If you’re looking to revamp your Colorado home’s appearance, removing existing wallpaper opens up the opportunity for a new paint job. But, the task of removing wallpaper safely, cleanly, and effectively can be intimidating. For those who are procrastinating wallpaper removal day after day: you’re not alone! 

That said, removing wallpaper can be straightforward if you know what you’re doing. So, here, we’ll provide you with tips and tricks for becoming an instant wallpaper removal expert. 

Choose The Right Method.

The right wallpaper removal method for you will depend on what type of wallpaper you’re working with. Strippable, vinyl, and removable are the main types of wallpaper that you’ll have to deal with before moving on to residential painting.

Wallpaper Removal Methods

Strippable Wallpaper

If you’re lucky enough to be working with strippable wallpaper, the removal process will be simple. You’ll just need to pull back one of the seam edges (a small knife works well for this task) and gently tug down on the wallpaper at an angle. Strippable wallpaper will typically come off in one, long section with no adhesive left behind.  

Chemical Strippers

Many people opt to remove wallpaper with chemical strippers. For this method, you’ll need to protect your eyes and skin with goggles, gloves, and long sleeves/pants. After applying the chemical to the wallpaper, you’ll need to use a scraper to pull the wallpaper back from the wall. 

Steaming

Removing wallpaper with steam is a safe, natural alternative to using chemicals. You’ll simply use a wallpaper steamer to penetrate the wallpaper with steam. This will weaken the adhesive so that you can scrape away the wallpaper. 

Find The Right Tools. 

Now that you know which method to follow for wallpaper removal, it’s time to assemble your tools. Having the right tools can make all the difference in wallpaper removal. You’ll need something easy to use and appropriate for the job. 

Wallpaper Removal Tools

Scraper

Scrapers are handheld, single-edged tools typically made from metal or plastic. You can use this tool to remove wallpaper by slipping the flat edge beneath an uplifted corner of the wallpaper, then using a scraping motion to lift the wallpaper from the wall. 

Scoring Tool

A scoring tool will significantly speed up the process of scoring your wallpaper for removal. Scoring tools come in different designs, but you’ll generally just roll it across the wallpaper. The tool will lift away small pieces of the wallpaper, making it easier to scrape away.  

Steamer

Wallpaper steamers are efficient tools for removing wallpaper with water. You’ll simply fill the machine with water and turn it on. As it produces steam, you can simply direct the steam at the wallpaper to loosen the adhesive. 

Protect the surrounding area.

Especially if you’re using a chemical stripper, you should protect your home from damage before starting the removal process. Even if you’re just using water, the moisture and adhesive could damage the area around the wall. 

Move furniture away from the wall or out of the room being treated. Remove any wall decor and cover outlets, vents, and switch plates. Shut off the electricity in the room being worked on using your service panel. Then, cover the baseboards and floor with sheets of plastic. 

Remove all of the paste.

Don’t leave any paste behind after removing the wallpaper and backing. If the wall looks shiny or feels sticky, you haven’t removed all of the paste. This is the moment to be relentless – make sure that there isn’t a speck of paste left on the wall. 

If any paste is left behind on the wall, it will thwart your painting efforts later on. Any paint applied over the residual paste will crack and flake over time. 

Speed up the cleanup: keep a trash can nearby.

Throughout the wallpaper removal process, you’ll end up taking off large sections of wallpaper. Rather than letting these pieces fall to the floor, place them in a trash can. By simply setting up a lined trash can nearby, you won’t have to clean up a major mess once the job is done. Smaller sections of wallpaper will hit the ground, too, but these will be easy to lift up along with your protective floor covering. 
With your wallpaper properly removed, you can apply a fresh coat of paint with Denver residential painting services.