The process of removing wallpaper on the drywall may be a difficult one and you can make the job much easier with the right tools and techniques. You may be redesigning your house or just getting the walls ready to paint but knowing how to effectively strip the wallpaper off will save you the trouble of damaging the underlying dry wall. This guide will take you through what you need to do to safely and effectively remove wallpaper off drywall.
Why Remove Wallpaper?
Wallpaper removal can be necessary for several reasons. You may wish to change the appearance of the room, fix the damaged walls, or simply remove a worn-out wallpaper that is peeling off. Whatever the cause, the wallpaper can be removed to make a room look different and settle it up to new decor. Nevertheless, one should do it properly not to destroy the underlying drywall.
Step 1: Prepare the Room
Preparation of the room is a prerequisite before you begin the process of removing the wallpaper. This is necessary to cover your furniture, floor and other properties against dust, water and any other damage that may occur in the process of removing them.
How to Prepare:
Free the area: Take out all the furniture out of the room, or wrap it using plastic sheets to protect it against water and debris.
Protect the floor: Drop cloths or plastic sheeting on the floor to save it against the water and wallpaper scraps.
Protect the electrical outlets: Cover electrical outlets and light switches with painter tape or plastic so they do not get wet during the process.
Prepare the tools: You should have all the tools ready before you get down to work.
Step 2: Gather the Necessary Tools
The right tools may facilitate the removal of wallpaper and make it more efficient.
Here are the Tools You’ll Need:
- Drop cloths or plastic sheeting
- Utility knife or wallpaper scraper
- Steamer (optional, but helpful)
- Wallpaper adhesive remover or vinegar solution
- Sponge and bucket of warm water
- Painter’s tape
- Ladder (if needed)
- Rubber gloves
- Dish soap
Step 3: Remove the Top Layer of Wallpaper
The majority of wallpaper consists of a top decorative layer which is easy to remove. This comes first in the process of removing the wallpaper.
How to Remove the Top Layer:
Locate a starting place: Cut an edge or a corner of the wallpaper with your utility knife to make an opening. Should the wallpaper be loose anywhere you may begin there.
Remove the wallpaper: When you have started, attempt to peel the top layer by pulling it back. Hands or a wallpaper scraper will assist in this.
Do it in parts: Remove as much of the top layer as possible in small manageable parts. When the wallpaper is not coming off easily, apply a wallpaper adhesive remover and soften it.
Step 4: Remove the Adhesive Backing
Once you have removed the top decorative layer, you will probably have the adhesive backing attached to the drywall. This is usually the hardest part of removing a wallpaper; however, it can be done with patience and the proper tools.
How to Remove the Adhesive:
Wet the glue: Place warm water or a vinegar solution in a sponge and wet the glue. You can also use a commercial wallpaper remover. Keep the solution and allow 15-20 minutes so that the adhesive will loosen.
Remove adhesive: When it is soaked, scrape at the adhesive using a wallpaper scraper or utility knife to remove it off the drywall. Be careful not to gouge the drywall beneath.
Repeat until necessary: In case the adhesive does not come off easily, add more solution, and wait longer before scraping again.
Step 5: Use a Steamer (Optional)
In case the wallpaper and glue are giving you a hard time to remove them, you might consider using a wallpaper steamer. The wallpaper and the adhesive can be made soft using a steamer hence easy to remove.
How to Use a Steamer:
Prepare the steamer: Prepare the steamer you are using according to the instructions of the manufacturer of the wallpaper steamer. Make sure it’s filled with water and properly heated.
Steam a part of the wall: Place the steamer on a small area of the wallpaper and keep it there between 15 and 30 seconds. The heat will loosen the adhesive.
Scrape the wallpaper: When the area is steamed, a wallpaper scraper can be used to take off the wallpaper and the adhesive.
Go to the second part: Steam and scrape off the wallpaper in little areas at a time until the wallpaper is removed the entire wall.
Step 6: Clean the Wall
Even after all the wallpaper and the adhesive has been removed, a bit of residue might be left. Before you proceed to paint or new wallpaper, you should clean the walls properly.
How to Clean the Wall:
Clean the wall: Clean the wall with a sponge and warm water adding a small amount of dish soap. This will remove any remaining adhesive or dust.
Rinse with water: Wash the wall and then clean it with clean water to wash out the soap.
Drying the wall: Once the wall is dry, any repair or painting can be done.
Step 7: Repair Any Damage
Removal of the wallpaper may in some cases leave small tears or gouges in the drywall. You will first need to do any repairs before painting or putting on new wallpaper.
How to Repair the Drywall:
Fill holes and gouges: Fill any holes or gouges in the drywall with joint compound.
Smooth the surface: When the joint compound has dried, a drywall sander is used to smooth the surface. Be sure to remove any dust from sanding.
Prepare the wall: Before painting, put a coat of primer on the wall. This will guarantee that the paint sticks to the surface.
Step 8: Final Touches
When the wall is clean and repaired then you can start painting or re-wallpapering.
How to Finish:
Prime the surface: Apply a coat of primer to the cleaned drywall.
Paint the wall: After the primer dries, apply your choice of paint color.
Apply new wallpaper: If you prefer wallpaper, apply the new wallpaper according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
