If you are considering picking a new interior project for today, getting rid of your old wallpaper is a great place to start. Removing wallpaper may seem like a daunting task, and you may worry about damaging your walls, which would require another project that isn’t nearly as simple. However, this article is going to give you step by step instructions to get rid of that outdated wall art and will show you how simple this project can be.
Any job is harder without the proper tools. Here are some tools you can use to ensure your project is done quickly and easily:
- Drop Cloth: A drop cloth protects your floor boards and molding from water damage. You don’t want to finish removing your unwanted wallpaper and then realize you have to replace your flooring or baseboards because they were unprotected.
- Wallpaper Perforator: A wallpaper perforator prepares the wall for your solvent of choice. One type of perforator looks like a paint roller with spikes on the roller while another appears to be a small shell with a spiked rolling device inside it. In my experience, the latter is the safer choice, especially around kids.
- Solvent: A solvent weakens the bond between the wallpaper and the wall. I recommend using a standard liquid-based laundry detergent. Although, if you do not have a wallpaper perforator or your wallpaper is stuck directly to drywall with a tough epoxy, you may need a stronger chemical compound. Just be mindful of what you are using around your pets and family. Use a paint roller or a cloth to transfer your solvent to the wall.
- Chisel or Bladed Putty Knife: A chisel or a bladed putty knife helps remove the wallpaper from the wall. Be sure that your blade is clean and sharp. A dull blade will require more pressure and will put you at risk of gouging your walls.
Before you begin anything, place your drop cloth around the area where you will be working. For extra protection, tape the drop cloth to your baseboards to keep it from shifting while you work. Next, if you are using a liquid detergent, pour your detergent into a container with a ratio of three parts detergent to one part water and stir thoroughly. If you are using a different concoction with potentially volatile chemicals, please research what is safe to mix and remember to wear protective eyewear and gloves.
With your mixture stirred, begin scoring your wall with your wallpaper perforator. In order to stay organized, work on a three-foot section of your wall at a time. Score the wall in a circular motion. Apply just enough pressure to break the layer of wallpaper but not the wall behind it. You are essentially breaking the hold between the wallpaper’s adhesive and the wall by allowing air to enter the open pockets. This makes it easier for your solvent to expand those openings and weaken the bond.
Begin applying your solvent to the perforated area of your wall. To do this, you can use any common rag or sponge, but a paint roller works exceptionally well. If you are using more intense chemical compounds, use gloves and/or a tool that does not require your skin to make direct contact. This will limit your risk of skin reactions and a possible trip to the doctor. Once you have applied your solvent to the wall, let it sit for fifteen to twenty minutes. If you don’t think the wall is ready to begin peeling after that time, add an additional coat of solvent and give it a bit more time.
After allowing the solvent to soak into the wallpaper, begin peeling. It’s typically easier to begin peeling in any place that appears to already be raised. This part is simple, and it’s fun to see that old, unwanted wallpaper come off the wall. As each piece comes down, do your best to avoid letting it touch your baseboards or flooring. Keeping it on the drop cloth will keep everything organized and make for a much easier cleanup. If you meet any areas of resistance, gently slide your chisel or bladed putty knife underneath the wallpaper and lift upwards. Digging into the wallpaper will almost certainly gouge your wall. Once you have cleared the first section, go over the wall with a wet sponge or cloth to remove any wallpaper adhesive that may be left behind. Then, repeat the steps of scoring, applying your solvent, letting it soak, peeling the paper, and wiping the wall for each section to remove the wallpaper from your entire wall.
Clean up should be a breeze! Remove your drop cloth, and use your blade to skim along the edges of the baseboards to remove any remaining wallpaper epoxy or solvent that dripped down. Finally, take a deep breath, and enjoy your new clean wall, free of the eyesore you have dealt with for too long. Then, move on to the next project…painting! 
Matthew Jones
Home & Yard Magazine
