How to Remove Wallpaper
Instructions on Removing Wallpaper from
Walls
By Mark J. Donovan
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So your
wallpaper is looking a little worn and outdated and you’re thinking about
removing it or replacing it with paint or new wallpaper. Learning about the
various methods of how to remove wallpaper is the easy part. Actually
removing the wallpaper from a wall can sometimes be a challenge.
The first step
in removing wallpaper is to first remove all wall hangings from the walls
and furniture from the room. Wallpaper removal can be a messy job. |
Remove Wallpaper
Next using a
wallpaper scraper or a putty knife attempt to lift a corner of the wallpaper
from the wall. New wallpapers are frequently designed to peel off.
If you have success
lifting a corner with the putty knife, use your hands and gently try to remove
the wallpaper section from the wall by simply peeling it away from it.
If you are unable
to lift a corner or unable to peel the wallpaper away from the wall, or if the
backing remains on the wall, apply water or a liquid wallpaper removal solution
you can obtain from your local wallpaper store. Apply the water or liquid
wallpaper removal solution liberally with a sponge, spray bottle, or paint
roller on the wallpaper and to the point where the wall is saturated.
Note that if the
wallpaper has a plastic or vinyl laminate over it you may need to first lightly
scrape/scratch it to enable the water or removal solution to penetrate into the
backing and glue layers.
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Note that wallpaper work
is messy and dusty. In addition wallpaper removal solutions can have fumes
that may irritate your sinuses and lungs. Make sure you work in a
well-ventilated area and wear proper clothing, including gloves. Also make
sure you wear safety goggles when removing wallpaper. The wallpaper will
absorb the water/liquid and the glue will begin to loosen up. Once this has
occurred again use a wallpaper scraper or putty knife, as well as your hands,
and begin removing the wallpaper. |
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Wallpaper Steamer
Another alternative
for the removal of wallpaper is to rent a wallpaper steamer. A wallpaper steamer
similarly applies water to the wallpaper, however it is extremely hot water.
After steam heating an area of wallpaper use your hands and wallpaper scraper to
remove the wallpaper from the walls. Note that wallpaper steamers are messy and
a little dangerous so definitely try the above-mentioned alternatives prior to
resorting to the wallpaper steamer.
Preparing Walls for new Wallpaper or Paint
After you have
removed all of the wallpaper, wipe the walls down with a warm damp sponge to
remove any glue from the wall. Make sure you frequently rinse out the sponge to
remove as much of the wallpaper glue as possible.
Once the wall has
dried lightly sandpaper the walls to remove any residual glue.
Find a Wallpaper Contractor in Your Area
If you plan to
replace the wallpaper you should be at a point where you can now install it. If,
however, you plan on painting the walls you should first apply one coat of
primer and then lightly sand the primer.
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