Wall Paper Removal

Whether you plan to repaper or to paint, you need to get rid of the old wallpaper. Here are some helpful ways to remove the paper and the paste.


Removal Methods

Materials:
Drop cloths to cover floor
Ladder
Safety goggles
Crowbar
Wallpaper scorer
Wallpaper steamer
Protective gloves
Chemical wallpaper stripper
Wallpaper scraper

First use a crowbar to remove any corner or doorway trim. Then proceed to the wallpaper-removal phase of the project.


Run the Paper Tiger lightly over the wall to score the paper, not the wall surface itself.
Scoring

In order to allow chemical stripper or steam (the choice of method is up to you) to saturate the wallpaper, you must first score it with a special tool called a Paper Tiger. The tool is used in a circular motion (be careful not to press too hard, as too much pressure can score the wall as well as the paper.) Then apply the technique you have chosen.

Wallpaper Removal

After the paper has been scored, use one of the following methods to remove it from the walls:

Chemical stripper: Be sure to wear protective gloves whenever using a chemical product. Spray the wall with a chemical stripper, which will dissolve the glue under the paper. Let the chemical soak in for about 15-20 minutes, and then use a wallpaper scraper to remove paper.

Steaming: A wallpaper steamer can be rented at any home-improvement store. First cover the floor with drop cloths. Fill the steamer unit with hot water and wait about 30 minutes. Place the steamer on the surface of the wallpaper and hold while the steam dissolves the glue (figure A). Then use a wallpaper scraper to scrape off the wet paper.

Tip: Using a steamer is effective, but the device tends to drip hot water, so be sure to wear rubber gloves.


Removing Wallpaper

Materials:

plastic sheeting to tape to the shoe molding to cover the floor
spray bottle
putty knife or thin scraper
good sponge
small bucket
trash can

Removing Wallpaper

* Removing wallpaper is one of those home improvement jobs that can get a little messy, but it is not as difficult as it appears. The first thing you want to do is lay plastic on the floor.

* Your local home improvement store will have a device called a wall paper scorer. It has little teeth (figure A) that dig into the paper and allow the water to seep behind the paper and help dissolve the glue. Depending on the texture of the paper, sometimes you will need the help that this can provide, but use it with caution because if you apply too much pressure on it you will have teeth marks all over your wall. Either way, you will want the paper to get saturated with the solvent and the paper will begin to peel away. You can help coax it by using the putty knife.

* You need to cover any outlets that are exposed with plastic and tape. But, all-in-all you shouldn't drench the walls that much.

* You cannot pull the paper directly from the wall. You need to coax it by spraying the paper with a mixture of vinegar and water. You use two parts vinegar and four parts water. Spray or sponge the vinegar solution on the wall. Work one section at a time. Depending on the age of the paper, you may need to wait about ten minutes.

* Using a 2" putty knife gently ease back a corner of the paper (figure B), slowly peel away the paper with your fingers while pushing the putty knife along the wall behind the paper. Depending on the direction you begin, you will be able to gradually roll the paper up or down the wall in one large sheet as you proceed.

* A bucket comes in handy because you will need to give the un-papered wall a clean wipe.
Spray the wall again with the water/vinegar mixture. This will remove any residue of glue that has stuck to the wall. Although you may not see the residue now, it will dry to the wall and create a texture you will be able to see if you are planning on repainting.


Painting Over Wallpaper

Change the look of a room with outdated wallpaper by simply painting over it. Two coats of stain-killing paint, followed by a top coat in your desired color, allow you to skip the messy job of stripping the old wallpaper. Note that painting over is suitable only for wallpaper that's in good condition and securely in place.

Materials:

Stain-killing paint
Interior wall paint in desired color
Paint roller
Fine emery board
Strong glue to repair loose seams

1. Prepare the wallpaper for painting by securely gluing down loose edges. Wallpaper with holes and peeling patches can't be painted over, but if the wallpaper's secure except for a few loose edges at the seams, seal each seam with a very strong glue and press down securely.

2. Apply two coats of stain-killing paint to completely cover the wallpaper pattern. Let dry between coats.

3. If the wallpaper seam is visible after two coats of paint, lightly file the seam smooth with a very fine emery board.

4. Apply the top coat of paint. Our top coat of yellow paint shows no hint of the wallpaper pattern beneath.