As a provider of handyman services in North Chelmsford and the surrounding area, we do a lot of wall repair, maintenance, and related home improvements. Often, we have to remove wallpaper to access the wall behind it or because the homeowner wants to get rid of it. Stripping wallpaper is nobody’s favorite task, but the process is much easier if you know the methods that work, and more importantly, which methods are quick and easy.
Whether you’re looking for DIY tips or just want to know how to remove paper before starting a wall repair, here are our top three easy wallpaper removal techniques.
Use a Steamer
A wallpaper steamer is more heavy-duty than one designed for clothes, but it works in the same way. The nozzle is also plate-shaped, allowing it to spread the steam evenly over the wall surface. If you’re using a steamer, fill the reservoir with distilled water and then turn it on and wait for it to reach full steam. When it’s ready, place the plate on a section of wallpaper and hold the trigger for 15 to 20 seconds. Remove the steamer and immediately peel that section off with a putty knife. Continue section by section until you have removed all the wallpaper. If an area is being particularly stubborn, try scoring the wallpaper before steaming. After removing the wallpaper, steam the wall again to make it easier to scrape off the wallpaper glue.
Water Down Vinegar or Fabric Softener
If you don’t want to acquire a tool that you only need for one project, you can use a liquid solution to separate the wallpaper from the wall. A solution of one part water and one part white vinegar or three parts water and one part fabric softener will both work. Mix your solution in a spray bottle and then generously spray it on a section of wallpaper. The soaked wallpaper will separate from the wall, and you can use a putty knife to peel it away.
Apply Liquid Stripper or Gel Remover
Liquid and gel strippers work in the same way, but their timing differs slightly, and they are more effective on specific types of wallpaper. For vinyl wallpaper (usually in bathrooms), use a liquid stripper. Score the wallpaper first, and then spray or sponge the liquid stripper over a section of wallpaper. Let it soak in for about five minutes, and be sure to catch any drips before they reach the baseboards or floor. Gently remove the wallpaper with a putty knife.
Gel strippers take longer to work, but the process is the same. Apply the gel stripper to the wallpaper and let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes, but don’t let it dry. Peel away the wallpaper and continue to work the wall in sections.
