So you want to remove your wallpaper. Maybe the time has come to change things up but you keep looking at the old wallpaper thinking how hard is it going to be to remove that wallpaper!
There is hope. If your wallpaper has only been up for a few years there is a good chance it is a modern, non woven, wallpaper. This wallpaper type is usually strippable and many pastes are also strippable. We use a professional strippable paste. If this is your case you will be able to use the scrapping method. If not you may need to use a steamer.
Tools needed to remove wallpaper
- Knife
- Waterspray bottle or bucket and roller
- Detergent
- Window scraper
Scraping method
Always try this method before steaming:
Tip 1:
Using warm water with detergent. Use a bucket and roller or a water spray depending on the area you have to cover. Soak the wallpaper.
Leave for a few minutes then repeat. This allows the moisture to soften the paper to make for easier removal.
Tip 2:
Use a heavy duty window scraper to scrape away paper. Ideally you want to take off the top layer first if there are multiple layers, going layer by layer. This will hopefully avoid damaging the substrate underneath.
Tip 3:
If it is still proving hard to remove; score the paper with a knife between soaks to let water in which helps it sink through the layers.
Tip 4:
Remove wallpaper with a steamer
If there is masonry on the walls it is best to use a steamer. If on plasterboard do not use a steamer as you could damage the plasterboard.
Read and follow the manufacturers instructions at all times. But usually once the steamer is filled with water and heated, it is a matter of holding it on to sections of wallpaper for the recommended time before using the scraper to remove wallpaper.
After you have removed the wallpaper
After you have removed the wallpaper itself there may be glue still attached to the wall. Wash this residue off completely and give the wall a sand before applying the new wallpaper. Not removing the leftover paste may result in the new glue not adhereing properly or even reacting to the new glue.
