Best Way to Remove Wallpaper

The methods of wallpaper removal may differ from case to case, depending upon the type of glue, border and texture of the wallpaper. The removal of wallpaper does not include just the tearing off the wallpaper. There are several other accompanying aspects that have to be considered, such as weakening the glue and removing the wallpaper border.

Removing Wallpaper Border
In maximum cases, the wallpaper is enforced with a small border, that is made out of sticky tape, which is known as a wallpaper border. This border is to put up with the help of a strong glue and is usually difficult to remove. Wash it down with warm water. You may also use wallpaper removal solution along with the warm water. After you have washed down the border, use a putty knife or a wallpaper peeler to take off the wallpaper border. If you feel that the glue that has been used to paste the border is strong, you may also perforate the border with the help of a blade or a long pin. The perforation enables the water to seep into the glue and weaken it. After the border is thoroughly soaked, it will come off easily.

Removing Wallpaper from Drywall
The wallpapers on drywalls are especially difficult to remove, due to the fact that during the removal, one cannot apply force and liquid, liberally, as it would damage the wall beyond repair. The best way is to use the vinegar method and water to weaken the glue. In order to effectively use the vinegar and water mixture, first perforate the wallpaper with help of a pin. Then use a spray gun and lightly mist the whole surface. After misting the surface, wait for a while, so that the mixture seeps into the glue and paper. After the surface has dried out, again mildly mist the wallpaper. If the glue has weakened, you will be able to peel off the paper very easily. In case if the glue has remained very strong, you may peel off the paper with the help of a putty knife. Remember to apply as less pressure as possible.

Removing Wallpaper Glue
At times, solidified glue is left behind on the wall. In such a scenario, it needs to be removed before you stick on the new wallpaper. The most perfect way to remove wallpaper glue is to mist the left over pieces of glue with a mixture of vinegar and water, and then remove it with a putty knife. If the glue is particularly reluctant, then you may also directly apply glue removal solutions.

Removing Wallpaper Paste
In some cases, the wallpaper is pasted on to the surface with an organic paste. While putting on the wallpaper, the paste is applied to the entire surface area of the (rear side) paper. Unlike paste, the glue is applied to some selected portions of the paper. A wallpaper that has been put on the wall with the help of paste is thus stubborn and very difficult to remove. The best way to remove such wallpaper is to make perforations on the wallpaper, and keep on misting it after ever few minutes. As the tenacity of the paste is low, the paper and paste would come off on its own after a few hours time.

There are many wallpaper removal tips that one may follow. However, the best way, indeed, is to maintain a patient aptitude towards the task and delicately remove the paper. Thus, you would be able to remove the wallpaper without damaging the wall and without using excessive force, time and energy.