If there was a competition for a task that is tedious, frustrating, messy and difficult, wallpaper removal just might win the prize! The wallpaper removal process is one that many New Jersey homeowners begin with energy and enthusiasm, only to throw up their hands in exasperation and despair. What makes wallpaper removal so difficult? There can be a combination of factors:
- The number of layers of paper there are
- The material the paper is made of
- The kind of adhesive glue used to apply the paper
- Whether the wall was primed first, or the wallpaper was applied to bare drywall
- The age of the wallpaper
Fortunately, there are some handy items available that can ease the process of stripping wallpaper from a room. None of them will make it a tidy, easy job, but they can reduce the frustration significantly.
Wallpaper Scoring Tool
Some wallpapers have a plain paper surface, one that will absorb water. These are easier to remove, generally speaking. More wallpapers, however, have a glossy finish, possibly plastic or vinyl, that makes them waterproof. In order for the glue to be loosened, you need to perforate the wallpaper with hundreds of tiny holes. For that task, there is no better tool than a wallpaper scoring tool!
Most wallpaper scoring devices fit into the palm of your hand, and the underside has several spiky, swiveling wheels. As you move your hand in a circular motion, pushing slightly, but not too hard, the wheels make holes in the surface of the wallpaper. This way, whatever substance you use to soften the glue is able to penetrate behind the surface and do its work.
Wallpaper and Paste Remover
There are many products on the market that will help soften or dissolve the stubborn glue that holds your wallpaper in place. It is worth mentioning that warm water is usually somewhat effective at this (and free), but the commercial products are more efficacious. There are two main approaches to wallpaper paste softeners:
- Chemical Base
- Enzyme Process
Some brands actually combine these two methods, for a very effective treatment.
Whatever product you choose, use a spray bottle to thoroughly dampen the wallpaper, but not to the point where it is running and dripping on the floor. If you are using water, you can use a sponge to moisten the walls. Give the product a little bit of time to work, and then try peeling the paper. If it is not coming easily, try applying more of the the remover.
Wallpaper Steamer
On certain types of wallpapers, a wallpaper steamer can be absolute magic! This is a chemical-free way to soften wallpaper glue for easier removal. It is less messy than sponging or spraying the walls, and the heat adds a helpful element.
Scraping Tool
No wallpaper scraping tool is perfect, and different people prefer different types. Some use a basic, wide-bladed putty knife. Others prefer a wallpaper scraping tool, either with a short or long handle. If a wallpaper scraper has replaceable blades, be careful to find out if replacement blades are easy to buy more of. If not, you are left with a pretty useless tool!
What’s Next?
The wetting and scraping process usually takes a while, thought in some cases, you get lucky and the paper just peels off in big sheets. Most of the time, you end up needing to tear and scrape, a bit at a time, until finally the wall is free of paper. The next step is to wash the wall with a warm, soapy sponge, then rinse it with a clean sponge, until all glue residue has been removed. Be careful not to use too much water, or you could ruin your baseboards or floor!
Now it is time to repair any damage on the wall, either prior damage, or gouges and scrapes that happened during the wallpaper removal process. Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible not to cause some damage of this kind. Use spackle or drywall compound, and apply it with a putty knife. Let it dry, then sand it smooth. Repeat the process until the surfaces are uniform.
The last stage prior to repainting is to prime anywhere that there is bare drywall or spackle from repairs.
Is There an Easier Way?
The best shortcut to a new look in your room is to hire an interior house painting company who can do the job for you! For example, at Cherry Hill Painting, we already have all the tools and products we need, not to mention the experience and skill, to do an efficient, effective job removing your wallpaper. This saves you the mess, frustration, and time involved in stripping wallpaper and preparing for painting. Best of all, with Cherry Hill Painting, you can be assured of fantastic results!
Since 1968, Cherry Hill Painting has been serving New Jersey and the Philadelphia region. In addition to wallpaper removal, we also offer interior painting, exterior painting, commercial painting, and more. Just give us a call, and we will be delighted to provide you with a free estimate for your next painting or wallpaper removal project. We look forward to meeting you!