Peel and stick wallpaper is a popular choice for renters and DIYers because it’s generally easy to install and remove. However, the removal process isn’t always as straightforward as advertised, and improper techniques can leave behind adhesive residue or even damage your drywall. Understanding how to get peel and stick wallpaper off your walls effectively is key to a successful decorating project.
Prepare your walls before you start removing wallpaper
Before you even think about peeling, take time to prepare the area. Clear the space around the wallpapered wall. Move furniture away from the wall or cover it with drop cloths to protect it from dust and any cleaning solutions you might use. Turn off electricity to any outlets or light switches on or near the wallpapered area. Cover these fixtures with painter’s tape to prevent moisture from seeping in.
Gather your supplies. You’ll likely need a utility knife or a putty knife, a spray bottle, warm water, a mild dish soap, a sponge or cloth, and potentially a wallpaper scoring tool. For stubborn adhesive, you might also need a heat gun or a steamer, and a good quality adhesive remover.
Start with the simplest removal method: dry peeling
The easiest way to remove peel and stick wallpaper is often to simply pull it off. Start at a corner or seam. Gently grip the edge of the wallpaper and pull it away from the wall at a 45-degree angle. If the wallpaper comes off smoothly in large strips, you’re in luck. Continue this process, working in manageable sections. If you encounter resistance or the wallpaper starts to tear, stop and try a different approach.
Tip: If the wallpaper is difficult to get started, you can use a utility knife or a thin putty knife to carefully lift an edge. Be cautious not to gouge the drywall underneath.
When dry peeling fails, try warm water and soap
If dry peeling isn’t working, the next step is to use moisture. Prepare a solution of warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap in your spray bottle. You can also use a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and warm water, which can help break down the adhesive.
Lightly dampen a section of the wallpaper with your solution. Don’t saturate it, as excessive moisture can damage drywall. Let the solution sit for 5-10 minutes to allow it to soften the adhesive and the wallpaper material. Then, try peeling again, starting from a corner or edge.
For particularly stubborn areas, you can use a sponge or cloth dipped in the warm water and soap solution to gently rub the surface. This can help activate the adhesive’s softening properties. Continue to peel slowly and steadily.
Use a heat gun or steamer for tough adhesives
If warm water and soap don’t do the trick, heat is your next best friend. A heat gun on a low setting or a wallpaper steamer can effectively soften strong adhesives. Hold the heat gun a few inches away from the wallpaper, moving it constantly to avoid overheating or scorching any single spot. The heat should make the wallpaper easier to peel.
If using a steamer, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Steam the wallpaper in small sections, allowing the steam to penetrate for about 30 seconds. Immediately after steaming, try to peel the wallpaper away. The combination of heat and moisture should help release the adhesive.
Caution: Be careful not to hold the heat gun or steamer too close to the wall for too long, as this can damage the drywall or paint.
Dealing with leftover adhesive residue
Even with careful removal, you might be left with sticky residue. This is common with many types of peel and stick wallpaper. Don’t try to scrape it off aggressively, as this can damage the wall surface. Instead, use an adhesive remover designed for wallpaper or a solution of warm water and soap. You can also try rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits for very stubborn spots, but test these in an inconspicuous area first to ensure they don’t damage the paint or primer underneath.
Apply your chosen cleaning solution to a cloth or sponge and gently rub the residue. For tougher spots, let the solution sit for a few minutes before wiping. Once the residue is gone, wash the wall with clean water and a mild soap to remove any cleaning solution, then dry the wall thoroughly.
How to handle painted walls or textured surfaces
Peel and stick wallpaper can be tricky on certain wall finishes. On freshly painted walls, especially if the paint is less than a year old or not a high-quality acrylic, the adhesive can pull off the paint when removed. If you know your paint is fresh, consider applying a primer over the wallpaper before attempting removal, or test the removal in a small, hidden area first. You might need to use the gentlest methods possible, like dry peeling or slightly warm, damp cloths.
Textured walls, such as popcorn ceilings or heavily textured drywall, present another challenge. The texture can catch on the wallpaper, making removal difficult and prone to tearing. In these cases, a scoring tool might be necessary to create small perforations in the wallpaper, allowing moisture or heat to penetrate more effectively. However, be extremely careful not to damage the underlying texture.
Mistakes to avoid when removing peel and stick wallpaper
One of the biggest mistakes is using excessive water. While moisture helps, soaking the drywall can cause it to bubble, warp, or weaken. Always use warm water sparingly and allow the wallpaper to dry out a bit before trying to peel.
Another common error is rushing the process. Pulling too hard or too fast can cause the wallpaper to tear into small pieces, making it much harder to remove. Patience is crucial. Work slowly, in small sections, and adjust your method as needed.
Scraping aggressively with a sharp tool is also a mistake. Unless you’re dealing with very thick adhesive, a plastic putty knife or even your fingernail is often sufficient. If you must use a metal tool, use it at a very low angle to the wall to minimize the risk of gouging the drywall.
Finally, not preparing the area properly can lead to a mess and potential damage to furniture or fixtures. Always protect your surroundings before starting.
Final cleaning and wall preparation for repainting or redecorating
After all the wallpaper and residue are removed, give the walls a final wash with clean water and mild soap to remove any lingering cleaning agents. Allow the walls to dry completely, which might take 24 hours depending on humidity and ventilation.
Inspect the walls for any imperfections, such as small holes or scuffs. Fill any holes with spackle or joint compound, let it dry, and then sand it smooth. Once the walls are clean, dry, and smooth, you can prime them. A good quality primer will seal the surface and provide a uniform base for repainting or applying new wallpaper. If you’re planning to apply new peel and stick wallpaper, ensure the surface is clean, dry, and smooth for the best adhesion of the new material.