The wallpaper that now haunts your master bath was all the rage two decades ago. Today, though, it must be removed. Fortunately, we have some pointers that will make removing wallpaper a breeze with minimal work.
Materials Needed
- 5” rigid putty knife
- wallpaper scoring tool
- pressure sprayer
- hot water from the tap or electric kettle
- vinegar
- fabric softener
- screwdriver
- safety glasses
- painter’s plastic tarp
- painter’s tape
- garbage can with can liner
Protect the floors and electrical outlets in the first step.
Because you’ll be spraying water onto the walls, you’ll want to cover your floors before you start removing wallpaper. Lay down a plastic painter’s tarp; you may wish to use painter’s tape to tie the tarp to the floor. Leave the outlet cover on and tape the entire area using painter’s tape if your wall has at least one electrical outlet. Return to the outlet and remove the final bits under the outlet cover once the majority of the wallpaper has been removed.
Step 2: Remove the Wallpaper
Wallpaper comes in a variety of styles, from vinyl-coated to bamboo. There will be an outside layer (vinyl, textile, bamboo, or paper) and an adhesive interior layer for the majority of them (generally paper). Start by removing the wallpaper with a broad, hard putty knife or scraper. Simply select a wallpaper edge and pry it up with the scraper. Peel the wallpaper off the wall or start scraping it off if you can. You’re one of the lucky ones if your wallpaper comes off in sheets.
Step 3: Select a Background
In order to reactivate the adhesive and allow the paper to come off the wall, you’ll need to apply a hot water solution to the paper and adhesive backing for the majority of wallpaper removal operations. Some wallpapers are more water-soluble than others, and some vinyl papers, such as those used in bathrooms and kitchens, may even repel water. It’s a good idea to invest in a low-cost wallpaper scoring tool regardless of the type you have. This tool will perforate the outer layer of wallpaper somewhat, allowing the hot water solution to enter the glue and remove its grip on the wall. Run the scoring tool over the whole surface of the wall with light pressure. Don’t use too much pressure on the scoring tool since it may pierce the paper and penetrate the sheetrock or plaster, requiring additional work to putty the wall once the paper has been removed.
Step 4: Combine the hot water solution with the other ingredients.
You’re ready to apply your hot water solution after you’ve run the scoring tool over the entire wall. There are two sorts of effective homemade wallpaper removal solutions:
- First, add 1/4 cup fabric softener to 3/4 cup boiling water.
- Solution #2: 2/3 hot water, 1/3 household vinegar
You might find that one of them is better for your background than the other. The most critical ingredient is hot water.
In a domestic pressure sprayer, combine hot water from your tap or kettle with either product. You’re ready to wet the walls now that you’ve covered and protected your floors and electrical outlets. Put on safety goggles to protect your eyes before you begin. Place huge pieces of wallpaper immediately into a pile of large rubbish can if you have one nearby. This will save time in the long run when it comes to cleanup. Several little fragments will fall to the ground. These will be caught by your plastic painter’s tarp, making cleanup much easier.
Step 5: Use the solution to remove the wallpaper and scrape it off.
Apply the hot water solution to a four-foot-wide part of the wall using your pressure sprayer. Allow the solution to work its magic for two to three minutes. Then pry a corner of the wet wallpaper and backing off the wall with your stiff scraper. Remove the wallpaper in sheets and dispose of the large pieces in the garbage can. While the surface is still wet, work it all over. Some wallpaper or backing may have dried out and become more difficult to remove. Ignore the dried wallpaper and concentrate on the pieces that are still wet. Repeat the process once the majority of the wet paper has been removed. Spray the remaining wallpaper, wait, and scrape it away.
Don’t forget about the power outlets. To protect yourself against electrical shock, turn off the electricity to the outlet at the breaker box. Remove the painter’s tape from the outlet and the cover with a screwdriver. Scrape the wallpaper away from the outlet with your scraper. Wet the area with a rag soaked in the hot water solution if necessary, wait a few minutes, then scrape the wallpaper off.
Step 6: Get Rid of Any Adhesive That’s Left
You could see some adhesive on the walls after you’ve removed all of the wallpaper. Remove it by passing over the walls with the hot water solution and scraper one more time. Cover the electrical outlet with painter’s tape, spray a four-foot-wide piece of the wall, then scrape away the last remnants of adhesive with the scraper. Wipe the wall down with a clean, moist rag as you go.
You’ve completed the task! The old has to go, and the new has to come in. To prepare your wall for a fresh coat of paint, use an oil-based primer.
What do you think?