All About Wallpaper: Tips on Removing Old Wallpaper or Installing New Wallpaper

Wallpaper. For some, just the sight of the word conjures up nightmares of removing it, installing it or having to spend a weekend in Aunt Glady's sad-clown-wallpapered guest room. Fortunately, wallpaper does not have to be difficult-or ugly. Here are a few basic tips on how to remove old wallpaper or how to install new wallpaper.

Tips and Tricks for Removing Old (and probably really ugly) Wallpaper

The most important part of wallpaper removal (or installation) is to have patience. Removing old wallpaper (especially wallpaper that you did not install) can have a ton of problems; as not everyone follows the proper procedure for installing wallpaper.

When removing wallpaper, you should keep a few tools on hand. This includes having some broad knives, a ladder, sponge, drop cloth to protect the floor and a utility knife for scoring; (you can find all of these at your local home improvement store.)

To start, test a small area with your chosen removal method before proceeding to the rest of the room. This will help you determine how the wallpaper was installed and if your method of removal will work. Wallpaper can be removed using a steamer, a sponge and hot water or a spray on (or sponge on) wallpaper adhesive remover. Ideally, you want to see that your wallpaper was installed properly onto primed and clean walls-not directly onto drywall, as that will require time and additional money to repair.

Tips and Tricks on How to Install New Wallpaper

Prior to installing new wallpaper, be sure to wipe down the walls with a clean damp cloth and mild detergent to remove any dust or debris that may be on the wall. If there are imperfections in the wall, be sure to either sand them down or fill them in, as they will create bumps and bubbles beneath the wallpaper.

Just like removal of wallpaper, installation requires a few tools of the trade: a utility knife, a level, a sponge, a sharp pair of scissors, a ladder, a drop cloth and a yard stick or measuring tape. You will also need either a water tray (for wallpaper that already has adhesive on it, known as 'pre-glued,') or a brush and wallpaper paste (for wallpaper that does not come pre-glued.)

When you install the first piece of wallpaper, use your level to draw a straight vertical line directly onto the wall. This gives you a perfect line to start with when installing the first piece of wallpaper. It will also help you line up the rest of the wallpaper, ensuring a seamless appearance.

During installation, leave at least two additional inches on each strip of wallpaper-one inch at the top near the ceiling and one inch at the bottom near the floor. Then, once you've applied the wallpaper to the wall as per the manufacturer's instructions, use your utility knife to score the edges. This creates a perfect line along the top and bottom of the wall. This is important because pre-cutting wallpaper may not fit properly along the top and bottom of the wall, as not every house is perfectly straight and level as one might think.

Using your damp sponge, smooth out any bubbles along the way. Be sure to do this following the installation of each piece, as you won't be able to go back later and fix these bubbles once the adhesive has dried.

Continue with the steps mentioned above until the room has been finished.

Keep in mind that unlike paint, wallpaper does not have to be completed in a single day. Remember, patience is a virtue when dealing with wallpaper!

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Additional Information:

Do It Yourself: Installing Wallpaper