Effective Ways In Removing Old Wallpaper
So you’ve bought your first home, congratulations! And now you’ve realised that your entire life’s savings has bought you a bathroom that you are embarrassed to show your friends and family… Fear not, here’s our guide for how to remove that ‘beautiful’ country roses wallpaper!
Removing wallpaper can be tricky and time consuming. There can also be a fair bit of mess typically created by removing wallpaper. It’s important to cover the floors and any electricity fixtures before you start removing wallpaper. Luckily, there are several methods of removal as outlined below.
3 Most Common and Effective Methods of Removing Wallpaper:
1. Steaming the Wallpaper
Rent a wallpaper steamer. This will send steam through a hose to a flat metal plate that you then press on the wall and forces steam into the wallpaper. This will in turn soften the paper and paste and allow you to strip the paper.
Unfortunately, steaming can damage the wallboards behind the wallpaper, especially if the wallboards weren’t properly sealed prior to wallpapering.
2. Chemical Solutions
This method uses chemical enzyme agents that soak into the paper and dissolves the paste. Although this method takes a little longer than the steamer, it is less damaging to wallboards behind the wallpaper.
You must allow time for the chemicals to do their work as if you begin scraping too soon, it won’t be as effective. The paper should be kept wet with the chemical solution until the paper is loose enough to scrape.
If you’re using chemical solutions, don’t forget to wear protective gloves and goggles.
3. Hot Water and Vinegar
Combine vinegar with boiling water, spray on and let sit for a few minutes, and then scrape the paper off with a putty knife. To max it easier you can also score the wallpaper before you spray.
The hot water loosens the wallpaper glue, while the vinegar helps dissolve it.
Removing Vinyl Wallpaper
Removing Vinyl WallpaperIf the original wallpaper is non-porous vinyl, neither the steam, vinegar, nor the chemical stripper will penetrate it easily. In that case, you may have to rip the vinyl face from the wall before starting with any of these methods.
Removing The Residue
After the paper is removed, remove any residue paste that is left. Use hot water and a wall washing detergent, then apply wallpaper-stripping chemical as a final wash. If there is an excessive amount of paste left on the wall, you may need to spray the walls with the chemical stripper again. Then use a scraper or putty knife to remove the residual glue, followed by a final rinse with a sponge dipped in the stripper.
After the residue is removed you are free to either paint, re-wallpaper or tile your walls. Make sure the required prep for each is done before starting on your task.
If you need materials for your wall or flooring renovations, get in touch with your nearest Tile Wizards store, or drop by and chat with our friendly staff for expert advice and tips. Also, see our ranges of tiles, carpets and timber flooring products in-store.
Visit any Tile Wizards stores located around Brisbane (Springwood), Adelaide (Lonsdale, Para Hills West, Richmond), Sunshine Coast (Bokarina), and in Coffs Harbour.
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