There’s no shortcut for removing wallpaper. It’s a messy and time-consuming job, but with the right tools, anyone can do it. There are a variety of techniques, and some will work better than others for your particular wall and wallpaper. Now let’s get started.
What Type of Wallpaper?
There are three main types of wallpaper. The “strippable” type are designed to be easily removed without tearing or steam. More traditional wallpaper that is untreated and uncoated can usually be removed and scraped off after just getting it wet. The most difficult wallpaper to remove are those with a vinyl or laminated coating. These types of wallpapers are meant to be washable, therefore it’s difficult for water to penetrate them.
What Type of Walls?
Homes built since the 1950s have walls that are constructed using drywall, whereas older homes have walls made of plaster over a wood, gypsum, or metal lathe. Removing wallpaper from drywall can be a bit trickier, as the drywall surface can bond to the wallpaper, making removal of the wallpaper nearly impossible without damaging the wall. Plaster-built walls usually don’t have the same issue.
If you are unsure about what type of wall you have, remove a wall plate around a light switch and look at the exposed section of the wall. Drywall will be thinner and more uniform than plaster, which is usually troweled right up to the electrical box.
Even if your home is older, there could be drywall in place because of a recent remodel or renovation. It’s always good to check before proceeding with wallpaper removal.
Dry Erase Peel and Stick Wallpapers
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Remove the Wallpaper
Before removing your wallpaper, you must first prep the wall and room. Remove wall plates from light switches and outlets and tape over the outlet and switches to prevent water and moisture from getting on them.
Lay down a drop cloth or poly sheet to prevent wet wallpaper from ruining your floors. Tape over floorboards and wainscoting so you don’t damage them during this process.
To remove older non-treated wallpaper, you can take a garden sprayer filled with water and wallpaper removal solution and apply it liberally to the wallpaper. Let the wallpaper soak for 15-20 minutes and then use a scraper or dull putty knife to start peeling away the paper.
How Hard Is It to Remove Wallpaper?
We’ll be honest – wallpaper removal can be very time-consuming and labor-intensive. Depending on the age and style of your wallpaper, the difficulty varies. Typically, the toughest aspect is removing wallpaper glue and backing. While you may want to speed up the process, working too aggressively can damage your walls. So, remember: patience and preparation are key.
First, determine what type of wallpaper you’re dealing with:
- “Strippable” wallpaper, a modern application, is designed to be Easily Removed without tearing.
- Traditional wallpaper requires more effort but can be stripped with the help of scoring, solvents or steam.
- Vinyl or laminated wallpapers are the most difficult to remove since their washable surface makes it difficult for steam or solvents to penetrate. A wallpaper scoring device can help, but you may want to consult a professional.
Pro-Tip: To remove vinyl or laminated wallpaper, peel away the top layer first to reveal the backing. If you come across sections that are difficult to remove, score these pieces with a wallpaper scoring tool and use a wallpaper remover to soak into the vinyl and adhesive.
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