Wallpaper Removal

Wallpaper Removal

Wallpaper removal can be very frustrating and difficult sometimes. Removing wallpaper is more labor intense than anything.

Before beginning the area needs to be prepped! Remove plastic plug and switch covers, mirrors, light fixtures, towel bars (anything attached to the wall), including toilet if necessary.

To begin you will need to determine what the wallpaper is made of (vinyl or paper surface)! If the wallpaper has a vinyl surface you will need to peel the surface vinyl surface first (can’t penetrate vinyl surface with water) usually leaving the wallpaper backing attached to the wall.

NOTE: PEEL WALLPAPER SLOWLY, DON’T GET IN A HURRY! PEEL  AT APPROXIMATELY A 15° ANGLE. If surface of drywall begins to peel when peeling the vinyl wallpaper surface STOP and peel from another direction.

With the wallpaper backing exposed simply get your tap water as hot as possible and mist water over the wallpaper backing from a pump up sprayer. Let the water set for about ten minutes and attempt to remove the backing. May need to apply HOT water a couple of times! You will be able to see the wallpaper backing begin to release. Additional water and some scraping may be necessary to remove some more difficult areas.

I have found that a 5 in 1 tool is more successful at removing difficult wallpaper! Doesn’t do as much surface damage! Be very careful when scraping the wallpaper backing off. It will be impossible to avoid any damage to the surface of the drywall/sheetrock.

After getting the wallpaper backing off all you can do is wait for the walls to dry! After the walls dry determine how much wall repair needs to be done in preparation for texture.