at Old wallpaper on your wall? Removing wallpaper may seem like hard work, but with the right approach, it’s easier than you think. Whether you’re planning to repaint or apply fresh wallpaper, this article will guide you how to remove wallpaper without damaging your walls.
Why remove wallpaper?
By passing time, wallpaper becomes old, fades, peels and goes out of style. While wallpaper can become new with paint, it can create problems for us after passing some time. Removing old wallpaper is necessary for coating new wallpaper and paint.
Tools and materials you’ll need
Here’s a list of basic tools and materials to help with the process:
Tools:
- Drop cloth and plastic materials
- Putty knife and paint scrapper
- Spunch and cleaning cloth
- Plastic tub or bucket
- Scoring tool (essential for stubborn wallpaper)
- Wallpaper steamer (recommended)
Materials:
- Warm water
- Dish Soap or fabric softener
- solve for removing wallpaper
- White vinegar
How to remove wallpaper
Step 1: Prepare your space
Before starting to peel off the wallpaper, prevent any mess and prepare the room for the protection of your belongings.
- Remove wall decorations: Take down any pictures, clocks and wall hangings.
- Cover furniture: Moving furniture from one room to another or covering it with plastic sheeting.
- Lay drop cloths: Falling wallpaper pieces and for adhesive material catch place drop cloth and plastic on the floor.
- Protect outlets and switches: Use painter’s tape to protect outlets and light switches.
Step 2: Identify your wallpaper type
The type of wallpaper used for removing it is the best way for you. Wallpaper has four types. First, you will identify the type of your wallpaper in which:
- Strippable wallpaper: This type of wallpaper is very easy to remove. It can often be pulled off in large sheets without much effort.
- Peelable wallpaper: In this type, the top layer peels off, leaving a backing that is needed for washing and scraping off.
- Washable or vinyl-coated wallpaper: This type of wallpaper resists water and needs scoring for entry in dryness.
- Old wallpaper: Removing old material is much effort work. It may be difficult for us with scoring and steaming.
Step 3: Start removing the wallpaper
For strippable wallpaper:
- Use a putty knife for pick a corner of the wallpaper at the bottom of the wall.
- Pull the wallpaper slowly on the top side, if it easily comes off, continue removing the remaining part by hand.
- For the Stubborn part, the wallpaper dampen with hot water and try again.
For peelable wallpaper:
- Peel off the top level, starting at a corner or seam.
- Dissolve the hot water, vinegar or soap dish.
- Remaining baking paper apply mixer and let it soak for a few minutes.
- Use a scraper to remove the baking.
For washable or stubborn wallpaper:
- Use a scoring tool to create small holes in the wallpaper’s surface. This allows water or steam to reach the adhesive.
- Apply hot water mixed with vinegar or fabric softener to the wall using a sponge or sprayer.
Steam method (optional):
- Buy a wallpaper streamer.
- Steam the wallpaper with a steam pad for approximately 30 seconds to loosen the adhesive around it.
- Scrape off the loose wallpaper.
Step 4: Clean the walls
After removing the wallpaper, you may find adhesive wallpaper pieces left on the wall. Here are some tips for cleaning these pieces:
- Heavy residue: Use a method for removing commercial wallpaper.
- Light residue: Combine hot water with dish soap, then clean the walls with a sponge.
- Gently wash the wall using clean water, then pat it dry with a soft cloth.
Final tips for success
- Work in sections: To stop drying to the water, consider one part of the wall at a time.
- Be patient: Removing some wallpapers may take much time and hard work.
- Repair damage: If you damage your wall accidentally, use a joint compound to fill any holes or scratches, then fill with sand easily.
Frequently asked questions
Can you paint directly over wallpaper, or is it better to remove it first?
While painting on wallpaper is impossible, it’s not recommended. Paint can seal the wallpaper, making it difficult to remove later. For good and best steps, removing it first is better.
What’s the easiest way to remove wallpaper?
For many wallpapers, warm water mixed with vinegar or fabric softener is the best and easiest way. A steamer can help in stubborn conditions.
Can I reuse old wallpaper?
Unfortunately, once the wallpaper is removed, it is not able to be used again. Therefore, you can new your walls by paint and new wallpaper
Conclusion
Removing wallpaper doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With the right tools, materials and approach, you can give your walls a fresh start in just a day. Whether you’re preparing for a new coat of paint or installing modern wallpaper, following these steps will make the job smooth and hassle-free.
