Removing old wallpaper is one of the most dreaded home projects, and for good reason. Done carelessly, it can tear the drywall paper, gouge the walls and leave glue residue that ruins the next coat of paint. Done right, it leaves a clean, smooth surface ready for paint or new wallpaper. Here is how professionals remove wallpaper without damaging walls, and when it pays to call one.
First, find out what you are dealing with
Pick a corner and try to peel a strip dry. Strippable wallpaper (many non-woven papers) peels off in whole sheets, leaving little residue. Peelable wallpaper separates in layers, leaving a paper backing on the wall that must be soaked off. Traditional paper or vinyl that will not peel needs scoring and soaking. Also find out what is under it: many older Texas homes have wallpaper hung directly on unprimed drywall, which makes removal harder because the glue bonds to the drywall’s paper face.
Tools you will need
- Drop cloths and painter’s tape
- A scoring tool (used gently)
- A spray bottle or garden sprayer
- Warm water and wallpaper stripper or a little fabric softener
- A wide plastic or metal scraper with rounded corners
- Sponges, buckets and old towels
- Optional: a wallpaper steamer for stubborn paper
Step-by-step removal
1. Protect the room. Turn off power to outlets and switches on the wall, remove cover plates, and cover floors and baseboards. Removal is wet and messy.
2. Peel what you can dry. Lift the top layer at a seam and pull slowly at a low angle.
3. Score lightly. If the paper is vinyl or will not absorb water, use a scoring tool with light pressure to create small holes. Pressing hard punctures the drywall.
4. Soak. Spray a small section with warm water and stripper and let it sit 10 to 15 minutes. Work in sections so the paper does not dry out.
5. Scrape gently. Hold the scraper at a low angle and push softly. If you feel resistance, soak again rather than forcing it.
6. Steam stubborn areas. A steamer loosens old, painted-over or multi-layer paper, but keep it moving to avoid damaging the drywall.
7. Remove all glue. This is the step most people skip. Wash walls with warm water and a little dish soap or stripper until they no longer feel slippery. Leftover paste causes new paint to crack and peel.
Repair and prime before painting
Even careful removal can leave torn drywall paper, gouges and uneven spots. Torn paper must be sealed with an oil-based or shellac primer before patching, or it will bubble. Then gouges are filled, sanded and, if needed, the wall is skim-coated smooth. Our crews handle this with professional tape and bed repairs and texture matching so the wall blends with the rest of the room. Finally, prime the whole wall before painting. Read should I clean my walls before painting? for more prep tips.
Mistakes that ruin walls
- Scoring too hard and puncturing the drywall.
- Scraping dry paper instead of soaking it.
- Soaking so much that drywall turns soft.
- Leaving glue on the wall.
- Painting over wallpaper instead of removing it; seams and bubbles show through.
When to call a professional
If the paper was hung on unprimed drywall, has several layers, has been painted over, or covers large areas and high stairwells, professional removal saves time and prevents expensive wall repairs. Our wallpaper removal service includes cleanup, glue removal and wall repairs. For a shorter overview, see steps for an easy wallpaper removal process.
Frequently asked questions
Can I paint over wallpaper?
It is not recommended. Seams, bubbles and pattern can show through, and moisture from paint can loosen the paper.
How long does wallpaper removal take?
An average room takes one to two days including glue removal and repairs, depending on the paper and wall condition.
What is the best homemade wallpaper remover?
Warm water with a small amount of fabric softener or dish soap works for many papers.
How do I know all the glue is gone?
Run your hand over the dry wall. If it feels slick or tacky, or water beads on it, wash again.
Let us handle the messy part
Ssay Painting and Remodeling removes wallpaper, repairs walls and finishes with professional interior painting across Dallas–Fort Worth. Request a free quote or call (214)-317-6275.
