Removing old wallpaper can completely change the feel of a room. What looks like a difficult, messy project at first is often manageable with the right tools, a little patience, and the correct technique. The key is not simply pulling wallpaper from the wall as quickly as possible. Different wallpaper materials and wall surfaces require different approaches.
If you are wondering how to remove wallpaper, the best place to start is by identifying the type of wallpaper you have and testing a small section. From there, you can choose a dry-peeling, soaking, chemical-remover, or steaming method.
What Is the Easiest Way to Remove Wallpaper?
The easiest method depends on the wallpaper and the surface underneath it. Peel-and-stick or strippable wallpaper may come away in large sections with little effort. Traditional wallpaper often requires moisture to soften the adhesive, while heavily bonded or multilayer wallpaper may benefit from scoring and steaming.
In general, the process involves:
- Preparing and protecting the room.
- Testing the wallpaper.
- Removing the surface layer.
- Softening the adhesive when necessary.
- Scraping away the wallpaper.
- Cleaning leftover glue.
- Repairing damaged areas.
- Priming the wall before painting or decorating.
What You Need to Remove Wallpaper
Before starting, gather your tools. Having everything nearby makes the project considerably easier.
Essential Tools
You may need:
- Wallpaper scraper or wide putty knife
- Utility knife
- Wallpaper scoring tool
- Spray bottle
- Bucket
- Sponge
- Warm water
- Drop cloths
- Plastic sheeting
- Protective gloves
- Step stool or ladder
- Garbage bags
Optional Supplies
For more difficult projects, consider:
- Wallpaper steamer
- Commercial wallpaper remover
- Sandpaper
- Joint compound
- Wall filler
- Primer
- Scrubbing sponge
How to Prepare the Room Before Wallpaper Removal
Move furniture away from the walls whenever possible. Cover anything that remains in the room with plastic sheeting or an appropriate protective covering. Place drop cloths across the floor to catch wet wallpaper, adhesive, and debris. Remove pictures, shelves, switch plates, and other wall-mounted items. If you will be using water, take extra care around electrical outlets and switches. Never allow water to enter electrical components. Open windows or improve ventilation if practical. Good airflow can also help walls dry after the wallpaper and adhesive have been removed.
How to Identify Your Wallpaper Type
Knowing what you are dealing with makes how to remove wallpaper much easier.
Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
Peel-and-stick wallpaper is usually designed for relatively easy removal. Find a corner or seam and gently pull the material away from the wall. Pull slowly rather than sharply. A controlled motion reduces the chance of taking paint or wall material with the wallpaper.
Strippable Wallpaper
Strippable wallpaper is designed to separate from the wall more easily than traditional wallpaper. Try lifting a corner with your fingernail or a scraper. If the wallpaper comes away in large sheets, continue using the dry method. There is no reason to introduce water if the material is already releasing easily.
Traditional Wallpaper
Traditional wallpaper may be firmly attached with paste. If it does not peel easily, moisture can help soften the adhesive. A spray bottle, sponge, wallpaper-removal solution, or steamer may be useful depending on the material and wall surface.
Vinyl-Coated Wallpaper
Vinyl-coated wallpaper can be more challenging because its outer layer may resist water. You may need to score the surface or remove the vinyl layer before treating the paper backing. Avoid pressing a scoring tool too aggressively, particularly when working on drywall.
How to Remove Wallpaper Step by Step
Once the room is prepared and you know what type of wallpaper you have, you can begin.
Step 1: Test a Small Area
Start near a corner or another inconspicuous location. Use a scraper to lift a seam. Try peeling the wallpaper by hand. If it comes away easily, continue without water. If the surface tears or leaves a paper backing behind, you will probably need another removal method.
Step 2: Remove the Top Layer
Use a scraper or your fingers to lift a loose corner. Pull the wallpaper slowly and steadily. If it begins separating in a large sheet, continue along the seam. Do not worry if the wallpaper comes away in smaller pieces. Older wallpaper can become brittle, particularly around corners and seams.
Step 3: Score Stubborn Wallpaper
If moisture cannot penetrate the wallpaper, lightly score the surface. A scoring tool creates small openings through which water or wallpaper remover can reach the adhesive underneath.The objective is to penetrate the wallpaper—not the wall. This distinction is particularly important when working with drywall because deep scoring can damage the paper surface.
