4 Must-Know Tips for Easily Removing Old Wallpaper

If you’re planning to refresh your walls with a new coat of paint or updated wallpaper, you might be feeling reluctant to kick things off since the first step is a daunting one: removing the old wallpaper. When done incorrectly, it can damage your walls and lead to a frustrating and time-consuming process, wearing you out before the time to paint comes! However, with the right approach, you can make wallpaper removal a much easier and user-friendly process. Here are some key tips to keep in mind.

1. Clear the Room and Protect Your Floors

You should start by moving everything away from your walls, including furniture, pictures, and other décor, giving yourself more room to work and move around. Don’t forget about your outlet covers! Likewise, throw down drop cloths and tarps to protect your floors, since the process will be messy due to how sticky wallpaper tends to be.

2. Gather the Right Tools

Having the proper tools will make the job incredibly easier. Beforehand, you’ll want to get your hands on the following:

• A wallpaper scraper or putty knife to lift and peel off sections.
• A scoring tool that can puncture the old wallpaper and allow moisture to penetrate.
• A spray bottle or wallpaper steamer to loosen the adhesive holding the old paper to the walls.
• A sponge or warm water to assist with cleanup, as well as plenty of trash bags.
• Gloves and a face mask to protect yourself from debris and dust particles. It’s also wise to wear old clothes that you don’t mind being ruined.

3. Work Smarter, Not Harder

Tackling the removal process in small sections rather than trying to remove everything at once is the best way of doing things. This method prevents the removal solution from drying too quickly, ensuring you have better control over stubborn areas. This also allows multiple people to work efficiently at the same time.

4. Clean and Repair the Walls Afterward

Once all of the wallpaper is removed, you will need to wipe down the walls thoroughly with warm, soapy water to get rid of any leftover adhesive – your new wallpaper or paint will not properly adhere to the walls if you skip this step. Let things dry completely before applying fresh paint or wallpaper. During this time, you should also repair any damage to the walls, like small nicks, dings, or holes.

While many people can handle wallpaper removal themselves, there may be situations when hiring a team of professionals is best, such as if you’re dealing with multiple layers of wallpaper or working with particularly old or delicate walls. With that said, if your upcoming project still seems like a lot, don’t hesitate to contact local pros to get the job done!

About Platinum Painting

Our team here at Platinum Painting has proudly assisted homeowners over the last 15 years, offering a wide range of interior and exterior painting services for commercial and residential projects. We also offer wallpaper removal, popcorn removal, and a variety of other home improvement services. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to set up a FREE in-home estimate, please reach out online or call today for more information.  

Tarrant County Telephone: (817) 697-2726.

Dallas/Denton/Collin County Telephone: (817) 993-4095.