Removing Wallpaper

If wallpaper from the 1970s does not appeal to you, it might be important to learn wallpaper removal skills. Removing wallpaper can take a fair bit of patience and time but the results are absolutely worth all the effort.

Before you can begin your project you will need to take a quick trip to your local hardware or grocery store to pick up a few items. In order to properly and most effectively remove wallpaper you will need rags, a bucket, a wallpaper stripping solvent, a scraping tool (can be found near wallpaper stripping solvent), distilled white vinegar, a paint roller and any brand of fabric softener. Once you have all your materials, you are ready to begin your project!

Your first step is to remove all furniture from the room in which you are removing wallpaper. Cover light fixtures and tape outlets to protect them from all the liquids you will be using to remove the wallpaper. Lay your rugs down on the carpet or wood flooring to protect them. Shut off your power to protect yourself from the consequences of mixing liquids and electricity.

Mix a couple of tablespoons of fabric softener, vinegar, wallpaper stripping solvent and extremely hot water. Soak your paint roller or sponge with the fluid you have just mixed. Cover the wallpaper with fluid (do not cover more area than you can finish within ten or fifteen minutes). Let the liquid soak in but do not allow it to dry. Reapply the liquid a second time before you begin stripping the wallpaper. Use your scraper to peel and strip the wallpaper.

Bring a trash can with you so that you can avoid a giant mess after your project is done. If you notice glue residue remaining when all the wallpaper has been completely stripped you can wash over your walls with the liquid and paint roller. Now it is time to let your walls dry.

The last steps require you to remove tape from outlets, uncover light fixtures, remove rags and place furniture back into its appropriate place. You are done!