Making the choice to remove wallpaper from your home can feel like standing at the foot of a mountain — intimidating and overwhelming at first glance. Many homeowners and tenants put off this project for years, letting outdated patterns linger far longer than they should, all because of persistent myths about the difficulty of wallpaper removal.

Before diving into any removal project, it’s crucial to understand that success lies in proper preparation and approach. Rather than viewing wallpaper removal as an insurmountable task, think of it as a step-by-step process that will ultimately lead to the fresh, clean canvas you desire. With the right tools, techniques, and mindset, you can transform your space without the stress and struggle that so many people unnecessarily associate with this home improvement project.

Ahead, the Home & Texture team has curated an easy, comprehensive guide to help you tackle this task and get that old wallpaper down. Keep reading on for more.

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The magic of #gainfabricsoftener on #wallpaperremoval 😅🥳

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How to Remove Wallpaper

Materials Needed:

• Scoring tool or wallpaper scorer
• Wallpaper stripper solution
• Spray bottle or garden sprayer
• Putty knife or scraper
• Drop cloths
• Protective gear (gloves, goggles)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Room: Clear the area and cover floors with drop cloths to protect them from water and debris.

2. Score the Wallpaper: Use a scoring tool to create small holes in the wallpaper. This allows the stripper solution to penetrate better.

3. Apply Stripper Solution:

– Mix the wallpaper stripper according to package instructions.
– Apply evenly using a spray bottle or garden sprayer.
– Let it soak for 15-20 minutes.

4. Remove the Wallpaper:

– Start at a corner or seam.
– Use your putty knife to gently scrape off the paper.
– Work in small sections at a time.

5. Clean the Walls: Remove any remaining adhesive with warm water and additional stripper solution if needed.

Tips and Tricks

• Test a small, inconspicuous area first to determine the best removal method.
• For stubborn wallpaper, you may need to repeat the process.
• Steam strippers can be rented for tough jobs.
• Work from top to bottom to prevent drips from damaging already cleaned areas.

Common Challenges:

Multiple Layers of Wallpaper

If you discover multiple layers, you’ll need to remove them one at a time, repeating the process for each layer.

Damaged Drywall

If the drywall paper starts coming off with the wallpaper, stop and wet the area more thoroughly. You may need to be extra gentle in these spots.

Remember to allow the walls to dry completely before painting or applying new wallpaper.