Wallpaper removal may appear to be a very difficult task, particularly when it has been there on the walls over decades. Although there are DIY ways to do it, there are professionals who have a specific technique, the necessary tools, and special solutions that help to work with the job efficiently and do not harm the walls. In this article we shall discuss the ways professionals strip the wallpaper as well as provide tips to the homeowners who may wish to know how the professionals do it.
Understanding the Challenge
The walls have layers of wallpaper, adhesive and in some cases paint. Removal of wallpaper wrongly may cause harm to drywall, plaster or other walls resulting in expensive repairs.
The problems that professionals may encounter include:
Multiple Layers: Homes that are older are frequently lined with more than one layer of wallpaper.
Stubborn Adhesives: There are adhesives that attach well to the walls and only special solutions can be used.
Wall Damage: Wallpaper should be removed carefully not to gouge, tear, or fall off plaster.
Due to these difficulties, specialists apply the systematic approach and the appropriate tools in order to make the process simpler and safer.
Step 1: Preparing the Room
The most important thing in wallpaper removal is preparation. The professionals begin by ensuring that the room is in place of work.
Clear the Space
- Clear the room and pile up furniture in the middle.
- Lay drop cloths or plastic covers over floors to keep them dry of water, chemicals and debris.
- Eliminate electrical outlet covers, light switch plates and all wall-mounted decorations.
Gather the Right Tools
It is common to use the following tools by professionals:
- Wallpaper scoring tools
- Putty knives or scrapers
- Spray containers or wallpaper steamers
- Sponge or cloth for cleanup
- Wallpaper remover, commercial.
When everything is prepared in advance, the process will be faster and more efficient.
Step 2: Scoring the Wallpaper
- The majority of wallpapers are heavily glued.
- Professionals may loosen it by means of a scoring tool.
- A marking instrument pokes holes in the wallpaper without breaking the wall underneath.
- The small holes enable moisture or steam to enter the adhesive which enables the wallpaper to be removed easily.
- One should mark with the same score on the wallpaper surface to get the best results.
Step 3: Adding Moisture or Steam
Once scored, moisture or steam is then used by professionals to soften the wallpaper adhesive.
Using Water or Wallpaper Removal Solution
- Combine warm water and a little bit of wallpaper removal solution.
- Use a spray bottle or sponge to apply to the wallpaper in a generous manner.
- Allow to soak for 10-15 minutes so that the adhesive can loosen.
Using a Wallpaper Steamer
- Hot steam is applied to the adhesive through a wallpaper steamer.
- The practitioners roll the steamer very slowly over the wallpaper so that the heat and moisture can loosen the bond.
- Steam is particularly effective with older and resistant layers of wallpaper.
Both methods require patience; rushing this step can damage the wall underneath.
Step 4: Removing the Wallpaper
As soon as the adhesive has been softened, the professionals begin to peel off the wallpaper carefully.
- A putty knife or scraper is used to raise the wallpaper edges.
- Peel the paper softly at a 45-degree angle off the wall.
- Do in little bits so as not to tear the paper or destroy the wall.
In some stubborn spots, the professionals can repeat the use of steam or solution and leave it a few more minutes before scraping.
Step 5: Cleaning Residual Adhesive
Adhesive may be left on the wall even after the removal of the wallpaper. The professionals never leave it dirty before they paint or add a new piece of wallpaper.
- Scrub the remaining glue using warm water and a sponge.
- In more stubborn materials, commercial adhesive removers may come in handy.
- Ensure that the walls are thoroughly dry before commencing the painting or the installation of new wallpapers.
Cleaning will help to avoid peeling or irregular surfaces in the future.
Step 6: Repairing the Wall
Walls could have small holes, scratches or uneven surfaces after the removal of wallpaper.
Professionals make time to:
- Pat holes or dents with spackle or joint compound.
- Sand the surface smooth.
- Prepare the wall in case a new wallpaper/paint is required.
This is done in order to provide a clean professional look.
Tips Professionals Follow for Efficiency
Wallpaper removal is a professional activity that is more of a technique than a tool.
Some of their most important tips are:
Sections: It is not necessary to work on the entire wall and risks of damaging the wall are decreased.
Be Patient: Hurrying the process may result in ripped wallpaper, and broken walls.
Apply the Right Tools: Specialty scrapers, steamers and solutions are a big difference.
Test in a Hidden Place: This helps to find out the easiness of the wallpaper removal and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Safety First: The professionals put on gloves and goggles occasionally when working with chemical solutions or steamers.
When to Call a Professional
While DIY wallpaper removal is possible, there are situations where hiring a professional is the safer and faster choice:
- The wallpaper is either old, thick or layered.
- Walls are sensitive like plaster and textured surfaces.
- It has huge portions of sticky paste that are hard to peel off.
- People who have houses do not want to waste their time and get frustrated.
Professionals will be able to finish a room within hours, and DIY efforts will take days.
