Removing wallpaper can get quite messy and can be a considerably tedious job, but with the proper approach and care, you can get rid of old and ugly wallpapers, and give your walls a fresh new look. Plus, you can save some money if you do it yourself instead of paying a professional wallpaper remover.
Removing Strippable wall paper
Some wallpaper can be stripped, which makes the task much easier. To find out if this is the case, simply pry the wallpaper up in an inconspicuous corner at the top of a wall with the tip of a knife. Hold the corner and lightly pull it down the surface of the wall, do not tear it. If you apply a moderate pressure and wallpaper is strippable, it should peel off the wall quite easily. If this is not the case, you might need to use other techniques for removing wallpaper.
Try to use steam method. Move slowly and work on small areas at a time. Steam the wallpaper and use a scraper to get the wallpaper off the wall.
Removing Non-Strippable wallpaper
Chemical wallpaper remover is a great help for non-strippable wallpaper. Always carefully read and follow the instructions on the label of such a chemical. Make solution mix. Using a paint roller, sponge or large paint brush apply the solution on the wallpaper area as big as you think you can strip in 15 minutes. Allow solution to soak into the wallpaper and then start peeling. Use scraper knife if needed. If there is more than one layer of wallpaper, only peel off one at a time. After you peeled the wallpaper off the wall and there is still some glue remaining on the wall, use more solution to wash down the walls, but be careful and do not over damp the walls. Allow walls to dry completely. Instead of chemical solution, you can try to use vinegar. It’s less toxic and works as well as commercial solutions.
Wallpaper removal sheets can be used to remove the paper from the wall as well. Read the instructions on a package carefully. Removal sheets are strips of cloth that stick to wallpaper that has been usually sprayed with hot water or other solutions according to the instructions. The strips should be attached to the wall for about 20 minutes before you peel the wallpaper off.
Removing Non-Strippable wallpapers with protective layer
Some wallpaper has a protective layer on top designed to repel water. Before you use steamer or chemical solution you will have to score the top layer using a paper scorer or a suitable knife. It might be a time consuming process.
After you are done with removing the wallpaper, you need to wash the walls thoroughly. Mix heavy detergent and water and scrub the remaining glue off the walls. This is an important step especially if you are planning on painting the wall. Paint will for sure not adhere to glue left on the walls.
Warning:
Remember not to use steam or soaking method on drywalls. The moisture can considerably soften the walls kraft surface and gypsum core. Only dry stripping method can be applied. Also when you peel the paper off using steam or soaking method, be careful and do not damage the wall that has been softened by the moisture.
