How to remove paper wallpaper from drywall
To remove paper wallpaper from drywall, score the surface, then saturate it with a warm water and dish soap solution or a commercial stripper. Scrape off the wet paper with a putty knife, working from top to bottom. Repeat as needed, then wash the wall and let it dry.
Removing paper wallpaper from drywall is a manageable DIY project, but it requires patience and the right approach to avoid damaging the wall surface. Paper-backed wallpaper is generally the easiest type to remove, often coming off in sheets once properly saturated. The key is to loosen the adhesive without gouging the drywall paper or the drywall itself.
Before you begin, gather your supplies. You’ll need a scoring tool (like a paper tiger or a utility knife with a zigzag pattern), a putty knife or wallpaper scraper (a 4-inch or 6-inch flexible one is ideal), a large sponge or garden sprayer, a bucket, warm water, mild dish soap, and rags. You may also want painter’s tape to protect baseboards and a drop cloth to catch debris.
Start by preparing the room. Remove all furniture or move it to the center of the room and cover it with plastic sheeting. Cover the floor with drop cloths. Use painter’s tape to mask off baseboards, trim, and electrical outlets. Turn off the power to any outlets or light fixtures in the room at the breaker box – this is a crucial safety step.
Score the wallpaper
The first step in removing paper wallpaper is to score its surface. This creates tiny perforations that allow your stripping solution to penetrate the paper and reach the adhesive underneath. Without scoring, the solution will bead up and run off the wallpaper, making removal significantly more difficult and time-consuming.
Use a wallpaper scoring tool, often called a paper tiger, which has small, sharp teeth that perforate the paper without damaging the drywall. Alternatively, you can carefully use a utility knife or a sharp putty knife to create small, random slits or holes across the entire wallpapered surface. Work in sections, making sure to cover the entire area you intend to strip. Be gentle; you’re just puncturing the wallpaper, not digging into the drywall.
Prepare and apply the stripping solution
A simple solution of warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap is often effective for loosening paper wallpaper adhesive. Mix about two tablespoons of dish soap per gallon of warm water in a bucket. For more stubborn wallpaper or adhesive, you can use a commercial wallpaper stripper, available at most hardware stores. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dilution and application.
Apply the solution generously to the scored wallpaper using a sponge or a garden sprayer. Start at the top of the wall and work your way down. Ensure the entire surface is thoroughly saturated. Let the solution sit for the recommended time, typically 10-15 minutes, or until the wallpaper feels soft and pliable. You may need to reapply the solution to keep the wallpaper damp as you work, especially in warmer or drier environments.
Scrape away the wallpaper
Once the wallpaper has softened, begin scraping it off. Use a flexible putty knife or wallpaper scraper. Hold the tool at a low angle (around 30 degrees) against the wall to avoid digging into the drywall. Start at a seam or a lifted edge and carefully push the scraper under the wallpaper, pulling it away from the wall in large sections if possible.
Work methodically, section by section. If the wallpaper isn’t coming off easily, it likely needs more time to soak or a second application of the stripping solution. Don’t force it, as this can tear the wallpaper into small, difficult-to-remove pieces or damage the drywall paper. For stubborn areas, you might need to use a metal scraper, but be extremely cautious to avoid gouging the wall.
Address stubborn adhesive and residue
After removing the bulk of the wallpaper, you’ll likely find some adhesive residue or small pieces of paper still clinging to the wall. This is normal. Mix a fresh batch of your warm water and dish soap solution, or use a sugar-soap solution (one cup of TSP substitute per gallon of water – always wear gloves and eye protection with TSP).
Apply this solution to the remaining residue and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, use your scraper or a clean sponge to gently scrub and wipe away the adhesive. Rinse the wall thoroughly with clean, warm water and a sponge to remove all traces of soap or stripper. This step is crucial; any remaining adhesive can interfere with primer and paint adhesion later.
Clean and prepare the drywall for finishing
Once all the wallpaper and adhesive are removed, inspect the drywall surface carefully. Fill any small nicks or gouges with drywall compound, let it dry, and sand it smooth. If there are any areas where the drywall paper has been torn or damaged, you may need to skim coat these areas with a thin layer of joint compound and sand them smooth once dry. The goal is a perfectly smooth, clean surface.
Wipe down the entire wall with a clean, damp sponge one last time to remove any remaining dust from sanding. Allow the wall to dry completely, which may take 24 hours depending on humidity. Once dry, your drywall is ready for priming and painting or for applying new wallpaper.
Common Mistakes When Removing Wallpaper
| Step/Tool | Typical Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Scoring Tool | Not scoring enough, or scoring too deep | Solution doesn’t penetrate, or drywall paper is damaged |
| Stripping Solution | Using cold water or not enough soap/stripper | Wallpaper doesn’t soften, requires excessive scraping |
| Scraper | Using a stiff or sharp-edged scraper at a steep angle | Gouging or tearing the drywall surface |
| Patience | Rushing the process | Tearing wallpaper into small pieces, damaging drywall, leaving adhesive residue |
FAQ
Can I just paint over old wallpaper?
While it’s possible to paint over some types of wallpaper, it’s generally not recommended, especially for paper-backed wallpaper. The seams will likely show through, and the paint may not adhere properly over time. Removing the wallpaper first will ensure a smoother, more durable finish.
How do I remove vinyl wallpaper?
Vinyl wallpaper has a plastic coating. You typically need to score it more aggressively to allow the stripping solution to penetrate. Often, the vinyl layer peels off easily, leaving a paper backing that you then treat as regular paper wallpaper.
What if my drywall is damaged after removing the wallpaper?
Minor damage like small nicks or tears can be repaired using drywall joint compound (spackle). Apply it, let it dry, and sand it smooth. For larger areas of damage, you might need to patch or skim coat the section.
How long does it take to remove wallpaper?
The time it takes varies greatly depending on the wallpaper, the adhesive used, and the wall surface. A single room could take anywhere from a few hours to a full day or more. Patience is key.
