If the thought of wallpaper removal seems overwhelming, you’re not alone. Many homeowners dread the task, but it’s easier than you might think. In this blog, we take you through the process step-by-step on how do professionals remove wallpaper, turning what could be a headache into an easy and even enjoyable DIY project.
A Guide on Wallpaper Removal
No matter how beautiful they seem today, wallpapers may still grow old and go out of style soon. Perhaps you may also prefer a painted wall to a wallpapered wall. Nonetheless, there are various reasons why you would want to remove wallpaper from your walls, including upgrading your interior, removing wallpaper from a recently purchased house, or selling your home.
While scraping years of glued-on paper may seem daunting, sometimes it has to be done to achieve the new style you want for your home. If you’re experiencing this homemaking predicament today, continue reading for a simple guide on effective wallpaper removal.
Types of Wallpaper
There are several types of wallpaper, and wallpaper removal methods vary accordingly.
Here’s a rundown of the common types:
- • Strippable wallpaper: This type is easy to remove, designed to be peeled off without any water or chemicals.
- • Traditional wallpaper: Made from cellulose or vinyl, this type requires a combination of water, chemicals, and scraping to remove.
- • Peel and stick wallpaper: Similar to traditional wallpaper, it requires moisture and scraping for removal.
Getting Ready? Prepare a Toolbelt
No, we don’t mean you should have an actual toolbelt. Although, we do recommend being fully equipped with specific tools such as:
• putty Knife
• painters tape
• drop sheets
• clean rags/cloths
• hand or pump sprayer
• exacto knife
• non-cellulose sponge
• scoring tool
• bucket
• liquid dish soap
• baking soda
Start by covering your floors and taping your baseboards before starting this D-I-Y project.
The Different Methods of Wallpaper Removal
After gathering the items mentioned above, you can remove your wallpapers. Indicated below are different instructions when dealing with specific wallpaper types.
Method 1: Easy-To-Remove Wallpaper
For removable wallpaper, lift a corner of the paper off the wall with a putty knife. The wallpaper should then be carefully peeled away from the corner. After that, wipe down the walls with a moist towel to eliminate any adhesive residue. This way, you’ll have a clean, bare slate ready for painting.
When establishing your strategy, keep the environment in mind. To avoid curling, pull the wallpaper straight down if it is to be reused.
Method 2: Strippable Wallpaper
It is possible that you will not remove your wallpaper cleanly from the wall. If this is your case, you may be dealing with strippable wallpaper.
To remove this type of wallpaper, spray hot water and let it absorb the moisture for a few minutes to soften it.
Then, examine the left-hand panel to check if it can be lifted. Check all sides until all panels can be lifted off part by part.
Wash the walls with warm water and a non-cellulose sponge to remove adhesive residue.
Method 3: Vinyl or Printed Wallpaper
If you can’t get the wallpaper off with hot water, it’s almost probably made of vinyl. To remove this, you must first score the wall from corner to corner and floor to ceiling. This will allow your liquid to penetrate and loosen the stubborn glue after spraying wallpaper solvent on the surface to aid in removing the glue.
Continue by saturating the wall partially, working your way from the top-left area to the bottom. Then in 10-15 minutes, lift off the wallpaper from the ceiling. Use a wall scraper for the remaining patches if it does not come off in one piece. Afterward, spray and wipe down the wall clean.
Wallpaper Removal Hacks and Tips
• Be patient and work slowly to avoid damaging the walls.
• Change the blades of your scraper frequently to ensure optimum performance.
• Wallpaper removal may take multiple attempts, especially for stubborn adhesives. Don’t lose heart!
• Make sure you give the walls ample time to dry before applying new wallpaper or paint.
After mastering this blog, you might still encounter impossible wallpaper removal scenarios. Do not worry, especially if you’re in Toronto, as Home Painters Toronto is ready to lend you a hand. With our vast experience with all types of wallpaper in Toronto, we can assure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
As with any homemaking project, wallpaper removal necessitates both time and effort. It’s a task that takes time and patience. Nonetheless, this could be a fun D-I-Y activity for you and your family. However, if you don’t have the time to spare, you can employ professionals for quality wallpaper removal that saves you time and is worth your money.
Are you looking for professional house painters in Toronto? For over three decades, award-winning Home Painter Toronto has serviced thousands of homeowners with the best quality at fair pricing. Contact us today to live in your dream home!
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