Wallpaper scoring tool. [1] X Expert Source Mike KatonaDIY Home Improvement Specialist Expert Interview. 25 August 2021. This is a small hand tool which has several small rotating wheels with small teeth to score the paper without damaging the surface underneath. Wallpaper stripper spray or a solution of half vinegar, half water Sponge Spray bottle Scraping tool Tarp
Steaming typically makes the job easier and faster. However, if you’re working with wallpaper that has been painted over by more than one layer of paint, steaming might not work, since it’s difficult for the steam to penetrate all the layers. [3] X Expert Source Mike KatonaDIY Home Improvement Specialist Expert Interview. 25 August 2021. In this case you’ll need to strip everything off by hand. Steaming is a greener alternative to using a chemical wallpaper stripper. A steamer operates using plain water, no chemicals required.
Move smaller items like lamps and pictures out of the room or toward the center. You might want to wear a mask to protect yourself from dust, too.
Use a Brillo pad if you don’t have a tool. Start with a five by five foot area, rather than scoring all of the walls at once. This could save you some work in the long run, since if the wallpaper won’t come off with solution or steam, you’ll have to pull it off in strips. [7] X Research source
To steam, move the steamer’s hot plate slowly over the scored areas, checking to make sure the steam is soaking through the wallpaper. To soak, use the sponge and spray bottle to completely soak through the wallpaper, then let it sit for a few minutes.
When the paper starts to release, use a plastic putty knife (or a nylon spatula) to pull all the paper off the surface. Continue scoring the wallpaper and reapplying the wallpaper remover solution to the other areas until you’ve peeled off as much wallpaper as possible.
Use the scraping tool to pull up edges of wallpaper, then pull it off in strips. The process can take several days unless you have help.
This helps prepare the surface for a new coat of paint or wallpaper. Be sure the walls are completely dry before continuing. [10] X Research source
Be sure to prime the walls with wall size first, since this will help you remove the wallpaper if you choose to do so later. Don’t be tempted to paint over wallpaper again.
