How to Remove Wallpaper in 9 Easy Steps (While Keeping Your Cool)

Did you move into a home with wallpaper that feels outdated? Or maybe you installed wallpaper a decade ago that no longer matches your style. Whatever the case may be, it’s likely time to remove the wallpaper so you can start anew.

However, removing wallpaper can seem like a time-consuming and daunting task. Never fear, with the right tools, techniques, knowledge, and know-how, you’ll be removing the wallpaper in no time. Whether you’re preparing to redecorate a room or simply want to update the walls of your home, taking the time to remove wallpaper properly will ensure that the outcome is everything you’ve been envisioning. In this step-by-step guide from Kitchen Cabinet Kings, we’ll walk you through the process of removing wallpaper without all the frustration that can come with it.

Step 1. Gather Your Supplies

The first step to removing wallpaper is gathering all the necessary materials for your project. There’s nothing worse than thinking you have everything and realizing you need to run back out to the home improvement store mid-project. For this project, you will need a wallpaper scorer, a wallpaper removal solution, a spray bottle or sponge, a wallpaper scraper, plastic sheeting, and a trash bag. We also recommend having a steamer on hand which can help release stubborn sections of wallpaper from the wall.

Step 2. Setup the Workspace

Prepare the room by removing any furniture or fixtures near the walls you’ll be working on ? you don’t need to remove them from the room completely, you can simply shift them into the center of the room so you have enough space to easily move around the room. To keep your furniture from getting damaged by water and debris throughout the process, use plastic sheeting to cover the furniture and floors.

Step 3. Do a Patch Test

We know it can be exciting to dive right into the project but before trying to tackle the entire wall, we recommend testing your process on a small section of the wall first. This will help you see how easily the wallpaper can be removed and determine the best method that can be replicated on the entire wall. Take your wallpaper scorer and create a few small perforations in a small section of the wallpaper. Then, apply a small amount of wallpaper removal solution to the perforated area and allow it to sit for a few minutes (or whatever the manufacturer’s instructions recommend). After the waiting period is up, attempt to peel away the wallpaper with a wallpaper scraper. If the wallpaper comes off easily, you can repeat the process over larger areas of the wall. If you struggle to peel away the wallpaper, you may need to use a steamer to help loosen the wallpaper or leave the removal solution on for a bit longer than the recommended time.

Step 4. Score the Wallpaper

Working your way across the way, you can begin using your wallpaper scorer to create perforations in the wallpaper. The purpose of scoring the wallpaper is to create small holes in the top layer that will allow the removal solution to seep through and penetrate the back side of the wallpaper effectively. However, you must be careful not to press too hard so you don’t damage the underlying wall surface.

Step 5. Apply Wallpaper Removal Solution

Once the wallpaper has been thoroughly scored, it’s time to apply the wallpaper removal solution to the wallpaper. Depending on your preferred method, you can use a spray bottle or sponge. Apply the solution generously so the entire surface is thoroughly saturated and can penetrate the wallpaper. Allow the wallpaper removal solution to sit for the recommended time on the manufacturer’s instructions, which is typically 15 to 20 minutes. You may need to allow the solution to penetrate the wallpaper for longer if you are working with old or stubborn wallpaper.

Step 6. Start Removing the Wallpaper

Once the wallpaper removal solution has had time to work its magic, you can begin the fun part ? removing the wallpaper. Begin by gently peeling away the wallpaper from the edges using a wallpaper scraper. Make sure to work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the underlying surface of the wall. If the wallpaper is stubborn or doesn’t peel away easily, use a scraper to gently scrape away the wallpaper, taking care not to gouge or scratch the wall. If needed, you can use a steamer to help loosen the wallpaper even more, following up with a scraper.

Step 7. Repeat as Needed

Depending on the type and age of the wallpaper, you may find that you need to repeat applying the wallpaper removal solution to the wall and scraping process a few different times to fully remove the wallpaper. The process can feel slow and tedious, but be patient and persistent as you continue removing all of the wallpaper from the walls.

Step 8. Clean the Walls

Once all of the wallpaper has been removed from the walls, use a clean sponge that is dampened with water to wipe down the walls and remove any remaining adhesive residue. If there are any sections with stubborn residue that won’t come up, you can grab a commercial adhesive remover from your local home improvement store to help get it all removed. Once you’re done rinsing the walls with clean water, allow them to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 9. Repair Damage

Once the walls have dried, inspect them for any damage that may have occurred during the removal process. If you locate any damage, use spackle to fill in any holes or cracks and sand the patched areas once the compound has dried. We recommend applying primer to your walls which will help you create a smooth and uniform surface for you to work with moving forward. Once they’re repaired, you are done with the removal process and can begin with the next part of your do-it-yourself project, whether that means applying a more modern wallpaper or simply painting the wall.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will removing wallpaper damage my walls?

When done properly, you will be able to remove wallpaper without causing any damage to your walls. However, older or improperly installed wallpaper may leave behind adhesive residue or damage the wall surface during the removal process.

Are there any homemade solutions to remove wallpaper?

Instead of using a store-bought wallpaper removal solution, you can try creating your own at home using either 1/3 vinegar to 2/3 hot water or 1/4 fabric softener to 3/4 hot water. Using this solution, you will follow the same application process.

Can you use a steamer to remove wallpaper?

Yes, a steamer can be used to help remove wallpaper that is hard to remove. To use the steamer, place it on the surface of the wall to help penetrate the glue adhering the wallpaper. Depending on the size of the area you’re removing wallpaper from, you may want to rent a professional steamer. However, if you are working with a smaller area, you can likely get away with an at-home steamer.

Do you have to prime after removing wallpaper?

Applying primer to the wall after wallpaper removal is not a requirement but will ensure that you are working with a smooth surface for the continuation of your do-it-yourself project. We recommend using an oil-based primer for best results.