If you have an older home that features wallpaper, you may decide you want a fresh painted look instead. But that means you have to scrape off all that paper to prep the wall and then paint it. This is a time-consuming process that you probably aren’t looking forward to. It’s always best to hire a South Shore painter skilled in wallpaper removal, but if you decide to DIY the project, here are some tips.
Gather Your Supplies
You will need:
- 5-inch rigid putty knife
- Scoring tool
- Pressure sprayer
- Fabric softener
- Hot water
- Vinegar
- Safety glasses
- Screwdriver
- Plastic tarp
- Painter’s tape
- Trash can
Start the Wallpaper Removal Process
Now that you have all the right supplies, it’s time to get to work.
1. Protect Flooring and Electrical Outlets
Lay the tarp down on the floor to protect it before beginning. Use painter’s tape to secure it. Protect your electrical outlet with painter’s tape as well. Turn off the power to each outlet to avoid shock when spraying the water solution.
2. Scrape the Wallpaper
Most wallpaper types have an outer layer consisting of vinyl, textile, paper or bamboo, as well as an adhesive inner layer (usually paper). Start at an edge and pry up the paper using a putty knife or scraper. With any luck at all, the paper will come off in sheets rather than tiny pieces.
3. Score the Wallpaper
Apply a hot water solution to the paper so it reactivates the adhesive, making it easier to remove. This doesn’t always work. Vinyl wallpapers, such as those in bathrooms or kitchens, are designed to repel water. This is why you may need to use the scoring tool, which will perforate the outer layer and allow the hot water to loosen the adhesive. Using light pressure, run the scoring tool over the wall, but don’t press too hard. You don’t want to damage the drywall.
4. Mix the Hot Water Solution and Spray
Now you can apply the hot water solution. You can try one of two solutions:
- 1/4 fabric softener to 3/4 hot water
- 1/3 white vinegar to 2/3 hot water
Combine in a household pressure sprayer and don your safety goggles. Spray on the wall slowly and methodically. Let it sit for a couple of minutes, then start peeling. Throw pieces away as you remove them.
5. Remove Remaining Adhesive
Spray the areas with the solution, then scrape at those areas gently. Use a wet rag to wipe down the wall as you work. Be sure to get all bits of adhesive off, or your paint job won’t look right.
Sounds like a lot of work, right? Let a pro do it in a fraction of the time!
For Wallpaper Removal Contact TB Services
Why hassle with scraping wallpaper off your walls when you can let our Braintree painters skilled in wallpaper removal handle it for you? To get a free quote, contact us at 781-901-2294.
