When you’re ready to change the look of your walls, one of the first things you need to decide is whether to paint over the wallpaper or remove it. Generally, experts agree that you’re better off removing it before you paint.
If you decide to remove the wallpaper, there are a few steps that you can take to ensure it comes off cleanly and quickly. To start, score the paper with a wallpaper scoring tool.
Preparation
You must set the wall up before removing the wallpaper or painting it. Although it might seem minor, planning is the key to preventing stress and complications at the last minute. It’s crucial to do your research before you start any procedure, whether getting ready for a date, going to boot camp, or studying for a test. You can also hire wallpaper removal and painting services to make the process quicker and cleaner.
In the case of wallpaper, the preparation phase is about knowing your wall and wallpaper type before you do anything. This will help you determine whether you should dry-strip, use a solvent, or if steam is the best option.
If you try using a hot water solution for wallpaper removal, the first step is to score the paper with a round scoring tool. This will allow the hot water to penetrate and loosen the adhesive backing.
Next, apply a wallpaper-removal solution to your walls and let it sit for 10 minutes before peeling the wallpaper off with a putty knife. You’ll want to ensure the paper comes off in a few pieces.
You’ll also need to scrape off any remaining gummy bits of wallpaper, along with any leftover wallpaper glue. This can be tricky, but it’s necessary if you paint over the wallpaper. Besides preventing your paint from adhering to the wallpaper, it’ll help keep the wall’s surface clean and fresh.
Removal
Wallpaper is a great way to cover up imperfections or add color and pattern to your walls. However, it can also look dated or feel like it needs to be put in the right place when your style changes.
It can also be a challenge to remove, especially when it comes to old paper that has been stuck down for a long time or in an older home with many layers. If you have a large amount of paper to remove, it may be best to hire a professional.
The removal process can be messy, time-consuming, and exhausting. You’ll have to scrape off small amounts of the paper at a time and use a lot of effort to remove it from the wall.
When removing old wallpaper, you can choose from several different techniques. You can soak the paper in a hot water solution and allow it to peel off the wall or apply a solvent that breaks down the adhesive and allows the wallpaper to come off on its own.
Another option is a wallpaper steamer, which generates hot steam that softens the glue and naturally peels off the paper. It’s the most expensive of these options but also the best method for removing stubborn wallpapers that have been stuck down for decades.
Cleanup
When removing wallpaper, it’s important to make sure that you thoroughly clean the wall surface before painting. This will help prevent paint from sticking to the paper or peeling later.
During the removal process, there may be small pieces of paper, gobs of adhesive, and remnants of the backing paper left on the walls. Using a sponge and scouring pad to scrub off any remaining paste gently is a good idea.
Then, a mixture of hot water and vinegar will eliminate any residue that hasn’t come off. Mix a soap and water solution and use a sponge to wash the walls.
Removing wallpaper from a wall is often labor-intensive, especially for older styles. It can take a day or two for a homeowner to remove a single room’s wallpaper; a professional contractor can do the work in half that time.
Before removing the wallpaper, check to see if it will be easier to paint over it instead. This is especially true for textured designs that could show through the paint.
It’s also a good idea to repair any damage that occurred during the removal process. These may include drywall that’s damaged, plaster that has loosened or fallen out where the wallpaper was hung, or even damage to the underlying wall itself. Realizing these potential problems ahead of time can save you both time and money.
Painting
Removing wallpaper is a difficult and labor-intensive task. But it is possible to do the job safely and effectively with the proper tools and knowledge.
Before you can start removing the wallpaper, you need to prepare your wall. Generally, the best way to do this is by painting over the wallpaper.
Paint, a liquid-pigmented medium, is a traditional method of expressing ideas and emotions through art. It is often used in other arts, including drawing and printmaking.
But it is important to be sure that your walls are ready for painting before you begin, especially if you have old wallpaper that may be brittle or dry.
During preparation, you should remove all furniture, curtains, and outlet covers. You should also tape plastic to the baseboards and floors to protect them from damage as you work.
You can also use a drop cloth to protect the walls from getting dirty as you work. Once the wallpaper is removed, you should wipe up any residue and make any repairs that need to be done.
The painting process is easy if you follow and do the right steps properly. The key is choosing quality paint that will adhere well to the wall without cracking or peeling.
If you want to repaper your walls, many options are available, including modern wallpapers that don’t require glue. This can make the process much faster and completely turn around your room’s look.
