DIY Wallpaper Removal Tips

At some point in your DIY career, it's likely you're going to have to tackle one of the most arduous of tasks--wallpaper removal. Depending on how the wallpaper was originally adhered to the wall, this can be a relatively easy chore--or one that makes you want to tear down the wall and start fresh.

While at the Kansas City Remodeling Show this weekend, we picked up some wallpaper removal tips from HGTV host Sabrina Soto. First up? Some recommended supplies.

Materials
*Scorer
*Wallpaper remover (can be store-bought or DIY - we'll have a recipe for you in this post.)

Tips

*Before you apply remover to the surface, gently score the wallpaper. This allows the remover to penetrate between the paper and the wall, and should help with easier removal.

*Want to make your own, freshly scented wallpaper remover? Mix fabric softener with hot water and apply to the wallpaper. If you're dealing with multiple layers of wallpaper, or, in the case of our friend Jamie, layers of wallpaper and paint, this DIY version will likely not be strong enough, so stick with a store-bought remover.

*If your wallpaper is stubborn, add a little pressure -- steam pressure, that is. Turn on your iron and press the steam button to coat the problem area. If you have an actual steamer, that works even better.

Have you tackled wallpaper removal lately? Please share any other tips with us!

Photo: Flickr.com/nauright

Katy Ryan | Comments () |

home builders Missouri

Might I contribute the use of steam? The moisture softens and loosens the adhesive so it makes the wallpaper detach from the wall much easier. Great tips though! They can really help a lot of people who do not quite like their wallpapers.

painting contractors Denver CO

Removing wallpaper is a very tiring task that you would be performing. You must have long patience for you to finish but, this could be removed immediately if the tips that were given would be followed.

Ellice St. Laurent

we removed a whole house (2200 sq ft.!) of wallpaper. it had been on for almost 40 years, so needless to say, it was REALLY on there! after trying everything under the sun, here's what worked: using a paper tiger to score paper, Dif wallpaper remover, and professional paddle steamers. it was not fun, but all wallpaper is off! good luck!

Charles & Hudson

That's a huge job Ellice! Elbow grease is certainly a large part of the equation when it comes to removing wallpaper, especially after 40 years!