Removing wallpaper can be extremely difficult and time-consuming. If you’re tackling a wallpaper removal project, use this step by step process to remove wallpaper in no time!

 

Step 1: Prep the Room

Remove all electrical face plates, telephone jacks, and any other obstructions on the walls. Be sure to cover all electrical outlets and switches with tape to protect them from getting wet. Also, lay down water-resistant plastic sheeting on the floors, and open windows to prevent the room from filling up with moisture.

 

Step 2: Prep Yourself

Steamers release dripping hot water, so to protect yourself, wear rubber gloves, rubber boots, and eye protection.

 

Step 3: Test Wallpaper Adhesion

Many wallpapers are made with glues that easily release when pulled away from the wall. Before beginning the steam process, start at a corner and try peeling the wallpaper away from the surface.

 

Step 4: Perforate Wallpaper

Before beginning the steaming removal process, you’ll need to use a wallpaper-perforating tool that punches small holes in the wallpaper. This helps the steam get behind the wallpaper and dissolve the adhesive.

 

Step 5: Steam Wallpaper

You can rent a wallpaper steamer from Tri-Rent-All! Steamers are very good at removing heavy wallpaper and wallpaper that has been adhered for a long time. Place the steamer pad on the wallpaper and hold it long enough to allow the steam to soften the glue.

 

Step 6: Scrape Away Wallpaper

After the steam has loosed the wallpaper, use a scraping tool or putty knife to begin scraping away the wallpaper. Be careful not to scrape too hard to avoid damaging the drywall behind the wallpaper. Continue to scrape until all of the wallpaper and backing is removed.

 

Step 7: Clean & Repair Wall

In a bucket, mix very hot water with a small amount of tri-sodium phosphate. This is a heavy duty cleaner that is available at most hardware stores. Use a sponge and wipe down the walls with this solution to remove all traces of wallpaper adhesive, but be careful not to oversaturate the walls. Then use a clean sponge to wipe down the walls with clean water and a dry towel.

Need to rent a wallpaper steamer? Contact Tri-Rent-All today!