Resource Guide

5 Savvy Tricks to Remove Wallpaper Without Damaging the Wall

Resident Contributor

We all love updating the aesthetics of our homes over time. When renovating, removing the wallpaper is the first thing that comes to mind. Yet, most homeowners hesitate to do so, fearing they will damage the drywall. If not adequately removed, the underlying walls may get damaged with gouges and tears and require fixing. Fortunately, there are ways to remove wallpapers easily and efficiently. Below, we have listed the perfect tips to make wallpaper removal easy.

Initial Steps to Follow

Clean and Prepare the Room

Before soaking the peel and stick wallpaper, safely remove the items from the walls and move the furniture to the centre or outside the room. Cover the remaining furniture and floors with cloths to protect them from damage.

Know the Composition

No matter what type of wallpaper you are dealing with, figure out the composition. Wallpaper borders generally are of four types:

➔    Solid vinyl

➔    Solid Paper

➔    Fabric backing with a vinyl coating

➔    Paper backing with a vinyl coating

Each type is installed with a strong adhesive. So, reduce the adhesive bond between the wall and the wallpaper before removing. Once it loosens, peel away the wallpaper border.

Determine the Wall Type

Before peeling, carefully check whether you have drywall or plastic walls. Since oversoaking can damage drywall, be careful while applying the stripping solution.

Cut the Power

Turn off the room's power and cover the electrical outlets and light switches with painter’s tape. You can always add wallpaper to the outlet to blend with the wall decor. However, that step requires careful cutting, trimming, and reattaching the plates to the wall.

Common Wallpaper Removal Methods

Wallpapers are the solution to house decor woes. You can experiment with designs and upgrade whenever you like. Here are the three methods you can use to remove old wallpaper for a new one:

  • The Stripping Solution Method: Score the paper multiple times and apply a stripping solution like warm water, a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water, liquid fabric softener with water, or a commercial wallpaper stripper using a paint scraper to peel off the soaked wallpaper borders.

  • The Steam Method: Soak the wallpaper with a steamer and apply heat simultaneously to peel off the border gradually.

  • The Hairdryer Method: Heat the wallpaper with a hair dryer to melt the adhesive. Then, peel off the wallpaper by hand or with a paint scraper.

How to Remove Peel-and-Stick Wallpapers Without a Mess

From bold design ideas to subtle, eye-catching patterns, wallpapers can create a striking visual appearance while maintaining a harmonious overall look. However, removing old wallpaper can be a struggle if not done right. Check out our five expert suggestions to simplify the process and ensure optimum results.

1. Gather Your Tools

Although peel-and-stick wallpapers don’t require many tools, keep the following tools handy before getting started.

➔    Spirit level

➔    Tape measure

➔    Plastic smoothing tool

➔    Cutter knife

➔    Pencil

➔    Metal ruler

➔    Ladder

➔    Sponge or cloth

➔    Warm water or stripping solution

➔    Scoring tool

➔    Rags

➔    Spray bottle

➔    Wallpaper stripper

2. Prepare the Solution

If you have a wallpaper stripper, combine it with warm water following the manufacturer’s guidelines. Make your own if you don’t have a commercial wallpaper stripping solution at home. For example, mix fabric softener with water or apple cider vinegar with hot water to create a strong stripping solution.

3. Apply Solution and Scrape Off

Pour the solution into a spray bottle and apply it to a small section. Let it sit and absorb for a few minutes. Then, use a putty knife or commercial scraping tools to peel off the wallpaper and make way up the wall. Simultaneously, use a hair dryer to apply heat to melt the adhesive and peel off the wallpaper faster.

4. Scoring Expedites the Process

Scraping becomes difficult if the wallpaper doesn’t absorb the solution. Consider scoring the walls using a scoring tool before applying the stripping solution. The more you score, the more the solution soaks in, making peeling the backing less of a headache.

5. Clean the Wall

Inspect the wall for adhesive residue. Clean it with hot water and a scouring pad and let it dry.

Conclusion

Wallpaper adds depth and texture and creates a focal point to enhance the aesthetics. However, the challenge lies in removing it. From warm water to steam and heat, there are multiple ways to remove dated wallpapers for a fresher look. Are you ready to ditch the worn-out floral wallpaper? Use the suggested tips to remove wallpaper and lingering adhesive painlessly.

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