Wallpaper Removal Tips

The mess created at the time of wallpaper removal can be controlled to a great extent if you have done some good preparation work. Move all your furniture away from the walls and cover them up with plastic sheets so that no debris of the wallpaper falls on them. Make sure to remove all the wall decorations, wall hangings, and other materials that are on the walls. The first step of wall paper removal is to find a loose edge on the wallpaper from where you can start peeling off the paper. Those wallpapers which have fabric or vinyl covering will get peeled off readily, but other types of wallpaper will rip off. As a result, a thin layer of paper will remain behind on the wall surface. It is really a tough task to remove this layer, because when you try to take it off it gets torn up into bits and pieces. The wallpaper removal tips that we have discussed here is mainly to remove this thin back-up layer of the wallpaper.

Use of Hot Water for Wallpaper Removal

When you tried to peel off the wallpaper, the upper layer has come off but a thin layer is left behind. A simple but excellent wallpaper removal solution is the use of warm water. You may feel surprised but warm water will give you a wonderful result. Sprinkle some warm water all over the paper layer with the help of spray bottle, garden sprayer or whatever you feel convenient. Apply that much of water which is sufficient for soaking the paper. Make sure that the water should not start dripping from the wall as that will be a real mess to contend with.

Wait for around half an hour so that the paper gets soaked with water completely and softens the underlying glue. If required, spread some more water in those portions which are not properly soaked. Then take a broad knife and start removing the wallpaper. You will find that long strips of paper are coming off the wall quite easily. Sometimes it may happen that it is not coming off well enough, then you have to moisten the wall once again and start the removal work after sometime.

Use of Steamer for Wallpaper Removal

When wallpaper does not come off the wall we tend to scrape it out. However, this way you will damage the wall and will have to spend a lot of money on the repair of your wall. Sanding disc of 36 grit can be used manually to rub on the paper stuck to the wall. Never use the power tool for this purpose as your wall will get damaged. Wallpaper steamer is available on rent. Use it on the wall after sanding. The perforations as a result of sanding will help the steam to pass through them and make the paper and the adhesive softer very quickly. If any portion of the paper is not responding to the steamer, you may have to use the sand disc and steamer again till the paper softens.

Other Methods of Wallpaper Removal

There are some chemicals available in the market which can act as wallpaper removers. These are mild chemicals and do not cause any harm to your hands. Spray it all over the wall and make the wall wet with it. Use a scraper to peel of the wallpaper. The chemical will make the paper so soft that they will come out even if you touch your finger nails to it. Sheets of cloth are also used for wallpaper removal. All you need to do is to paste the sheets of cloth on the wall and spread some hot water on it. Leave it for about half an hour and then the wallpaper can be peeled off very easily.

Lastly, I wish to give you two small yet vital wallpaper removal tips. First, switch off the electricity of the room where you are going to start the wallpaper removal task. Second, start the peeling off the wallpaper from the top of the wall downwards. Be safe, do it the easy way!