A wallpaper is a decoration for walls, usually bought in large rolls and hung straight from the roll.
The first step is to decide whether you’re going to use a sponge, scraper, or steam.
If you’re using a scraper, the technique would be to score the wallpaper with either a metal or plastic wallpaper scraper then pull it off quickly.
This will create a “rib” that you can then use your fingers to peel off the paper. All that remains after that step is to remove the glue and paper residue. A traditional wallpaper steamer does a great job of removing this adhesive.
An alternative to a wallpaper scraper is a plastic wallpaper spreader. These special tools can be found in some hardware or home decorating stores, but they are not commonly available at most local retail outlets.
If you’re using a steam method, the process for wallpaper removal is much like steaming any other type of fabric. The steam loosens and melts the glue, making it easier to remove the paper without creating too many tears in it.
You can also purchase a scraper or spreader made specifically for wallpaper removal if you do not wish to purchase a traditional wallpaper steamer.
When you apply steam, don’t hold it too close to the paper for too long. This can cause problems with bubbling and damage the surface of the drywall or plaster behind it.
You should also go over the top of the paper in one direction using soft strokes rather than back and forth motions, which could cause the paper to tear.
If you decide to use a sponge and water, do not allow it to soak into the drywall or plaster. If this happens, you’ll need to hire a professional for drywall repair .
As soon as you can work your way completely around the border of each sheet with a putty knife, you can peel it up and off at the same time.
If you’re using a sponge and water, you should dampen the wall or ceiling in sections rather than all at once so that mold doesn’t develop too quickly. Once the paper has lifted completely from the surface, apply fresh water to soften any remaining glue residue and remove it with the sponge.
A scraper or wallpaper spreader are both good for areas that are difficult to get at with a sponge.
Use straight strokes when applying the same technique on any of these tools. Again, avoid back and forth motions which can cause the paper to tear too easily.
When you’re finished, you’ll need to thoroughly dry the area and clean it before you paint or finish it.
The next step is to remove the paper from any metal pipes. Cover them with a plastic bag, then use a hair dryer to heat the surrounding area for several minutes until the adhesive melts and the paper lifts easily. You can then pull off the wallpaper in one piece without tearing it.
If you’re dealing with drywall or plaster, use a wallpaper steamer to remove the paper. These steamers are available in hardware stores and home decorating stores, but not local retail outlets where lower quality products are more likely to be found.
When using any type of steam machine, do not hold it too close because this can damage the wall or ceiling. Also, go over each section of wallpaper in one direction using smooth strokes rather than back and forth motions.
When you’re finished with the rest of your project, thoroughly dry the area around any metal pipes before turning on the water again to avoid having water seep through to areas it shouldn’t be in.
The next step is to remove the wallpaper from any metal pipes including heating vents and lights. Cover them with plastic bags, then use a hair dryer over the surrounding area for several minutes until the adhesive melts and the paper lifts easily. You can then pull off the wallpaper in one piece without tearing it.
If you are dealing with drywall or plaster, use a wallpaper steamer to remove the paper. These steamers are available at hardware stores and home decorating stores but not local retail outlets where lower quality products are more likely to be found.
When using any type of steam machine, do not hold it too close because this can damage the wall or ceiling. Also, go over each section of wallpaper in one direction using smooth strokes rather than back and forth motions.
When you’re finished with the rest of your project, thoroughly dry the area around any metal pipes before turning on the water again to avoid having water seep through to areas it shouldn’t be in.
The wallpaper should now be completely removed. If there is any glue residue, wipe it away with a sponge and warm, soapy water or with a brush and denatured alcohol before painting or finishing the area.
If there are any holes left behind, you will need to patch them with spackling paste or drywall joint compound. Make sure to work the material into any grooves as deeply as possible before allowing it to dry and then sanding it down until smooth.
Once you have finished repairing the holes, prime and paint over the area to complete your project.
Removing wallpaper from metal pipes is possible if you use a hair dryer and bag them to protect against any steam. When the adhesive melts after several minutes, you can easily pull off the wallpaper in one piece without damaging it.
If the area is drywall or plaster and there is any glue residue, you can remove it with warm, soapy water and a sponge or denatured alcohol. You can then patch any holes with spackling paste or drywall joint compound and sand it down once it dries.
Finally, prime and paint over the area to complete your project.
So this is how to remove Wallpaper.