Tips for removing wallpaper from plaster walls:
Since I was pregnant through the whole remodel, we had to be careful not to use any chemicals while we were stripping the wallpaper. But even if I wasn’t pregnant, I love staying away from chemical-laden products anyways, so these tips are great for any of you that might feel the same way!
Use a wallpaper steamer
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When we stripped wallpaper in our first house, we did it with a squirt bottle of hot water and a scraper. Oy. I think I had always thought that steamers were really expensive, so I didn’t even look into buying/renting one. Big mistake!
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This time, my dad went out and bought a really simple steamer. I’m sure an industrial one would be even more effective and efficient, but this was a minimal investment and saved us a LOT OF TIME! This is the one we bought and used for the whole project.
Save time: work from top to bottom
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Since you’re going to be getting your wall wet, it works out best to start from the top of the wall and work down. This way, water can seep down as you’re working up top and save you a little more time and effort on the bottom layers.
Wallpaper removal tool: get a good scraper
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Again, this doesn’t have to be expensive! But having a decent scraper with a more comfortable handle will really save you. You’re going to be spending a LOT of time gripping this! This is the one we used & loved (we bought 3 so we could have multiple people scraping at the same time)
Wallpaper removal efficiency tip:
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When you’re removing wallpaper, you’ll want to have the steamer in one hand the the scraper in the other.
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Start by steaming with one hand (I did this with my left) and then scrape that wet section with your scraper while you’re already steaming the next section. Doing it this way will help you be a lot more efficient with your steaming/scraping time.
BE PATIENT!
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Patience is definitely NOT my strong point. I’m super impatient!! But stripping wallpaper really requires a healthy dose of patience. Be mentally prepared that it will not go quickly!
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If you’re able to, do this job with a friend. It will make it go a lot quicker, even if it’s just because it gives you someone to talk to! Or look into some audio books/podcasts to distract yourself while you’re working.
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Lora says
I’ve got a house full of wallpaper too (http://craftivitydesigns.blogspot.com/p/loras-2nd-home.html), so I know how you feel! It’s such a big job, for sure. We’ve removed it in 4 rooms and still have 5 to go… 🙁
Roxie says
I have heard that if you soak your wallpaper with an even mixture of water and Downy, the wallpaper will just peel off.
Christina says
Great suggestion, Roxie! I’ve never tried it, but it sounds harmless! 🙂
Julie says
I worked at a wallpaper store and installed/stripped wallpaper for clients. When out on a job I’d use fabric softener over wallpaper stripper any day. Any fabric softener will work. Use about 1 cup of fabric softener in a gallon of water. Use a sponge to soak the wallpaper before scraping it off. Just remember if you happen to have newer wallpaper, you have to remove the vinyl (picture) first before wetting the backing.
Ridley Fitzgerald says
These are some great tips for taking wallpaper off the walls. I hadn’t ever thought to use a steamer, but it makes sense that it would save a ton of time. I would hate to scrap it all off by hand without loosening it up first.
Holly says
I have a hallway that needs stripping, ugh! Not looking forward to it. I used fabric softener and water last time – soaked it real good and scraped away.