How To Take Wallpaper Off The Wall

How to Remove Wallpaper HGTV from www.hgtv.com

Removing wallpaper can be a daunting task, especially if it has been on the wall for a long time. I recently had to take down some old wallpaper in my house and learned a few things along the way. Here’s a step by step guide on how to take wallpaper off the wall and some tips and ideas to make the process easier.

Step by Step Guide

Step 1: Gather Supplies

You will need a few supplies before you begin. These include:

Wallpaper stripper solution
Scoring tool
Scraper
Sponge or cloth
Bucket

Step 2: Prepare the Room

Remove any furniture or items from the room and cover the floor with a drop cloth or plastic sheeting to protect it from any wallpaper stripper solution that may drip.

Step 3: Score the Wallpaper

Use a scoring tool to create small holes in the wallpaper. This will allow the wallpaper stripper solution to penetrate through the wallpaper and loosen the adhesive.

Step 4: Apply Wallpaper Stripper Solution

Follow the instructions on the wallpaper stripper solution and mix it with hot water in a bucket. Apply the solution to the wallpaper with a sponge or cloth. Make sure to saturate the wallpaper and let it sit for the specified amount of time.

Step 5: Scrape the Wallpaper

Use a scraper to gently remove the wallpaper. Start at the top or bottom of the wall and work your way across. Be careful not to damage the wall underneath the wallpaper.

Step 6: Clean the Wall

Use a sponge or cloth to clean any remaining wallpaper residue off the wall. Rinse the wall with clean water and let it dry completely before painting or applying new wallpaper.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

Use a wallpaper steamer to make the process easier.
Add fabric softener to the wallpaper stripper solution for an extra boost.
Work in small sections to prevent the wallpaper stripper solution from drying out.
Remove any outlet covers or light switch covers before starting.
Use a plastic scraper to prevent damage to the wall.
Wear gloves to protect your hands from the wallpaper stripper solution.
Use a fan or open windows to help with ventilation.
Use a wallpaper scoring tool with multiple blades for faster results.
Apply the wallpaper stripper solution with a garden sprayer for even coverage.
Use a wallpaper removal gel for stubborn wallpaper.

Pros and Cons

There are pros and cons to removing wallpaper. Here are a few to consider:

Pros:

Allows for a fresh start with new wallpaper or paint.
Removes any outdated or damaged wallpaper.
Increases the value of the home.

Cons:

Can be time-consuming and messy.
May damage the wall underneath the wallpaper.
May require professional help for large or difficult areas.

Personal Review

Removing wallpaper was definitely a challenge, but I am glad I did it. The room looks much better with the old wallpaper removed and a fresh coat of paint. I found that using a wallpaper steamer made the process much easier and faster. It took a few days to complete the entire room, but the end result was worth it. I would definitely recommend removing old wallpaper and starting fresh.