When it comes to wallpapers, what goes up must go down.
Experts agree that removing old wallpaper is crucial whether you are painting or re-papering. You can make your walls look brand new by learning how to remove wallpaper effectively. You don’t have to hire a professional for this project. It’s something you can do-it-yourself (DIY).
We will show you the best way to remove wallpaper, regardless of its type. Although the methods used to remove wallpaper vary, they can all be used successfully and will leave your walls clean and ready for you to remodel. It would be best to continue reading to learn how to remove wallpaper from walls without damaging them.
Types of Wallpaper
Vinyl
Vinyl wallpaper is one of the most versatile wallpapers available today. It is simple to install and can be easily cleaned with a damp sponge. Moreover, vinyl wallpaper is made from PVC and is durable. It’s great for kids’ rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. This gives you endless decorating possibilities for your home.
Grasscloth
Nothing is more beautiful than the beauty of nature on your wall. You can make grasscloth wallpaper from sisal, raw jute, and hemp. Fine thread holds the grass fibers together and is usually hand-woven in Asia. This is why grasscloth wallpaper is more expensive than average wallpapers.
Peel and Stick Removal Wallpaper
Peel and stick removable wallpaper is easy to install. Just peel off the backing, and then hang it wherever you like. Additionally, peel and stick wallpapers are durable and washable and are an excellent option for decorating rental apartment walls.
Flock Wallpaper
Flock wallpaper, also known as embossed wallpaper, is one of the many types of textured paper available. Flock refers to the original material used to make it. Flock is the fuzz left over from the woollen cloth industries and was meant to look like crushed velvet.
List of Materials Needed in Removing Wallpaper
- 5″ rigid putty knife
- Wallpaper removal tool
- Pressure sprayer
- Hot water
- Vinegar
- Fabric conditioner
- Basic Screwdriver
- Safety glasses
- Painter’s drop cloth
- Painter’s tape
- Trash bin
- Wallpaper steamer
Steps to Follow to Effectively Remove Wallpaper
1. Protect floors and electrical outlets
You will need to protect your floors before you start to remove wallpaper from your walls. After all, water will be sprayed onto the walls. You may need to lay down a piece of painter’s drop cloth. Then, secure it to the floor with painter’s tape. The wall will likely have at least one outlet. Cover the outlet with painter’s tape and cover the whole area. After removing most of the wallpaper, you return to the outlet and take out the last pieces under it.
2. Remove wallpaper
There are many types of wallpaper available, from vinyl-coated to bamboo. Most wallpapers have an outer layer of vinyl, paper, textile, bamboo, or paper and an inner layer of adhesive. Start your wallpaper removal journey using a scraper or large, rigid putty knife. Grab the edge of your wallpaper with the scraper and pull it off. You can either peel it down or start to remove it from the wall if you can. You are one of the lucky ones if you can remove wallpaper in sheets.
3. Score the wallpaper
You will need to use hot water to dissolve the adhesive backing and paper. This will allow you to remove wallpaper from most walls. Vinyl papers such as those used in kitchens and bathrooms are less soluble than others. In addition, it is a good idea to buy an affordable wallpaper removal tool. The tool will perforate the wallpaper’s outer layer, allowing the hot water to penetrate the adhesive and loosen the glue. You should use the removal scoring tool to score the entire wall. It would be best if you did not use too much pressure as the removal scoring tool could puncture the paper and the plaster.
4. Hot Water Solution
After running your scoring tool across the wall, you can apply the hot water solution. Two types of homemade wallpaper mix work best.
- Mix 1: 1/4 fabric softener to 3/4 warm water
- Mix 2: 1/3 household vinegar to 1/3 hot water
One may work better for your wallpaper than another. The most essential ingredient is hot water.
Use hot water to mix with either products in a household sprayer. Now you can cover your electrical outlets and floors with a protective covering before you start to spray the walls. Put on safety glasses to protect your eyes before you start.
5. Spray the solution and scrape off the wallpaper
Apply the hot water solution to four feet of wall using your pressure sprayer. Allow the solution to work for two to three hours. Next, take your scraper and pull a corner of the wallpaper off the wall. Take the wallpaper and tear it into sheets. Make sure to work the entire surface when it is still wet. Repeat the process until the majority of the paper has been removed. Spray the wallpaper, wait and then scrape off any remaining wallpaper.
6. Use Wallpaper Steamer
Steam-stripping is the last option for removing wallpaper. This job can be strenuous because you have to steam and strip simultaneously. It would be best to ask someone to help you.
A steamer can be used to remove wallpaper from walls. It uses boiling water to dissolve the glue between wallpaper and wall. These are the basic steps:
- You must ensure that the power is off.
- You should add warm water to the reservoir.
- Turn on the machine, and then wait for the water to boil.
- Put gloves and goggles on and place the steam pad on the wallpaper for approximately 30 seconds. You should be able to see the paper loosening as you move the pad. Use a scraper to remove the paper.
7. Discard any remaining adhesive
After you have removed all the wallpaper, some adhesive may remain on the walls. You can remove it by re-applying the hot water solution to the walls and using a scraper. Spray a 4-foot-long section of painter’s tape on the outlet. Then, use the scraper to remove any glue remaining. Wipe the wall with a clean, damp rag.
If Wall Paper Removal Becomes Challenging for You, Let Jeff Schultz Painting Do the Job for You.
It would be a great idea to remove old wallpapers to give room for a new one. To spruce up your home’s interiors effectively, you can seek the services of house painters in Sarasota, FL, to help give your home the makeover it deserves.
