By Ellen Russell
If you are planning to replace old wallpaper with new paper or paint, you will first need to completely strip the existing wallpaper. Attempting to paper over existing wallpaper only creates problems further down the line, such as peeling paper and uneven, unsightly surfaces.To begin, start at the top of the wall and lift the top edge of the wallpaper. Use a utility knife to pry up corners and start the paper peeling. Pull wallpaper straight down on itself, almost folding the paper over as you pull.
Some wallpapers will strip easily and completely by simply dry stripping. Other wallpapers will not strip as easily, and only the top covering may come free, leaving behind the paper backing glued to the wall.
Wallpaper and backings that will not pull off the wall without causing damage to the underlying wall surface need to be soaked for removal. Try a mild solution of soap and dish detergent first. If it works, the soapy water will cause the least amount of damage to surfaces underneath. Commercial preparations for soaking and stripping wallpaper are available as well. Vinegar and water solutions can easily be made at home for soaking and stripping wallpaper. Combine two parts water to one part vinegar.
Apply soaking solutions by wiping the wallpaper surface down with a soaked sponge. Allow the solution to soak for 10 minutes, then scrape with a straight-edge or utility knife. Soak again if the wallpaper does not lift readily and repeat as needed, but soak wallpaper only as much as is necessary to remove the paper and/or backing to avoid damaging the underlying wall surface. Take extra care with plaster walls and those not previously painted.
Wallpaper that is very difficult to remove can be scored using a razor knife or scoring tool. Scoring tools are small, round, palm-sized implements that have rotating razor blades which cut into the surface of the wallpaper. Scoring tools open up the paper's surface to allow for more effective scraping and soaking. A razor knife can also be used to score a wall by making a series of "x's" over the wallpaper. With either a scoring tool or a razor knife, be careful not to apply too much pressure or cut too deeply into the wall surface below.
Other tools that are useful when stripping wallpaper are spray bottles, razor edge scraping tools, and wallpaper steamers. Use spray bottles to aid in spot-soaking stubborn wallpaper. Wallpaper steamers can be purchased or rented through home centers. The steam plate is applied to the wallpaper for two to three minutes before scraping off the wallpaper sheet. When using a wallpaper steamer, steam and scrape half a sheet at a time.
Depending on the process used to remove the wallpaper, a layer of dried, coarse glue may remain on the wall. If you will be hanging new wallpaper, this is not a problem. The dried paste is a good surface for new wallpaper to cling to. If the wall will be painted, the old glue should be washed off with warm water and a mild detergent. Rinse the washed surface by wiping down the wall with clear water. You will be able to tell if all the residual glue is gone by running a hand over a dampened wall section. Remaining wallpaper glue will feel slimy to the touch when wet.
Though something of a tedious project, removing old wallpaper is an important step in redecorating a wallpapered surface. With a clean, fresh wall to start your new decorating, newly painted or wallpapered rooms will have a smooth, attractive finish, free from the pitfalls of peeling and adhesion problems.
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