How to Remove Wallpaper

After paint, wallpaper is the most popular interior wall covering. Depending on the type of wallpaper purchased, wallpaper can be far more durable than paint. However, preparing the wall for wallpaper can be a difficult job. You must be sure to remove all old wallpaper and any other item that might prevent it from adhering to the wall.

Before beginning to prepare the walls, take the time to remove any faceplates or light fixtures. Take care to preserve the hardware to reinstall these items after you have hung your new wallpaper. Label the things that you remove with their appropriate location in the room to jog your memory for reinstallation.

If your walls already have wallpaper on them, you must remove it. Some people try to apply new wallpaper over old wallpaper, but this technique shortens the lifespan of the new wallpaper. Take the time to carefully remove the old wallpaper. Some wallpaper with weak adhesive may be able to be carefully stripped off by pulling at a corner or other seam.

If the wallpaper is not easily removed, you should rent a steamer. Steaming wallpaper is the same conceptually as steaming open a letter with an iron or teakettle. You will need a lot of steam, but the wallpaper should easily scrape off once it has been prepared. A steamer can be rented at most home improvement stores. Be sure to follow any safety precautions recommended by the company while using the steamer.

Some people use very hot water in a spray bottle in place of a steamer. This technique is often more messy than effective, and can over moisten the material beneath the wallpaper. For this reason, this method of removing wallpaper is not recommended.

It is best when removing wallpaper to work methodically around the room. Lightly sand the wallpaper or score it with a utility knife. This will help the steam permeate the wallpaper. When you begin steaming, work in small sections, waiting a few minutes for the steam to loosen the wallpaper. Then use a broad knife to scrape it off.