3 Quick and Easy Ways to Remove Wallpaper

You can bring life back into your interior by replacing your old and outdated wallpaper with bold new designs. For best results, you’ll need to completely remove your current wallpaper first. Follow our advice to make the process as quick and easy as possible. Handyman Connection® of Mason explains more:

Try Tearing Your Old Wallpaper Off

You can easily remove many wallpapers by stripping them off the wall, but there’s a way to do this cleanly. Use a utility knife to pull off a seam edge and then pull down at an angle, keeping both your hands close to the edge. If you are lucky, then the wallpaper will come off cleanly and peel off in a long sheet with no adhesive residue. Simply remove the rest of the wallpaper this way.

Soften the Adhesive Paste

Some wallpapers have adhesive paste that’s too strong, so you can’t strip them off the wall. To soften the paste, soak the wallpaper in a solution of warm water, liquid detergent and cellulose paste. Leave the solution on for five minutes. Next, use a scraper to lift the wallpaper off. For washable or wipeable wallpapers, use a fork or a serrated scraper to score them before applying the solution. Doing this will allow the solution to penetrate the wallpaper’s surface.

Use a Chemical Stripper on the Wallpaper

The solution outlined above may not work for wallpaper that was once covered with paint. Fortunately, you can use a chemical stripper instead. You should wear protective gear like goggles and gloves before performing this task. As an alternative to chemical strippers, you can also use fabric softener. Mix a capful of softener with one liter of water and apply it to your wallpaper. Let the wallpaper soak for at least 20 minutes and then scrape it off the wall. For wallpapers with a water-resistant coating, use a wire-bristle brush to score it first.

Once you’ve removed your old wallpaper, make sure your walls are as clean and smooth as possible before applying your new wallpaper. Handyman Connection of Mason can help you if you need more advice or if you need assistance with this project. We are an expert in a wide range of home maintenance and remodeling tasks. Call us at (513) 282-3032 to learn more about our services, or use this form to request an estimate.