When taking on the challenge to move away from that old, dated wallpaper and into fresh coat of paint, it is important to keep in mind a few tricks of the trade to strip hours off of your endeavor while preserving the state of your walls.  You may find that it is easier to hire a professional for wallpaper removal but some small jobs may make sense to handle alone.

There are many different types of wallpaper that have been used over the years. The first step in assessing your wallpaper removal job is figuring out which type of material you are working with.

•    Common wallpaper can be found in the dining, living, and bedrooms of older homes.
•    Vinyl coated wallpaper is an all-purpose and more modern type of paper. Its more durable finish lends its use in bathrooms and kitchens where washable materials are important. Newer vinyl wallpaper is “strippable”, and is designed to be easily peeled off of walls.
•    Foil wallpaper is made of a metal foil and is unique in its flashy appearance.
•    Flock wallpaper is a classic touch, and is easily distinguished by its raised velvet patterns.
•    Grass cloth wallpaper is made from weaves of grass and is often found in low-wear areas.
•    Fabric wallpaper is a retro touch and is often held on only by starch. If you have this type of wallpaper, try simple warm water removal.

If you are still unsure, contact a painting contractor with experience in this area to help determine what the best course of action is.

There are many approaches that can be taken when removing wallpaper. Some claim that home remedies including warm water mixed with vinegar, dish detergent, or even fabric softener are the best approaches to wallpaper removal. But professionals agree the most common means of removal are warm water mixed with a powdered solvent, or use of a steamer.

Steaming
Previously popular, steamers have been used to soften the adhesive and dampen the wallpaper before removal. But this approach comes with the added risk that you could scald yourself with hot steam, and the moisture it creates makes it less preferable than more modern methods.

Solvents
Powdered solvents mixed with warm water actually break down the wallpaper adhesive. The concentrated solvent is mixed in warm water and sprayed over the wallpaper to loosen its hold on the wall. Taking this preferred approach, here’s how to prepare your walls for paint without wasting a week knee-deep in wallpaper.

Tools You’ll Need
•    Patience! Removing wallpaper is a hefty task, so take your time and keep your cool. Your careful diligence will pay off in the end and minimize damage to your walls.
•    A large bucket, sponges, a putty knife, a ladder, drop cloths (to protect the floor and furniture), rubber gloves, a scoring tool (scoring tools such as the Paper Tiger can be bought from your local home improvement store), and optionally, a garden sprayer (such as a 2-gallon plastic pump).
•    Wallpaper solvent (such as DIF), and trisodium phosphate (TSP).
Removing the Wallpaper

1.    Mix the solvent in a bucket of very warm water.
2.    Score the wall with with your scoring tool.
3.    Start by testing a 3’’x3” area to determine grain of glue (this will help you determine whether to strip up, down, left, or right).
4.    Turn off all the power in the room and remove the faceplates on the power outlets. Cover exposed outlets with painter’s tape or duct tape to avoid moistening electrical wires.
5.    Remove all wall accents, nails, and wall light fixtures.
6.    Lay down your drop cloths.
7.    Don your rubber gloves and place the solvent in your garden sprayer, or dip your sponge in solvent and soak a large section of wallpaper, about three feet wide and from floor to ceiling.
8.    Let the solvent sit for 20-30 minutes before stripping.
9.    Begin in one corner by gently pulling the paper while scraping with your putty knife. Scrub off the remaining glue with solvent and sponge.
If there is more than one layer of wallpaper, remove only one layer at a time.
10.  Once you have removed all the paper, mix some TSP with warm water and sponge any remaining glue off of the walls to leave a smooth surface for painting.
If you find that the wallpaper is really hard to remove, it may be glued directly to the drywall. In this case, it is best to simply primer or texture over it so as not to damage the drywall behind it.

Although it may take time and patience, successfully removing your old wallpaper is possible with the right preparation and the appropriate tools. Let the walls dry for one to two days, and they’ll be ready for a brand new coat of paint.  Once you have finished, you can always contact a professional to handle your interior painting job!

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