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Removing old wallpapers: It's makeover time
01.12.2023 23:20
Updated: 13.05.2024 21:22
If you've decided to do a little makeover to your room and change wallpapers, you have to get rid of the old ones first.
While some wallpapers are pretty easy to take off, others might take some time and effort.
Here are a few tips on how to do it easily.
Prepare the Room
Clear the room as much as possible. Remove furniture or cover it with plastic sheets. Lay down a drop cloth to catch any mess.
Score the Wallpaper
Use the wallpaper scorer to make small holes in the wallpaper. This helps the wallpaper stripping solution to penetrate and loosen the adhesive.
Prepare the Stripping Solution
Mix the wallpaper stripping solution according to the instructions on the product. You can find these solutions at hardware or home improvement stores.
Apply the Stripping Solution
Use a sponge to apply the stripping solution generously over the wallpaper. Make sure the entire surface is covered.
Let it sit for the recommended time (usually 15-20 minutes).
Test a Small Area
After waiting, test a small section by trying to peel or scrape the wallpaper. If it comes off easily, it's time to proceed.
If not, you may need to apply more solution and wait a bit longer.
Peel or Scrape the Wallpaper
Starting from a corner or an edge, try peeling the wallpaper. Use a putty knife or scraper to gently lift the wallpaper.
Work slowly to avoid damaging the wall.
Remove Residual Adhesive
Once the wallpaper is off, you might have some adhesive left on the wall.
Apply more stripping solution or use a mixture of water and dish soap to wipe away the remaining residue.
Clean and Dry the Walls
Clean the walls with plain water to remove any leftover stripping solution.
Allow the walls to dry completely before moving on to the next steps, such as painting or applying new wallpaper.
Dispose of Old Wallpaper
Bag up the removed wallpaper for easy disposal. Some areas have specific rules for disposing of wallpaper, so check local guidelines.
