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Removing Wallpaper
For the best possible results when hanging wallpaper, we
recommend removing old wallcovering before installing new paper. There
are several efficient methods to remove paper. The method you use will
depend upon the kind of paper you're removing and how your wallpaper was
originally hung.
Strippable Wallpaper
Tools and Materials: Sponge, hot water, and a broad knife.
If you've recently hung new wallpaper, you probably have strippable wallpaper,
which is designed to pull away from the wall easily.
- If necessary, soften the paste underneath the paper with a sponge
and hot water.
- Scrape the paper off with a six-inch broad knife and remove as much
of the residue as possible.
- Rinse the walls with TSP or with a neutralizing solution of 1 cup
white vinegar mixed in 1 gallon of water.
Recipe for Wallpaper Remover
Our decorators have found that modifying commercial wallpaper remover helps
you remove old wallpaper much more quickly and efficiently. Combine the
following:
- 3 gallons of very hot water
- 1 bottle of wallpaper remover with reactive enzymes (the label should
state that it's enzyme based)
- 1/4 cup liquid fabric softener
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
Using Wallpaper Remover
This method is often more easy and less messy than steaming and works well
with older, difficult to remove wallcoverings.
Tools and Materials: Sprayer, wallpaper remover, broad knife, sponge, small
perforation tool, trisodium phosphate or white vinegar and water.
- Mix your remover according to the instructions above.
- If the wallpaper has a vinyl or water-resistant surface, use your
perforation tool to break the surface so the remover can reach the adhesive.
- Spray a fine mist of the remover on your wall, starting at the bottom
and working up to the ceiling, one area at a time. When you've sprayed
all the walls, repeat this process twice, making sure to spray in the
same manner and order.
- Wait for 15 minutes as the remover works.
- Using your broad knife, scrape each strip of wallpaper off the wall,
working from the bottom up. Work your way around the room in the same
order that you sprayed. The strips will come off easily.
- Spray the stripped walls with the remaining remover, then use a sponge
to remove any adhesive residue.
- Rinse the walls with TSP or with a neutralizing solution of 1 cup
white vinegar mixed in 1 gallon of water.
Steam Removal
Tools: Make sure you've got these tools handy before starting: a steamer,
wallscraper or broad knife, sponge, trisodium phosphate or white vinegar
and water.
- If the wallpaper has a vinyl or water-resistant surface, use your
perforation tool to break the surface so the steam can reach the adhesive.
- Steam the surface of your wall, starting at the bottom and working
up to the ceiling, one area at a time. If you've got exceptionally difficult
adhesive, you may need to steam each strip twice before removing.
- Using your broad knife, scrape a strip of wallpaper off the wall,
working from the bottom up. Work on each strip of paper shortly after
steaming, while the adhesive is still warmed from the steam. The strips
should come off easily.
- Use a sponge and hot water to remove any adhesive residue.
- Rinse the walls with TSP or with a neutralizing solution of 1 cup
white vinegar mixed in 1 gallon of water.
With your old wallcovering removed, your walls should be ready for
your new wallpaper. At this point, be sure to apply a coat of wallcovering
primer. With primer, you'll get the best results when hanging your
new paper.
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