Are you thinking of, or about to start removing old wallpaper from your home? Well, you’re probably already dreading the task, especially because it’s not an easy one and requires a bit of work, time, and patience – even with a steamer! But with the right tools, preparation, and a few tips from us it can be done quickly and easily without one. So let’s get started!
First, you need to get the room ready. It’s much easier to work in an empty room than trying to work around your household items. So remove all furniture, curtains, and any other items that can be taken out of the room. Cover the floor with a drop cloth in the area you will be working to aid in the cleanup later. The cloth ones are a lot easier than those cheap, thin plastic sheets that are super easy to slip over on!
Next up is to gather all the necessary tools to make the task as quick and easy as possible. You will need the following:
- Gloves and a Face Mask
- Goggles (optional)
- Perforator Tool
- Bucket with Handle
- A Couple of Sponges (car washing sponges are great for this)
- Glue Dissolving Agent / Sealant Remover or White Vinegar
- Warm Water
- Blunt Scraper
- Sharp Scraper
- Step Ladders
- Drinks & Snacks (for refreshments)
All the above can easily be found at all good branded hardware stores and supermarkets.
Make sure that you wear your goggles and mask whenever you’re working. You don’t want to get in your eyes or inhale any dust, debris, or tiny pieces of paper or old glue.
The perforator is the next important tool to use. It is essential in creating tiny holes in the wallpaper that will allow the solution to penetrate through the glue. Roll it around the wall with slight pressure to make little divots on the paper. Be cautious not to press too hard as you don’t want to create dents on the wall itself.
You can use commercial products such as a glue-dissolving agent/sealant remover, or if you want to go for a more natural approach, we’ve found that warm water and vinegar work just as well. Mix 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water in a bucket, and you’re good to go. If the glue is too stubborn, add more vinegar to the mixture. Alternatively, make up the solution for your chosen sealant remover.
Now it’s time to soak the walls. Start with a small spot and wet it thoroughly with the sponge and solution. Don’t be shy about wetting the wall because the solution needs to penetrate through the paper and loosen the glue. You may have to repeat this step depending on how tough the wallpaper is.
Once the paper is wet, use a blunt scraper or even a putty knife to remove the paper. Use slow and even strokes to avoid damaging the wall underneath. If the paper is loose enough, it will come off the wall with ease. But if not, wet it again and scrape away. If you’re still having trouble, switch to the sharp scraper, but be extra cautious not to nick or gouge the wall.
After removing all the paper, you may need to repeat the process to remove any remaining layers or glue. It’s crucial to remove all the way down to the plaster or drywall. Then, fill any nicks or holes with spackle, clean up the mess and paint to your preference.
Remember, the process of removing old wallpaper is time-consuming but can be done easily with the right tools and techniques. The tips shared here will help you remove the old wallpaper easily and effectively. Go ahead and give it a try, and congratulate yourself on a job well done!
