
How To Remove Old Wallpaper Without Damage
Do you need to remove old wallpaper from your walls but are worried about damaging them in the process? Wallpaper removal is a common task during home renovations, but it can be intimidating if you’re not sure how to do it properly. Luckily, with the right tools and techniques, you can safely remove old room wallpaper design without causing any damage to your walls.
Gather the necessary tools:
Before you start, ensure you have all the necessary tools on hand. You will need a wallpaper scraper or putty knife, a sponge or cloth, a bucket, a wallpaper remover solution (or a DIY mixture of water and vinegar), and possibly a steamer. These tools will help you peel off the wallpaper and handle any adhesive left behind.
Prepare the room:
Start by removing furniture or covering it with a drop cloth to protect it from water and debris. Use painter’s tape to secure plastic sheeting around light switches, outlets, and trim to prevent water from getting into these areas. Open windows or turn on a fan to improve ventilation, especially if you’re using a wallpaper remover solution or steam.
Test the wallpaper:
Before diving in, test a small section of the wallpaper to determine whether it’s peelable or requires more effort to remove. Peelable wallpapers often come off in large sections, while others may need a bit of moisture or heat to loosen the adhesive. Understanding your wallpaper type will help you select the most effective removal method.
Apply water or wallpaper remover solution:
For wallpapers that are difficult to remove, you can soften the adhesive by applying a water or wallpaper remover solution. Mix equal parts of water and vinegar or use a store-bought wallpaper stripper. Soak the wall thoroughly with a sponge or spray bottle, then let it sit for 15-20 minutes. The solution will break down the adhesive, making the wallpaper easier to peel off.
Scrape off the wallpaper:
Once the wallpaper has softened, use a wallpaper scraper or putty knife to gently lift the wallpaper from the wall. Start at the edges and work your way toward the centre. Be careful not to gouge the wall surface as you scrape. If some wallpaper doesn’t come off easily, apply more solution and wait a few more minutes before trying again.
Clean the wall:
After removing the wallpaper, you may find some residual adhesive on the wall. Use a sponge and the same water or wallpaper remover solution to scrub away any remaining glue. Once the wall is clean, allow it to dry completely before prepping for your new room wallpaper design.