How to Strip Wallpaper

When it comes to wallpaper many people get uneasy and frustrated at the thought of having to remove it. Stripping wallpaper does not have to be a terrible experience though. With the right tools and a few hints and tips you should be well on your way to removing all of the wallpaper that has to go. Even though it is probably the most loathed job in the world of home remodeling, it is something that can be easily done with the right knowledge.

Step 1:

The first step is to make sure that all of the flooring and furniture that is exposed is covered with old towels or plastic drop cloths. You will want to make sure that you are taking the extra step of taping the drop cloths onto the baseboards in order to protect them. Just make sure that you are using painter's tape so that the finish of your baseboards is protected.

Step 2:

You will also need to make sure that you make use of a professional scoring tool. This will allow you to properly score the wallpaper. Score the paper from top to bottom and make sure that you are using circular motions and that you are allowing the circle patterns overlap one another. The scoring of the wallpaper will allow the liquid stripper to set in throughout the paper.

Step 3:

Fill a plastic spray bottle with a mix of hot tap water and a high quality brand of wallpaper stripper. Going for the cheap stuff may make the removal process a lot harder. For those who are interested in something that is a little friendlier to the environment, mixtures of a 1 to 1 ratio, hot tap water and vinegar, will do the trick. Spray the walls until the mixture is running down the wallpaper. Then use a sponge that has been soaked in the same mixture to brush away excess water. You will need to repeat this step about three times for each wall that you are trying to strip wallpaper from.

Step 4:

After the wallpaper is soaked you will use a putty knife for dragging the wallpaper off of the walls. To do this, simply find a seam in the wallpaper along the top of the wall. Work the blade under the wallpaper and then gently pull the knife down. You might come across areas of wallpaper that seem to catch the blade. When this happens you will simply need to spray the area again and allow it to sit for a few minutes. This will allow the glue to become moistened.

Step 5:

After all of the wallpaper is removed you will need to allow the walls to dry for about an hour. For glue build-ups you can use a sanding block. Once the walls are dry and completely smooth you can then paint a coat of primer on the walls followed by a coat or two of paint.