How To Remove Wallpaper In Easy Steps

When decorating a room, it is very tempting just to leave the existing wallpaper where it is and either paper or paint over the top.

If there are only a couple of layers of paper on the wall this may not cause too many problems, but if the previous occupants of your home have been fond of embossed wallpaper or wood chip, then the only option is to strip the walls of the old wallpaper before starting to hang the new.

This may sound like an easy task but anyone who has spent many hours gnawing away tirelessly at bits of wood in wood-chip paper with a scraper will tell you otherwise.

Here are some tips to make the wallpaper removal part of your decorating project easier:

Removing wallpaper is not a difficult task, but it can be time consuming.

Having plenty of help will make the task quicker to complete and removing wallpaper is something the kids can get involved with too.

For wallpaper which comes away quite easily, a stripping knife will be enough to complete the task. For more stubborn wallpaper, or woodchip, the job will be easier with a steamer which will help lift the wallpaper off the surface of the wall.

• drop cloths
• wallpaper scraping tool
• screwdriver

There are a huge range of steam wallpaper-strippers out there.

ALL OF THE PRODUCTS BELOW ARE AVAILABLE FROM SCREWFIX

Energer ENB484STM 2000W Wallpaper Stripper 240V

The Energer ENB484STM wallpaper stripper is a good all-rounder for removing wallpaper and artex (even when there are several layers of wallpaper to be removed).  There is a safety valve for steam handling, along with a 3 metre hose and a 2 metre power cable.

Features

• 2000W
• 4Ltr Capacity
• 15min Steam-Up Time
• 80min Usage Time
• 3m Hose
• Cable

Earlex SS77 2300W Premier Steam Wallpaper Stripper 220-240V

This product allows for artex removal without the need for chemical use.  It is also the ideal solution for removal of wallpaper.  There are both large and small steam plates which are translucent for both increased precision and efficiency allowance.  For safety there are cool-to-the-touch hoses and 3 valve safety systems as part of this product feature set.

Features

• 2300W
• 5Ltr Capacity
• 15min Steam-Up Time
• 78min Usage Time
• 3.65m Hose
• 2m Cable
• 2 Steam Plate Sizes
• Includes Scraper

Titan TTB419STM 2000W Wallpaper Stripper 230-240V

The Titan 2000W wallpaper stripper has several features which make this attractive.  There is an enhanced base tank stability built in and also secure hose storage.  The product has 2-in-1 steam plates and a detachable pad for reach corners on wallpaper.  The hose is 3 metres and there is a temperature control switch included too.

Features

• 2000W
• 4.5Ltr Capacity
• 15min Steam-Up Time
• 80min Usage Time
• Hose
• Cable
• Clip for Hose Storage

Earlex SS125 2000W DIY Steam Wallpaper Stripper 220-240V

This product claims to be a good fit for DIY'ers looking to strip walls without using chemicals.  The beauty of this wallpaper stripper is apparently in its ease of use.  It can be used to removal lots of different wallpapers and also removes artex.  There is a large steam plate which is translucent and is good for improving efficiency of the product.  There is also a 3 valve system there for greater user safety and a cool-to-the-touch hose is included also amongst the features.

Features

• 2000W
• 4Ltr Capacity
• 11min Steam-Up Time
• 70min Usage Time
• 3.65m Hose
• 2m Cable

All of the above are available from Screwfix

You'll also likely need some wallpaper stripper concentrate.

Zinsser DIF Wallpaper Stripper Concentrate 1Ltr

also available from Screwfix.

First clear the room of furniture, or cover items which cannot be used with a dust sheet to protect them.

Get some plastic bin bags to put the debris in, and if you are using a steamer to remove the paper, make sure it is filled with water and switched on.

A bucket of water and a sponge can also be used to help soften the paper and the paste if a steamer is not being used.

Start from a corner of the room, and slide your wallpaper stripping knife under the paper. If you are lucky, the paper will peel away easily and there will not be any need for sponging or steaming.

If not, once the paper has been removed by pulling, the rest will have to be scraped off.

This is the time consuming part of the process and can take many hours, especially if dealing with a stubborn type of wallpaper such as woodchip.

Sponging a small amount of water onto the paper may help to soften it and loosen the glue, but it only works on certain types of wallpaper.

Work methodically, completely removing one strip of paper before moving on to the next.

If the job is taking longer than anticipated, take plenty of breaks and rope in some extra pairs of hands to get it finished sooner rather than later.

Take your time, especially when using the stripping knife as it is easy to chip into the plaster and over-vigorous pulling at the paper may cause entire chunks of the plaster to come away with the paper.

Once the paper has been removed, the walls will need further preparation before painting or papering.

Sand the walls all over with sandpaper or an electric sander and then fill any dents or holes with a filler.

Leave to dry, then sand again to ensure a smooth finish. Rushing this stage will mean that the walls are not properly prepared and will look patchy and lumpy when papered or painted.

Need A Local Decorator?

Now you have removed your wallpaper, you may need quotes from local painters and decorators? Why not post a job using Top Tradespeople and we'll match you with up to 4 local people for your project.

Find out more about how we help people to find decorating services for a range of jobs including both interior and exterior redecoration.