Wallpaper removal?

Question

Whats the best way to remove wallpaper that has been up for like 15 years? I dislike using DIF, i heard that vinegar & water works well. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Remove furnishings and fittings before starting. If the room is carpeted and too difficult to remove, try to roll up the end where you are working to avoid splashing with water.

When working near a switch or plug socket, turn off the electricity if the switch is unscrewed to remove paper around it. Cover the floor area with a water proof material if possible, but make sure it is not going to make a slippery surface to work on as this could prove dangerous. Fill a bucket with warm water and a little detergent. Use a large sponge or cloth and soak an area of the wall. Remember that if the sponge is too wet, the floor will become unnecessarily wet.

Leave the surface to soak for a few minutes before testing with a scraper to see whether the paper has started to lift off the wall. It is often easier to start at a seam, where the water has a greater chance of penetrating the surface.

Try not to dig into the wall as this will remove plaster and spoil the surface, making more repairs necessary to the wall before redecorating. Angle the scraper and push it under the paper, loosening and removing sections.

It is necessary to continue soaking new areas and re-soaking other areas of the walls as you progress around the room. It does not help the process if the heating is switched on in the room, as the walls will tend to dry out before the surface is soaked.

If the wallpaper is already coated with emulsion, try scoring the surface with a knife to help the water penetrate under the paper surface. If the paper is very difficult to remove try using a steam stripper, which will concentrate a blast of steam onto the surface to be removed. Refer to Using a steam stripper for more details.

Answer 2

I have done this before, and there are several good suggestions above, but first, what kind of paper is it?

If it is newer, you will have to use a wallpaper bug to punch small holes in the paper to get the solvent to the back. If it is older paper or say newer paper over older paper, you won't have to do this. DON'T use a knife though use a bug.

I would suggest you get you a tank sprayer, like you kill weeds or bugs with. Fill it with water and a wetting agent, like Dif, previously mentioned. However, most any soap will do, but laundry detergent won't suds as much during mixing. I myself have used plain old ammonia, but you need more ventilation when using it.

I have never used fabric softener, though it may work as well.

Now, lay down plastic sheeting on the entire floor, as it will get quite messy.

Climb up to the top of the wall and see if you can peel back an edge or corner of the paper. Use you tank sprayer mixture and wet it down. Let it set and see if you can't get a little more loose across the top, and keep wetting it.

If you do it right, you will be able to put your water soap mixture on the wall so it soaks down the back. Don't get in a hurry.

When done right, the paper will come off almost in one piece. You can get a special scrapper intended for removing paper though for the tough spots.

Good Luck.

Answer 3

There is a wallpaper steamer that you could rent from any hardware store. Its small and really easy to use. Used it on a house that had three layers of wallpaper plastered over top each other. Or use really hot water (it helps melt the glue at the back of the paper) with soap or vinegar. Using vinegar, you will have that smell in the room for a bit. Using the steaming is quicker and less messy. Hope this helps!

Answer 4

I used a scoring tool that I just rubbed in circles on the wall, then using a wet towel I dampened the wallpaper. Gradually the paper peeled off in sections. I removed all of the old wallpaper from my 35 year old home about a year ago. I had never done it before, but did not want to use chemicals as I was pregnant at the time. This worked really well. The old paper began peeling off and I would just moisten it more and peel more off. One main thing is to have it scored plenty to allow the water to get in.

Answer 5

I just finished removing wallpaper in the home we just bought. I first used DIF but then went to my local hardware store and found the BEST stuff!!! It's called Chomp. You spray it on and don't even have to wait the 3-5 minutes to start scraping...or peeling. It comes right off in an instant. And an added plus it that it smells good...kind of like oranges.

Answer 6

ardsam247 sounds like he may have done this before and has the most complete answer. The only thing that I would add is to use a "Paper Tiger" to score the wallpaper if it has been painted or has a washable/ vinyl surface. It has little teeth that cut into the wallpaper. In my opinion steamers aren't worth the hassle and money.

Answer 7

Peel off the top layer if possible, soak remaining paper with warm water and have at it, re-soaking frequently - a garden sprayer works well for this. DIF or other products are better than warm water but not mandatory in most cases. If you are removing this paper from un-primed or un-sized walls, good luck. I would rather tear out the drywall and replace it than deal with that mess.

Answer 8

Rent a steam wallpaper remover. You can find them at most equipment rental places. You just hold the steam pad up to the wall, then use the scraper to take off the paper.

Answer 9

I would use HOT water and fabric softner. Apply with a sponge. Let it sit and then peel it off; but your easiest way is to rent a wallpaper steamer. Very quick and much easier. But be careful; they steam will burn you if you are not careful. Good luck!

Answer 10

Fabric softener and water 50% each. Sponge on wall wait 15 minutes and it'll come right off and make the house smell wonderful.