Step 4: Apply Warm Water or Wallpaper Remover
Apply warm water to a manageable section of the wall. You can use a spray bottle or sponge. Avoid flooding the wall. The objective is to soften the adhesive rather than saturate the entire surface. Allow the moisture time to work before scraping. If the wallpaper remains firmly attached, apply another light treatment instead of immediately forcing the scraper underneath it.
Step 5: Scrape Away the Wallpaper
Once the adhesive has softened, slide your scraper beneath the wallpaper. Keep the blade relatively flat against the wall. Use controlled movements rather than digging the edge into the surface. Work from seams and edges whenever possible. If a section refuses to move, soften it again instead of applying excessive force.
Step 6: Remove Remaining Wallpaper Adhesive
After the paper is gone, inspect the wall carefully. Leftover wallpaper glue can create rough or shiny areas and may interfere with paint adhesion. Use warm water and a sponge to soften remaining adhesive. Wipe the surface clean and repeat as needed.
Step 7: Let the Wall Dry
Drying is an important part of how to remove wallpaper successfully. Do not rush directly into painting. Give the wall enough time to dry completely. The actual drying period depends on how much moisture was used, the wall material, room temperature, humidity, and ventilation.
How to Remove Wallpaper Without Damaging Walls
Wall protection should be one of your biggest priorities. Drywall is particularly vulnerable because aggressive scraping or excessive moisture can damage its paper surface. Use the least aggressive technique that successfully removes the wallpaper. If the paper is releasing easily, do not switch to a steamer simply because one is available. When scraping, keep the tool controlled. If you notice the wall surface beginning to lift, stop and change your approach.
Protecting Drywall
When working with drywall:
- Avoid excessive water.
- Do not repeatedly scrape one small area.
- Use moderate pressure.
- Repair damaged paper before painting.
- Allow moisture to evaporate completely.
Different Wallpaper Removal Methods
There is no single method that works for every wall.
| Removal Method | Best For | Main Advantage | Main Concern |
| Dry peeling | Peelable wallpaper | Fast and simple | May leave backing |
| Warm water | Traditional wallpaper | Affordable | Can create excess moisture |
| Wallpaper remover | Strong adhesive | Helps loosen paste | Requires proper application |
| Steam | Stubborn wallpaper | Softens difficult adhesive | Can damage walls if misused |
Dry-Peel Method
This is usually the first technique worth trying. Find a seam, lift the edge, and pull slowly. If the wallpaper separates cleanly, continue across the wall.
Warm Water Method
Warm water can soften many wallpaper adhesives. Apply it in small sections and give it enough time to work. This method is inexpensive, but it should be used carefully on drywall.
Wallpaper Removal Solution
Commercial wallpaper removers are formulated to help loosen wallpaper paste. Follow the product instructions and test the solution on a small section before treating a large area.
Steam Method
A wallpaper steamer uses heat and moisture to soften adhesive. Work systematically over small sections. Hold the steamer against the wallpaper according to its instructions, then use a scraper to lift the softened material. Steam can be effective, but excessive heat and moisture can damage some wall surfaces.
How to Remove Stubborn Wallpaper
Sometimes wallpaper simply refuses to cooperate. If you are struggling with how to remove wallpaper that will not peel, avoid immediately applying more force.
Wallpaper Will Not Peel
Try lifting another seam or corner. Some areas may have stronger adhesive than others. If the wallpaper has a waterproof coating, scoring may be necessary before applying moisture.
How to Remove Wallpaper Glue
Removing wallpaper does not end when the paper disappears. Glue residue can remain across the wall and become noticeable after painting. Start by wiping the surface with a damp sponge. Give stubborn areas time to soften before gently scraping them. Once the adhesive is gone, wipe the wall with clean water to remove residue from the cleaning process.
Common Wallpaper Removal Mistakes to Avoid
Pulling Wallpaper Too Quickly
Pulling too fast can remove paint or damage the drywall surface. Work slowly and steadily to avoid unnecessary wall damage.
Using Excessive Water
Too much water does not make wallpaper removal faster and can damage drywall. Apply only enough moisture to soften the adhesive.
Scraping Too Aggressively
Using too much pressure can gouge or tear the wall. Keep the scraper relatively flat and use gentle, controlled movements.
Skipping the Test Area
Skipping a test area can lead to using the wrong removal method. Test a small section first to determine how easily the wallpaper releases.
