What is the best way to remove wallpaper from sheetrock walls?

Lymills
by Lymills
*Help* In my kitchen, I want to peel off old wallpaper and then paint the walls….never - NEVER - to have wallpaper again. Any suggestions as to the best way to remove the old stuff ? Also, then do I just start painting the sheetrock, or should it be sealed with something? Thanks!
  6 answers
  • Lets hope that the previous wallpaper was sized which makes it so much easier to remove. The first thing to do is put hot water in a spray bottle and wet down a seam and see if it peels off. If it seems a bit stubborn add some downy softener. But usually hot water works. You may want to invest in a steel 4" putty knife for gently gliding and lifting the paper too. be careful not to gauge. is it vinyl feeling or paper feeling wallpaper?
  • The Chirping Frog The Chirping Frog on Sep 29, 2014
    I have always used vinegar water.... always works. Depending on the wallpaper that was on the wall it may come off in two layers.... but I've never had a problem. Once you get the paper off you may need to repair any gauges or spots that have peeled off (it happens).... I would prime it just to make sure you get even coverage with your new paint or use a paint with primer.
  • Darla Darla on Sep 30, 2014
    You could try priming over the wallpaper then painting it. I did that in my hall with sponge-painted glaze because I hated the old wallpaper and it was securely stuck to the wall. There's nothing to lose - if it doesn't work, you can strip the wallpaper anyway.
  • Cindy Cindy on Apr 02, 2015
    I just bought my house and there was wallpaper in every room.....all I knew, I had to do something to get rid of it. Home depot carries stuff called "WP Chomp" and I can tell you first hand how good that works (5 rooms later) you will be surprised too. Good Luck!
    • Lymills Lymills on Apr 02, 2015
      Thanks - going there tomorrow for another project, will look for this product!
  • Eleanor Mcnealley-cain Eleanor Mcnealley-cain on Apr 04, 2015
    downey & hot water, use spray bottle , spray area & let set few min, should peel off
  • Sharon Sharon on Sep 15, 2015
    I finally rented a big steamer from Home Depot it worked so well. One to hold the steamer & one to scrape off paper. I tried many ways to take it off but this was the best!!
    • See 1 previous
    • Lymills Lymills on Sep 15, 2015
      What type of steamer did you rent? I don't understand your statement, "One to hold the steamer one to hold the scraper." One what?