How do I remove wall paper as quickly and easy as possible?

Veronica
by Veronica

How do I remove wall paper as quickly and easy as possible?

  6 answers
  • Kelli L. Milligan Kelli L. Milligan on Oct 02, 2018

    It all depends how much prep was done before wallpaper was installed. Is it a vinyl coated or paper paper? Over drywall or plaster? If paper was installed by a true pro that prepainted the walls over primer with oil based or wallprep, it will be easy. if installed over builder grade primer or raw drywall it could be a mess.


  • Heather Cammack Heather Cammack on Oct 03, 2018

    Steam works wonders. You can rent steamers from building supply stores such as Home Depot or Lowe's.


    https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/make-and-decorate/decorating/how-to-remove-wallpaper-with-steam

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Oct 03, 2018

    A mixture of fabric softener with warm water in a spray bottle (50/50) will basically melt the glue that is holding the wallpaper onto the wall. I've read you can use vinegar instead of fabric softener but have no experience with it. Also, fabric softener is a much more pleasant scent. I mixed mine probably more like 25/75 and it still worked. I tried a steamer but it didn't work as well. If you use a scoring tool, be careful because it can put dimples in the sheet rock.


    Here's how I've done it (5 rooms last year):

    Removed all outlet and plate covers, dropping in a ziploc bag. At the outlets and switches, there is usually a bit of overhang to grab the wallpaper. Begin spritzing with the solution and wait a couple of minutes. Peel wallpaper and help along with a plastic scraper (I used my husband's Bondo application tool). Once you have it all removed, wipe walls down with microfiber cloth using warm, soapy water (I used blue Dawn).


    Now you are ready to repair and prep for the new decor.

    • See 1 previous
    • Veronica Veronica on Oct 04, 2018

      Very helpful. Job all done with success. Thanks

  • Homeroad Homeroad on Oct 03, 2018

    I use a product called Dif Gel. Spray it on, let it sit then scrape off the wallpaper. Makes the job easy! https://amzn.to/2zP4jrh

  • Molly Molly on Oct 04, 2018

    DIF is perfect but you need what is called a tiger. It has rolling steel blades to score the paper then soray and wait. When softened it will come off easily. Be oatient and give DIF a chance to work its magic!