How to Remove Wallpaper: Tips and Tricks

Wallpaper never goes out of style. Since it comes in different designs and patterns, you are sure to find one that can enhance your home design and withstand both time and trends. 

What’s more, even if you want trending wall coverings for your home, you can easily get one ready-made or customized from your trusted home wallpaper store.

This type of wall covering is easy to install, maintain, and clean, which are the top reasons why it is a more popular option than paint. Moreover, it is more damage-resistant and long-lasting, having an average lifespan of 15 years. Even if there are tears or holes, you can quickly replace the ruined sections.

Removing this type of wall covering is straightforward, especially if you have peel and stick wallpaper. When done correctly, you won’t need to repair the surface before installing a new one or painting it.

However, you need to know how to remove wallpaper properly to make this task less stressful and avoid damaging your walls.

But is it easy to remove wallpaper? The answer is yes, as long as you know the right fuss-free methods and tips to take them off.

Wallpaper Removal Tips and Hacks

If you want to know how to remove wallpaper on the wall, read our top tips and tricks below:

1. Prepare the room.

Before stripping your current wall coverings, remove all furniture or move them to the center of the room and cover them and the floor with a plastic painter’s tarp, drop cloth, or canvas. This step helps protect the furnishings and flooring from debris, dirt, water, and cleaning solutions if you need to use them.

Next, remove the decorations and other items from the wall. Protect the electrical outlets by putting on their covers and plugs.

Before tackling the wallpapers, turn off the electricity in the room..

2. Know what kind of wallpaper and wall type you’re dealing with.

If you have luxury wallpaper that is less than 10 years old, they may be self-adhesive or peel-and-stick products. You can check this by manually prying off a loose edge or corner of the covering or using a putty knife.

If the paper easily comes off without residue or damage to the wall, you’re dealing with the strippable option. This means you can remove the wallpaper without using water, steam, or additional chemicals.

If you peel off the wallpaper and it leaves behind paper, you have a peelable wallpaper.

In case you’re having difficulties removing the wallpaper, you’re likely dealing with a traditional type. You need to use additional products to take it off the wall.  

Also, check if you have a washable or vinyl-coated wall covering. Create holes on it with a scoring tool before applying liquid or heat to make it easier to remove the remaining paper backing on the wall.

Additionally, know the type of wall you have. If you have drywall, you should be more careful with the removal process to avoid damaging it.

3. Use a soap solution.

The simplest way to get rid of your current wall covering is by using a DIY wallpaper remover: water and soap.

Follow these steps for this process:

• Combine one part hot water and one part laundry detergent or fabric softener in a spray bottle.
• Wet the prepared wallpaper with the solution.
• Peel off the wallpaper with a putty knife.
• Score the remaining wall liner, if any, and spray with the solution again.
• Wait a few minutes, then remove the remaining paper with a putty knife.

4. Use a wallpaper steamer.

If you prefer wallpaper over paint, a wallpaper steamer can be a smart purchase because you can use it repeatedly to spruce up your home.

Follow these steps when using this method:

• Use the steamer to steam a small section of the wallpaper you want to remove first.
• Use a putty knife to remove the steamed area.
• Do the same two steps on the entire wallpapered wall until you completely peel it off.
• Score any remaining paper or liner, steam it in small sections, and use a putty knife to remove it.

Although this method may be time-consuming, it’s still an effective way to remove old wall covering.

5. Use a wallpaper stripping product.

Liquid wallpaper stripping solutions contain surfactants that dissolve solvents found in adhesives, which helps you remove paper with less work.

Below are the steps for using a wallpaper stripping solution:

• Spray or wet a sponge or brush with the wallpaper stripping product and apply it to the wall covering.
• Wait five to 15 minutes.
• Peel off the soaked wallpaper by hand or with a putty knife.
• Repeat the process if there’s paper or glue left on the wall.

This product contains strong chemicals, which means you should wear gloves and glasses or goggles to protect your hands and eyes when using it. Make sure you open the windows to ventilate the room and reduce the strong smell as well.

6. Make sure the wall is clean.

Once the wallpaper is off, you may be wondering how to remove wallpaper glue from walls. You can get rid of the remaining adhesives by applying the solution you used and scraping them off using the putty knife.  

Next, wipe the walls with a clean cloth or sponge dipped in a combination of water and dishwashing liquid. Open the windows to air dry the surfaces.

You’re now ready to install your new wallpaper.

Choosing Your New Wallpaper

If you still haven’t picked your new wallpaper yet and are leaning towards the luxury varieties, follow these tips for selecting the right one:

• Consider the room’s purpose. Wall coverings with bold patterns are great if you’re updating the kitchen. If you’re sprucing up bedrooms, opt for neutral, soft gray, light blue, and muted green Armani Casa wallpaper to turn it into a cozy retreat.
• Think about the room’s color scheme. Choose wallpaper that works with this palette and complements the existing décor.
• Select textured wallpaper if you want to add depth and character to the room. Silk, velvet, and embossed patterns are excellent options.
• Opt for good-quality wallpaper. High-end wall coverings, such as Versace wallpaper, can elevate spaces and last years, so choose a reputable brand known for its premium products.

With clean walls and carefully chosen new wallpaper, you can have an updated, more appealing room.

Visit a Sedar store near you or our virtual store to explore our wallpaper collection.