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Knowing how to remove wallpaper makes updating a room much less stressful. Old wallpaper can look dated, peel at the seams or hide stains. Removal takes patience, but the right method keeps your walls intact. This guide explains the easiest ways, from peelable paper to stubborn glue.
Know Your Wallpaper Type
The type decides the method.
- Strippable: peels away in whole sheets with little effort
- Peelable: the top layer lifts off, leaving a paper backing behind
- Traditional: glued firmly and needs moisture and scraping
Test a corner. If it peels easily, you are in luck. Otherwise, follow the steps below.
Supplies You Need
- Drop cloths and painter’s tape
- Wallpaper scoring tool
- Spray bottle or garden sprayer
- Wallpaper remover or a mix of hot water and fabric softener
- Wide putty knife or plastic scraper
- Sponge and bucket
- Steamer, optional
How to Remove Wallpaper Step by Step
1. Prepare the Room
Move furniture out or to the center. Cover floors with drop cloths. Turn off the power to the room and cover outlets and switch plates with tape. Water and electricity do not mix.
2. Peel Off What Comes Easily
Lift a corner with a putty knife. Pull slowly at a low angle. Strippable paper may come off in full sheets.
3. Score the Surface
For stubborn paper, run a scoring tool across the wall in circles. The tiny holes let moisture reach the glue. Use light pressure so you do not gouge the drywall.
4. Apply Remover
Mix a solution of hot water and a capful of liquid fabric softener, or use a store-bought remover. Spray a small section and let it soak for ten to fifteen minutes. The paper should bubble and soften.
5. Scrape Gently
Slide the scraper under the paper and push upward. Work in sections from top to bottom. Keep the blade angled to avoid cutting the wall.
6. Try a Steamer for Tough Spots
A wallpaper steamer penetrates glue quickly. Hold the plate against the paper for 30 seconds, then scrape. Take care to avoid burns.
7. Wash Off the Glue
Leftover adhesive prevents paint from sticking. Wipe the wall with warm water and mild detergent. Rinse with a clean sponge. Let the wall dry for 24 hours.
8. Repair the Wall
Fill gouges and holes with joint compound, then sand smooth. Our guide on how to patch a hole in drywall shows how.
9. Prime and Paint
Apply a stain-blocking primer. Then follow our steps on how to paint a room for a smooth finish.
Common Mistakes
- Skipping the scoring step on glossy paper
- Over-wetting drywall, which can weaken it
- Rushing the glue removal
- Painting before the wall dries completely
Safety Notes
Wallpaper installed before the 1980s may contain lead-based paint underneath. The EPA provides information on protecting your family from lead. Test before you scrape if your home is old.
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to remove wallpaper without wrecking your walls. Score, soak and scrape in small sections, then clean off the glue and prime. With patience, you will have a smooth surface ready for a fresh new look.