Express method: How to remove old wallpaper quickly and easily
How to easily remove wallpaper from the walls (photo: youtube.com/@HGTV screenshot)
Removing old wallpaper is an important stage of renovation that affects the quality of the new wall covering. With the right approach and knowledge of effective methods, this process can be greatly simplified.
Preparing for work
Before starting work, it is important not only to prepare the necessary tools but also to ensure that the room is clean and safe.
Cover the floor with oilcloth or newspapers and the furniture with plastic wrap to avoid damage and contamination. If possible, it is better to remove all objects from the room to have more space to work and avoid accidental damage.
You should also de-energize the room and close the power outlets, as water will be used during the work. It will not be superfluous to check the walls - if they are gypsum, they can be well moistened, and if they are plasterboard, you should be careful not to damage the coating.
Additionally, you can prepare a plastic spatula, a bucket of water, and a sponge for easy work. If the wallpaper was glued to a painted wall, it would be much easier to remove.
Choosing the right method
Before starting work, it is important to determine the type of wallpaper, because this determines the method of removing it. Some wallpapers come off easily in whole strips, others - only the top layer, and old paper wallpapers can come off in pieces, which makes the process much more difficult.
If the wallpaper does not come off on its own, you will have to use special products or plain water and soap. The easiest wallpapers to remove are modern vinyl or non-woven wallpapers, which can be removed in one motion by pulling on a corner.
If the underlying paper layer remains on the wall, it must be well moistened before cleaning to avoid damaging the wall. To do this, you can use a cloth, sponge, or spray bottle, and sometimes a steam generator is used to speed up the process.
If the wallpaper is glued in several layers, it is better to remove them gradually, soaking each layer separately.
Wallpaper should be moistened with a special solution (photo: screenshot youtube.com/@HGTV)
Removing strongly adhered wallpaper
If the wallpaper is very strongly adhered, you will need to use additional tools to make the job easier.
The most effective way is to use hot water with vinegar or liquid soap, which helps soften the adhesive. The solution should be applied to the wall with a roller or sponge and allowed to soak in for 10-15 minutes to make the adhesive layer softer.
Then the wallpaper can be carefully removed with a plastic spatula, working from the bottom up or vice versa, depending on your convenience. It is important not to over-wet the wall to avoid damaging the coating, especially if it is drywall.
If the wallpaper is very dense or has a protective waterproof layer, you can scratch it with a spatula or a special roller with spikes before wetting it. After cleaning the entire surface, wash off the adhesive residue with soapy water and wait until it is completely dry before further repair work.
You may also be interested in 10 life hacks that will destroy any unpleasant odors and make your home fragrant.
Sources: Spruce, Apartment Therapy, Lifehacker.
