Taking down old wallpaper can feel scary at first. But with the right tools and some patience, anyone can do it! This guide will show you exactly how to get that stubborn paper off your walls. Whether you’re dealing with regular wallpaper or the tricky woodchip kind, we’ve got you covered.
Why Remove Old Wallpaper?
Old wallpaper can make a room look dated. Sometimes it starts peeling or gets damaged. Maybe you just want a fresh new look. Whatever your reason, removing wallpaper is often the first step to updating your space.
Many people believe they can simply paint over old wallpaper. This often causes problems. The paint may not stick well, and the wallpaper design can still be seen underneath. A better choice is wallpaper removal, which gives you clean and smooth walls to work on.
What You’ll Need
Before you start, gather these items:
- Drop cloths or old sheets
- Plastic sheeting
- Wallpaper scraper or putty knife
- Scoring tool (looks like a small roller with spikes)
- Spray bottle
- Warm water
- Dish soap
- Sponge or cloth
- Ladder or step stool
- Trash bags
You might also want rubber gloves to protect your hands. Some people like using fabric softener mixed with water instead of soap. Both work well.
Getting Ready
Start by moving furniture away from the walls. Cover the floor with drop cloths or plastic sheeting. Water will drip, so good protection is important.
Turn off the electricity to any wall switches or outlets you’ll be working near. Remove the cover plates if possible. This keeps water from getting into electrical areas.
Open windows for ventilation. The room might get steamy, especially if you’re using hot water.
The Basic Method to Remove Old Wallpaper
Most wallpaper comes off using this simple approach:
Step 1: Score the wallpaper Roll your scoring tool over the entire wall. This makes tiny holes that let water get behind the paper. Don’t press too hard – you don’t want to damage the wall underneath.
Step 2: Make your removal solution Mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap in your spray bottle. The soap helps break down the adhesive that holds the wallpaper to the wall.
Step 3: Spray and wait Spray a section of wall thoroughly. Start with about a 4-foot square area. Let the solution soak in for 15-20 minutes. The water needs time to soften the glue behind the paper.
Step 4: Start scraping Use your scraper at a low angle. Start at one corner and work across. The paper should peel away in strips. If it’s not coming off easily, spray more solution and wait longer.
Step 5: Clean off residue After removing the paper, you might see leftover glue on the wall. Spray these spots again and scrape them clean. A sponge can help wipe away stubborn bits.
How to Remove Wallpaper Without a Steamer
Many guides talk about using steamers, but you don’t need one. The spray method works just as well for most jobs. Here’s how to make it even more effective:
Try adding white vinegar to your water mixture. Use equal parts water and vinegar. This natural solution is great at breaking down old adhesive.
For really stubborn paper, try this trick: mix one part fabric softener with four parts warm water. Spray it on and let it sit for 30 minutes. The fabric softener helps loosen the glue.
Work in smaller sections if the paper isn’t cooperating. Sometimes it helps to spray an area, work on another section, then come back to the first one.
Be patient. Some wallpapers take longer than others. Older papers especially need more soaking time.
How to Remove Woodchip Wallpaper
Woodchip wallpaper is thicker and tougher than regular paper. It has tiny pieces of wood mixed in, which makes it harder to remove. But don’t worry – it’s still doable.
You’ll need to score woodchip paper more thoroughly. Go over it several times with your scoring tool. The thick texture makes it harder for water to get through.
Use hotter water for woodchip paper. Not boiling hot, but as warm as you can safely handle. The heat helps break down the strong adhesive used with this type of wallpaper.
Let the solution soak longer – at least 30 minutes. Woodchip paper needs extra time for the water to work its magic.
When scraping, you might find the paper comes off in smaller pieces. This is normal. Just keep working steadily. Don’t try to rush it.
Sometimes the wood chips stay stuck to the wall even after the paper backing comes off. If this happens, spray the area again and use a stiff brush to scrub them away.
Also Read: How Much Does an Interior Designer Cost?
Dealing with Difficult Spots
Every room has problem areas. Here’s how to handle them:
Around outlets and switches: Use a smaller scraper or even an old toothbrush. Work carefully around these areas.
In corners: Corners often hold extra glue. Spray them well and use the tip of your scraper to get into tight spaces.
High areas: Safety first when using a ladder. Have someone spot you, and don’t overreach.
Multiple layers: Some walls have several layers of wallpaper. Remove one layer at a time. Don’t try to get everything off at once.
After Removal
Once all the paper is gone, wash the entire wall with clean water. This removes any leftover soap or adhesive residue. Let the wall dry completely before doing anything else.
Check for damage like small holes or rough spots. These are normal and easy to fix with spackling compounds. If you need to remove wallpaper glue that’s really stuck on, try using a paste of baking soda and water.
Now your walls are ready for their next step. You might paint them, apply new wallpaper, or move on to other projects like plastering and skimming for a perfectly smooth finish. Some people choose wall tiling for areas like bathrooms or kitchens.
Tips for Success
- Start with a small test area first. This helps you figure out how long your particular wallpaper needs to soak.
- Work when you have plenty of time. Rushing leads to mistakes and damage to your walls.
- Keep your scraper sharp. A dull blade makes the job much harder.
- Change your water solution regularly. As it gets dirty and cool, it becomes less effective.
- Don’t soak too large an area at once. The solution can dry out before you get to it.
Common Problems and Solutions
- Paper tears into tiny pieces: This usually means it needs more soaking time. Be more patient with the next section.
- Glue won’t come off: Try a stronger solution with more soap or vinegar. Sometimes you need to scrape stubborn spots several times.
- Wall gets damaged: Small nicks are normal. Bigger damage means you’re pressing too hard or your scraper is too sharp.
- Work goes too slowly: This is normal for beginners. You’ll get faster with practice.
Conclusion
Removing wallpaper takes time and patience, but it’s definitely something you can do yourself. The key is good preparation and not rushing the process. With the right approach, even difficult papers like woodchips will come off.
Remember that every wall is different. Some jobs go quickly, others take longer. Don’t get discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect. Most people need to try a few different techniques before finding what works best.
The satisfaction of seeing clean, smooth walls after hours of work is worth the effort. Your room will look fresh and ready for whatever comes next.
Ready to transform your space but don’t want the hassle? Contact GSM Builders Ltd for professional wallpaper removal service. Our experienced team can handle any type of wallpaper quickly and cleanly, leaving your walls perfect for your next decorating project.
