Shopping Guide to Wallpaper Removal

Back in the 1980s and 1990s, wallpaper was a huge business. It was a staple in spec homes and custom-built homes, as well as most businesses. It seemed that everyone either had it or was in the market to buy it. Today, wallpaper has fallen by the wayside and those that still have it in their homes, typically don't want it. Wallpaper removal is avoided like the plague, as it's seen as a daunting task that will require several days of labor intensive work. But this is not always the case. Use the shopping guide to wallpaper removal below and get started renewing the look of your home this weekend.

Wallpaper steamer - A wallpaper steamer is the most important tool to have when removing wallpaper. Without it, you'll spend several days removing small bits of wallpaper from the walls and feel as if you aren't making any progress whatsoever. A wallpaper steamer cuts down your labor time by at least 90%! This tool works to reactivate the glue beneath the wallpaper and allows you to pull off large chunks of wallpaper at a time. You can purchase an in-home steamer for $ 60.00 or less at most home improvement stores, and trust me - they are worth every cent!

Putty knife - A putty knife is needed to gently lift up the wallpaper at the seams. It can also be used to scrape off the wallpaper backing and glue from the walls once the paper itself is gone.

Wallpaper scoring tool - The key to removing wallpaper easily is to score the wallpaper before you steam the walls. Look for a tool that scores the wallpaper at your local home improvement store. (Tip - A butter knife from the kitchen can be used instead) Lightly press the tool all around the wallpaper so that it creates small holes all over the surface. This allows the steam to get behind the paper and works to reactive the glue.

Drop cloth - As the wallpaper falls from the walls, you'll want to pick it up and discard it as soon as possible. Otherwise, the glue will stick to the flooring. The glue can actually alter the appearance of vinyl and hardwood if it is allowed to stay in place long enough. To save time ( and prevent a lot of bending) place a drop cloth on the floor before you begin your wallpaper removal. This will protect the flooring and any furnishings in the room.

Water and white distilled vinegar - Once you've finished removing wallpaper, you'll want to thoroughly wash down the walls to remove any trace of glue. Add ¼ cup of white distilled vinegar to a gallon of warm water and wipe off the walls with a soft cloth.

Vinyl spackling - Vinyl spackling will not help you get the paper off your walls, but you'll certainly want to add it to your shopping list anyway. Why? Because, no matter how hard you try, it's likely you'll gouge the walls with the putty knife as you work. It's good to have the spackling on hand so that you can fill in any knicks and scratches when you're finished.

Sandpaper - This too is not a tool that will help you in removing wallpaper, but it is something you'll need nonetheless. After the spackling has dried, you'll need to lightly sand it with low-grade sandpaper to create a smooth surface.

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SOURCE:

Personal knowledge and experience