Wallpaper has come a long way since its inception in the 17th century. There are endless design possibilities today, from subtle textures to bold patterns. And while you can use wallpaper to make a statement, you can also use it to create a feeling of warmth and coziness.
In addition, wallpaper is durable and easy to clean, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas like hallways and entryways. Although it’s easy to see the appeal of wallpaper, removing it can be daunting. If you’re planning on giving your walls a makeover, you have come to the right place! This article will provide tips and tricks for removing old wallpaper. Keep reading to learn more!
Gather Your Supplies
Wallpaper removal can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! You can return your walls to their original glory with the right supplies and a little elbow grease. The first thing you’ll need to do is gather your supplies. For this project, you’ll need:
- Clean Spray Bottle Or Household Pressure Sprayer
- Liquid Fabric Softener
- Tarps Or Plastic Sheeting
- Painter’s Tape
- Hot Water
- Rubber Gloves
- Liquid Stripper Concentrate
- Steamer (Optional)
- Putty Knife Or Wallpaper Scraper
- Household Vinegar
- Wallpaper Scoring Tool
- Coarse-Grit Sandpaper (Optional)
Now that you have all your supplies, it’s time to start!
Step 1. Protect the Floor and Woodwork
One of the most important steps in removing wallpaper is protecting the surrounding areas. This includes the floor and the woodwork. Otherwise, you’ll have a big mess to clean up afterward! The best way to do this is to use a drop cloth or old sheets. Spread them out on the floor and tape them up along the baseboard.
This will catch any loose pieces of wallpaper and make cleanup much easier. Another option is to use painter’s plastic. This is a heavy-duty plastic sheeting that’s available at most hardware stores. It’s specifically for protecting surfaces during painting projects, so it’s ideal for wallpaper removal. Just tape it securely, so it doesn’t shift around during the project.
Step 2. Score the Wallpaper
Once you have the floor and woodwork protected, it’s time to score the wallpaper. This will help the stripper solution penetrate the paper and loosen the adhesive. There are a few different ways to score wallpaper. You can use a scoring tool, or you can use a putty knife or razor blade. Just be careful not to damage the wall beneath!
If you’re using a scoring tool, start at one corner of the room and work your way around. Apply moderate pressure as you go. You should see small perforations appearing in the paper. You’ll need to be more careful if you’re using a putty knife or razor blade. Press firmly but gently as you run the blade along the surface of the wallpaper. You don’t want to puncture the wall beneath!