Leaving Glue Behind
Remaining wallpaper glue can create an uneven surface and cause paint adhesion problems. Clean the wall thoroughly before applying primer or paint.
How to Repair Walls After Wallpaper Removal
Even careful wallpaper removal can expose imperfections.
Repair Torn Drywall Paper
If drywall paper has been damaged, remove loose material carefully and repair the area with an appropriate wall-repair product.
Fill Holes and Cracks
Small holes, dents, and cracks can generally be filled with suitable joint compound or wall filler. Apply the material smoothly and allow it to dry according to the product instructions.
How to Prepare Walls for Painting
After learning how to remove wallpaper, the next step is preparing the wall for its new finish.
Clean the Wall
Remove dust, adhesive, and loose debris.
Inspect the Surface
Look for:
- Remaining glue
- Gouges
- Cracks
- Torn drywall paper
- Uneven areas
- Loose material.
DIY Wallpaper Removal vs. Hiring a Professional
For a small room with easily removable wallpaper, DIY work can be practical. However, professional help may make sense when wallpaper is multilayered, extremely difficult to remove, or covering walls that are already damaged. Professionals may also be useful when you need the room completed quickly or when extensive wall repair is involved. The decision ultimately depends on your budget, available time, wall condition, and comfort level with DIY work.
How Long Does Wallpaper Removal Take?
A small room with peelable wallpaper might take only a few hours. A large room with multiple layers and strong adhesive can take considerably longer.
Factors include:
- Room size
- Wallpaper material
- Number of layers
- Adhesive strength
- Wall condition
- Removal technique
- Amount of repair required
Tips to Make Wallpaper Removal Easier
A few simple habits can make the project much more manageable.
- Work in small sections.
- Keep your scraper sharp and clean.
- Protect the floor before starting.
- Test your removal method first.
- Keep a garbage bag nearby.
- Do not oversaturate drywall.
- Reapply moisture when necessary instead of scraping harder.
- Clean adhesive before it dries.
- Give repaired walls enough time to dry.
- Inspect the surface before priming.
Advanced Tips for Difficult Wallpaper Projects
Removing Wallpaper From Plaster
Plaster can be more durable than drywall, but that does not mean it should be treated carelessly. Use controlled moisture and avoid unnecessary scraping. Watch for loose or damaged plaster underneath the wallpaper.
Removing Wallpaper From Painted Walls
Paint underneath wallpaper may come away with the paper in some areas. Work slowly and evaluate the wall as you proceed. If paint begins lifting extensively, you may need to repair and prime the surface before repainting.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to remove wallpaper does not require complicated equipment or professional-level experience in every situation. The most important part is choosing a method that matches the wallpaper and wall underneath it. Start by testing a small area. If the wallpaper peels easily, take advantage of the simple dry method. If adhesive is holding it firmly, use controlled moisture, wallpaper remover, or steam when appropriate. Work patiently and avoid aggressive scraping, especially on drywall. Once the wallpaper is gone, do not overlook the final preparation. Remove adhesive residue, repair imperfections, allow the wall to dry, and apply primer before painting. Taking these extra steps can make the difference between a wall that merely looks better and one that has a smooth, professional-looking finish.
FAQs
Q1: What is the easiest way to remove wallpaper?
Ans: The easiest method depends on the wallpaper. Peelable wallpaper can often be removed dry, while traditional wallpaper may require warm water, wallpaper remover, or steam to soften the adhesive.
Q2: Can I remove wallpaper with just warm water?
Ans: Yes, warm water can soften many traditional wallpaper adhesives. However, waterproof or heavily bonded wallpaper may require scoring or a suitable wallpaper-removal solution.
Q3: How do you remove wallpaper without damaging drywall?
Ans: Use controlled moisture, test a small area first, and scrape gently. Avoid excessive water and aggressive pressure because drywall paper can tear or become damaged.
Q4: Should I use a steamer or soak the wallpaper?
Ans: Both methods can work. Soaking or spraying is often sufficient for many traditional wallpapers, while steam can be useful for stubborn adhesive and difficult layers. Always consider the condition of the wall before choosing steam.
Q5: How do I remove wallpaper glue from walls?
Ans: Soften the glue with warm water or an appropriate remover, then wipe and gently scrape the residue away. Afterward, clean the wall and allow it to dry completely before repairing or painting.