If you’re redecorating, it’s a good idea to remove wallpaper before papering or painting over it. However, it can be a long and gruelling task - so we’ve put together a few ways to make the process quicker and easier.
The first thing you’ll need to do is prepare and clear the room. Take everything off the walls and remove as much furniture as you can. If this isn’t possible, move it all to the centre of the room and cover with a dust sheet.
Next, you’ll want to turn off the power in that room. You’ll be working with liquids, which is a notoriously bad mix with electricity! Cover any sockets with dust sheet and tape to prevent liquid getting inside.
Lay dust sheets around the corners of the room, being sure to cover skirting boards and as much flooring as you can to prevent them getting damp or damaged in the process.
Use a stripping knife to peel away a small corner of wallpaper, allowing you to see how many layers there are and how easily it can be removed – this will help you determine your stripping method.
A chemical wallpaper stripper works to dissolve the wallpaper adhesive, thus releasing the paper from the wall. The way you use this solution will depend on the manufacturer’s instructions, so be sure to read the instructions thoroughly before you begin. Dilute the solution if required and apply using a spray bottle or sponge. This is great for stripping smaller areas like a feature wall.
This machine uses steam to break down the adhesive and loosen the paper from the wall. It’s a great investment if you have a larger area to strip or wallpaper that’s tougher to remove, as you can use it repeatedly.
Put the steamer on a wooden board to protect the surface from heat. Work in small sections and hold the steamer over an area for 10-30 seconds. There will be a trial-and-error period until you work out the ideal time for your wall – enough to loosen the paper without damaging the wall behind. Be sure to keep the plate lower than your arm to prevent hot water dripping onto you.
Use a scraper in small upwards motions to remove the paper, being careful to keep the scraper as flat to the wall as possible to avoid damaging it.
Use a stiff broom and wallpaper scraper to remove any remaining paper from the wall. Remove any remaining adhesive using a chemical stripping solution and a scraper, before rinsing the wall with a sponge and water. Let the wall dry completely before turning the power back on, then carry out any necessary repairs and prepare to repaint or wallpaper.
Use an orbital scorer beforehand – this will evenly score the wall without damaging it and allow your removal method to penetrate more easily and evenly.
Dispose of the wallpaper before it tries out and sticks to the dust sheet.
Fold large pieces of wallpaper in on itself to avoid it sticking to everything else.
