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Removing wallpaper can be a tedious task, but it can be made easier with the right tools and techniques. Here are the steps to remove wallpaper:
1. Prepare the room by removing furniture and protecting the floors and trim with plastic sheets or drop cloths.
2. Start by scoring the wallpaper using a scoring tool, which creates small holes in the wallpaper to allow the removal solution to penetrate.
3. Apply a wallpaper removal solution or a mixture of warm water and liquid detergent to the wallpaper. Let it sit for a few minutes to soften the adhesive.
4. Use a putty knife or a wallpaper scraper to gently peel off the wallpaper. Start from a corner and work your way across the wall.
5. For stubborn areas, reapply the removal solution and scrape again until all the wallpaper is removed.
6. Once the wallpaper is removed, clean the walls with warm water and a sponge to remove any remaining adhesive residue.
7. Allow the walls to dry completely before applying a new coat of paint or wallpaper.
By following these steps, you can successfully remove wallpaper and prepare your walls for a fresh new look.
Outdated wallpaper can give any room an old-fashioned, dirty appearance. Some parts may be peeling, fading, or clashing with new furniture and flooring. Removing the old wallpaper to apply a fresh coat of paint or a new, updated layer of wallpaper can make a significant difference in the room’s appearance.
How To Take Off Wallpaper
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Gary Houlder/DigitalVision/GettyImages
However, removing the old wallpaper can be quite cumbersome and may leave behind residue or streaks of paper on the wall. While some methods involve using chemicals, there are various techniques that can eliminate the old wallpaper and make space for something new to enhance the room.
Loosening the Adhesive
Most wallpaper is attached to the wall using an adhesive glue. To soften the adhesive, fill a spray bottle with warm water and dampen the section where you will begin. Use a box cutter to section the wallpaper every 2 to 3 feet. Once it is sectioned off, continue to moisten the wallpaper to loosen the glue from the wall.
Another method to loosen the wallpaper is by using a commercial steamer. The heat and water will help dissolve the adhesive, especially if the wallpaper is very old and requires a more intense approach than a spray bottle.
Scraping Off the Paper
To further loosen the wallpaper from the wall, continue spraying it with warm water. Another effective solution for removing the wallpaper is a mixture of 2 parts warm water and 1 part laundry softener or a gentle detergent.
After letting it soak for about 10 to 15 minutes, use a plastic scraper to start scraping the wallpaper off the wall. Since it has been moistened multiple times, the paper should come off relatively easily.
Removing Residual Adhesive
Sometimes, there may be residue left behind from the adhesive once the paper is removed. It can be sprayed and scraped again. If it doesn’t come off easily after the second round of scraping, a chemical stripper may need to be used. Heavy-duty cleaners and strippers can be easily found at hardware stores. Apply the stripper to the wall, and the remaining adhesive should come off with another round of scraping and possibly some light sanding to loosen stubborn residue.
Once that is done, clean the wall with soap and warm water and allow it to dry for 24 hours before painting or applying a new layer of wallpaper.
