How to remove wall paper?

Joann Reynolds
by Joann Reynolds

I really need a cheap makeover for my bathroom. But I'm not sure how to remove it.

  7 answers
  • Sally-Charles Evans Sally-Charles Evans on Apr 04, 2019

    Some wallpaper will just fall off when you look at it.....not mine....I use a paper tiger to etch the paper, and then paint it with thick wallpaper paste. It will sit there and start to loosen. That's when you get your wide plastic putty knife and start scraping. I discovered this method by accident. I gave up trying to get the paper off and started to paint over the paper. Well guess what? The paint loosened the paper and it peeled right off! Believe me, THAT was a mess! Wallpaper paste is way less messy!

  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Apr 04, 2019

    Lots of people spray vinegar and water on it, after scoring it with a blade.

    After it’s off, you’ll need to sand the wall and probably fill in some spots with drywall mud.

    Also you’ll need a stain blocking primer as that paper residue will bleed through normal primer & paint.,

  • I always found water and a plastic scraper to be the best way. Use chemicals and the tiger tool as a last resort.

  • A.M. Furie A.M. Furie on Apr 05, 2019

    I just did this last week! The condo was so dry most of the paper just peeled off; but left the glue (Ugh!). If I had to do it again, I'd use a steamer - it loosens the glue and you can wipe the glue off after getting the paper off (you will need to score the paper before steaming).

    Seeing as we didn't do that, we found that HOT water and vinegar in a sprayer was the secret to removing the left on glue and any residual paper that didn't just peel off. If left on paper, score if you need to, then spray, then use putty knife and your nails to peel off. It's time consuming but now that we've painted it looks great! Good luck!

  • Joann Reynolds Joann Reynolds on Apr 05, 2019

    Thank you all for your answers. Yes, I'm ready to get started now.

  • Kathy Kathy on Apr 05, 2019

    If you use a paper tiger be careful that you don't score the wall else you'll be fixing the drywall too.

    We used a steamer which made it much easier to remove.

    Good luck!