Our customers often ask us how to remove wallpaper from their homes. While we are happy to provide a free quote for us to remove them, this is often something you can do yourself.

Before you get to work removing wallpaper, it is important to prepare the area to control the mess.

Follow these key steps:

Step 1 – Remove all items from the walls

Step 2 – Move all furniture and other objects to the center of the room.

Step 3 – Cover anything left in the room (even in the center) with plastic sheeting or drop cloths.

Step 4 – Place old towels along the baseboards to collect any moisture that might drip down. Tape plastic sheeting or drop cloths to the baseboards to collect debris.

Step 5 – Cover any electrical outlets with painter’s tape. You can come back and remove the wallpaper from the outlet cover later. Turn off electric to the room.

Now you are ready to start removing wallpaper.

Step 1 – Score the wallpaper

Most wallpaper removal project require the use of a hot water solution to reactivate the adhesive. This allows for much easier removal of the wallpaper. To help the hot water solution penetrate the wallpaper and reach the adhesive, it helps to start with a scoring tool to slightly perforate the wallpaper. Use light pressure to run the scoring tool over the wall.

Step 2 – Create stripping solution

To create your stripping solution, in a spray bottle, fill 1/3 full with vinegar and 2/3 full with hot water.

Step 3 – Spray area with solution

Begin spraying a defined area with the hot water solution. You want to work in sections to ensure the paper does not dry before you get to it. Start at the top of your section and work your way down. Let the solution sit for a few minutes to allow the solution to penetrate.

Step 4 – Pry the wallpaper off the wall

Start at the top, use a scraper to pry a corner of the wet wallpaper and backing off of the wall. Pull the wallpaper off in sheets, as best you can. If some wallpaper has dried or is difficult to remove, spray with more solution and allow the solution to soak. Be careful not to pull too hard at the wallpaper. You want to avoid damaging the drywall as much as possible. Wipe with a wet rag as you go. Repeat this process throughout the room. Allow a full day for removing paper from an average-sized room.

Your walls are now ready for paint. Be sure to prime your walls before applying paint. Click here to learn more about interior painting.

If this sounds like more work than you want to tackle yourself, we’re here to help. You can book your free estimate online or call us at 720-445-9856.