Wallpaper Removal: Can Be a Painful, Tedious, and Messy Process

We frequently get calls from consumers wanting to know if we remove wallpaper and borders.  The answer is yes!  ProTect Painters of Oviedo ~ Winter Springs offers wallpaper removal. 

A variety of methods are used including dry peel, chemicals, prime and even steam.  The method selected depends greatly on the condition of paper and underlying wall.  If you did not install the paper, we assume the worse and hope for the best.  Damaging the wallboard is always a risk in the removal process.  Repairing wallboard can be a simple as a quick patch/sanding but it could require drywall replacement. 

The cost for wallpaper removal varies and tends to be a lot higher than you expect.  After the initial sticker shock, you may be tempted to DIY and save some money.   It’s ok if you decide the cost of hiring a professional is too much for your budget.  That’s to be expected in this economy.  But now what?  It’s not really hard to do but patience, technique, and a little bit of luck are required.  Let’s look at some of the ways to accomplish your goals……

Getting the Paper Off

It’s time to take some risks and determine which way to go.  Start with a loose corner or edge and carefully peel back a small section.  Does the paper come off clean?  What’s the underlying wall look like?  Is there any paper or residue left?  Is the wall painted?  If the paper comes off clean and the wall looks good, you may have luck on your side.  You might be able to use the dry method and simply remove the paper by pulling it off the wall.  Go slow and make sure you pay close attention.  It is unlikely the paper, adhesive and walls will be completely uniform throughout.  Once you have removed all the paper, make sure all remnants of the glue are gone before applying any paint.

If the dry method does not work, it’s time to consider the chemical approach.  You will need to fully cover the areas around the worksite with plastic.   This is going to get messy.  There are a variety of wallpaper removal chemicals on the market.  Some are better than others.  In many cases, a simple liquid fabric softener will work just as well.  You will need a garden pump sprayer as well.  Spray, soak and wait a while on each area you are removing.  Slowly begin removing the paper.  You may have to spray as you go here to make the adhesive come loose.  Use a flexible wide blade putty knife to gently scrap and remove the paper.  Make sure you do not gouge or damage the underlying wallboard.  The wetter the wall, the more easily it gets damaged.

What if the chemical assault is not working? Time to call in heavier artillery.  Most tool rental shops will rent you a steamer.  We rarely use this approach but it is commonly cited on DIY websites.  Prices are typically by the hour or day.  Decide what you want before you rent.  Daily rentals are cheaper than by the hour if you need the machine for a while.  Caution!  Steam is very hot.  Wear rubber gloves and don’t over steam the wall.  Steam can penetrate through paint and the wallboard.  The potential for paint and wallboard damage is high.  You will likely need to use a combination of steam and chemicals with this approach. 

Cleaning and Preparing the Wall for Painting

Ok, you got the paper off and the wall is not perfectly smooth.  Now what?  Well… this depends on what you see.  If the wall is simply covered with adhesive remains, use some fabric softener and wipe down the wall.  Once the glue has been removed, carefully wash the area with a wet clean dust free rag and let it dry.  Use clean water and rinse out the cloth frequently.  Be careful not to wet the wallboard too much.  The outer layer is like cardboard and will pucker if it gets too wet.

Once the wall is completely dry, you may still need to lightly sand the surface of the wall before painting.  This will provide a smoother finish.  Remember that paint is not very thick.  It provides color and some layer of coverage but it will not cover imperfections in the wall.  Any bumps, lumps, chumps or humps are going to show through.  If these issues are minor, try one coat of paint and then lightly sand the areas.  Repeat paint and sanding until you obtain the look desired.

Prime with Oil Based Primer

Priming may be required.  If the walls are not completely clean, you should prime with an oil based primer.  Sherwin Williams offers a low VOC oil based primer which works well.  Do not use water based primers.  They interact with the remaining adhesive and will make a mess.  Avoid primers which leave a high sheen.  Putting a coat of flat or eggshell finish over these can be challenging. 

Wallpaper Removal Not an Option?

In some areas, complete removal of the paper or the use of wet chemical methods is not feasible.  You may need to leave the paper on the wall, remove on the front facing or repaper.  Not the results you were expecting but these are possible alternatives.  Regardless, we recommend you prime with an oil based primer here as well.  Better yet, use a high grade oil based adhesion primer.  Adhesion primers can be expensive, but worth the extra expense for these types of areas.

Damaged the Wall?  Now What?

Well…. It may be time to call in the commandos.  Wallboard installation, skimming, texturing and other aspects of drywall construction are typically not the easiest DIY projects.  If you want the walls to match the rest of your home, our advice is to get someone to complete this portion of the process.  Repairing trial and error mistakes is frequently more expensive then doing it right the first time.

Bottom Line

Professional wallpaper removal may appear expensive.  There are some good reasons.  Removing wallpaper is not hard, it’s just hard work.  DIY can be a great alternative.  If you decide to DIY; be patient, take your time and don’t mess up the walls.  With a little bit of luck, your project will turn out beautiful.