How to remove wallpaper

Wallpaper emerged as a practical and cheap option for transforming room decoration. It is ideal for those who do not want to invest in new paint, but still want to give a difference to the walls of their home. Nowadays it is possible to find the most varied types of wallpaper with infinite prints available. However, as it is not definitive, it is possible to change it from time to time. And then the question remains, how to remove wallpaper?

Application is generally simpler than removal, but nothing as complicated. However, it is important to be aware that it is a somewhat laborious task and will require a lot of time and energy. Depending on the type and condition of the wallpaper, this task can be more or less complicated.

Therefore, today we will learn how to remove wallpaper in four very practical ways. Therefore, let’s learn from preparation to completion of the process.

Wallpaper removal

Before learning how to remove wallpaper, you need to take into consideration some factors regarding removal. Regardless of your motivation, whether because the wallpaper is old, falling apart or even because you want to replace it with another one, know that you will need to set aside a few hours of your day for this task.

In general, the process is not very difficult, but it is not that simple either, and will depend on the type of paper. There are several types of wallpaper, each with different levels of resistance when removed. For example, removable wallpaper comes off very easily, just by pulling a loose end. Traditional ones require a little more effort and patience.

Therefore, if you don’t know exactly what type of wallpaper was installed, it’s best to do a test before starting to remove it. Here, the first step is to pull one end of the paper to see what happens. If it came off easily, we have non-woven or removable paper, great then. If it came off in pieces and tore, it is traditional wallpaper. Now, if you only removed the protective layer when pulling, you are faced with waterproof paper or vinyl, which are more resistant and more difficult to remove.

Regardless of the method or type of wallpaper, we have already said that they all use water. Therefore, if your case is waterproof wallpaper, start by removing the protective film. If you can’t remove everything, use a knife to make some cuts through the paper so that the water can pass inside.

How to remove wallpaper: preparation

Preparation is a fundamental part of removing wallpaper. Before starting the process itself, you need to take some basic precautions and prepare the material you will use. So, as previously stated, this will take a good amount of time, so it is recommended to set aside a day or weekend to dedicate yourself exclusively to this.

And it’s also good to do this during the day, with natural light. This is because to remove the wallpaper you will need to turn off the electricity in the house, to avoid electric shocks and other accidents. Another essential precaution before starting is to cover all sockets and switches with adhesive tape, as you will be using water and an iron spatula. Depending on the situation, it will even be necessary to remove the socket and switch frames, as part of the wallpaper may be below them.

There is no way to remove wallpaper and not make a mess. Therefore, you will need to cover the floor of the room with a tarp or cover, to protect the floor. And last but not least, move all the furniture away from the wall, placing it elsewhere or centrally in the same room.

As for the basic materials, you will need a spatula, a paint roller and a paint tray or bucket. The other items will depend on the method used, which we will learn about below.

How to remove wallpaper: 4 practical ways to remove it

Now let’s learn step by step how to remove wallpaper. In this case, 4 practical ways to remove it without much work.

1 Removal with water

This is the simplest and most basic method of how to remove wallpaper.

1. First, you will fill the paint tray or tray with hot water.
2. Then, dip the paint roller in hot water and rub it over the wall until the paper and glue start to soften.
3. Once done, use the spatula to remove the wallpaper starting from the bottom up.

2 Removal with fabric softener

This method basically works like the first, with the addition of fabric softener.

1. First you will prepare a mixture with 3/4 hot water to 1/4 fabric softener.
2. So, with the mixture ready, just apply it to the wall using a paint roller.
3. Let the solution act on the paper for a few minutes.
4. After this period, use the spatula to remove the wallpaper from the bottom up.

3 Removal with vinegar

White vinegar is a great ingredient for removing wallpaper, it also works like the first two. However, it is important to leave doors and windows open so that the vinegar smell does not permeate the environment.

1. Start by preparing the solution with 1/5 white vinegar to 4/5 hot water.
2. Then, just dip the paint roller in the solution and apply it to the wallpaper.
3. Ideally, it should be very damp so that the paper and glue soften well enough to be removed.
4. When they are well softened, use the spatula to remove all the paper, starting from the bottom up.

4 Removal with vaporizer

All methods of removing wallpaper are effective, but if you have a steamer at your disposal the process can be even easier. However, for your own safety, it is best to wear gloves and a long-sleeved shirt to prevent the steam or water droplets from burning you.

1. Start by applying the steam in sections and holding the device against the wallpaper.
2. So, as you go, lift the paper with the spatula.
3. The hot steam will help release the paper and glue more easily.

Extra Say

So, after using any of these methods on how to remove wallpaper, you still notice that there is a little glue left on the wall, the solution is in the detergent. Therefore, mix a little hot water with a little detergent and use a sponge to scrub the wall. Then just rinse with a damp cloth and finish with a dry cloth.

Finishing

After removing all the paper and glue and cleaning the wall, it’s time to add the final touches to complete the finish.

• The next step is to sand the wall, to definitively remove any trace of glue that may have been stuck to the wall. Additionally, it will help remove other small dirt that may be trapped.
• If after sanding the wall you find any imperfections, you can correct them using putty. The same if you find nail holes or small holes in the wall that were covered by paper.
• If your intention after removing the wallpaper is to paint it or apply new paper, the ideal is to wait at least 24 hours to do so. The wall needs to dry completely, and for the new paper or paint to set properly.
• Finally, if you’ve finished removing the wallpaper and don’t intend to make any more changes for now, just clean the room, remove the trash and the floor covering. Then return the furniture to its place.

Anyway, what did you think of this article? In fact, take the opportunity to also check out How to put wallpaper in your home.

Sources: Viva Decora Decor Fácil

Images: Terra Viva Decora Decor Fácil Casa & Festa Casa Cleanipedia Viva Decora Ideias Decor