Planning a Room Makeover? Start with our Beginner's Guide to Stripping Wallpaper

Whether you're updating a tired bedroom, modernising a living room or preparing walls for fresh new wallpaper or paint, learning how to remove wallpaper properly can make decorating much easier. Old wallpaper can sometimes peel away easily, while other walls may need a little more patience and preparation. The good news is that with the right tools and techniques, learning how to remove old wallpaper can be straightforward and satisfying. In this guide, we will cover how to strip wallpaper and how to prepare your walls for redecorating. 

Check List:

  • dust sheets 
  • sponge
  • bucket of water
  • scraper
  • scoring tool 
  • stripping solution 
  • steamer

Check out our wide range of tools and accessories here.

Preparing Your Room

1. Clear and protect furniture and flooring

Move furniture away from the walls and protect flooring with dust sheets.

2. Turn off electric

As you will be using water during the process, it is important to turn off the electricity.

3. Test the wallpaper

Test a corner of the wallpaper. Some modern wallpapers peel away in large sheets, while older wallpaper may separate into layers. If the top layer peels away but leaves paper backing behind, you will need to soak and scrape the remaining layer. 

4. Score the wallpaper

For stubborn wallpaper, lightly score the surface using a wallpaper scoring tool. This creates tiny holes that allow water or wallpaper remover solution to soak through more effectively.

Choose your Wallpaper Removal Method

There are several ways to remove wallpaper, and the best option depends on how stubborn the wallpaper and adhesive are. Below are step by step methods for removing wallpaper with water, a wallpaper steamer or a chemical wallpaper solution.

How to Remove Wallpaper with Water

1. Apply to wall

Fill a bucket with warm water and apply it to your walls using a sponge. 

2. Let it soak

Leave the wallpaper to soak for about 10-15 minutes to allow the paste to soften.

3. Scrape the wallpaper

Once it starts to feel soft, has bubbled or is peeling away from the edges, use your scraper to gently lift the wallpaper from the wall. If needed, re-apply water and repeat the process.

4. Clean the wall

Use warm water and a clean sponge to wipe the wall down.

How to Remove Wallpaper with a Steamer

1. Fill the steamer

Fill the wallpaper steamer with water and allow it to heat up fully according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Apply to wall

Hold the steamer against the wallpaper for a few seconds at a time. Work in manageable sections rather than steaming the whole wall at once.

3. Scrape the wallpaper

Once it starts to feel soft, has bubbled or is peeling away from the edges, use your scraper to gently lift the wallpaper from the wall. Start from bottom and work your way up as steam rises, so this will make it easier to peel off. If needed, repeat the process if needed. 

4. Clean the wall

Use warm water and a clean sponge to wipe the wall down.

How to Remove Wallpaper with a Chemical Wallpaper Solution

1. Prepare the solution 

Follow the instructions for the solution, some will be ready to use or may need to be mixed with water.

2. Apply to wall 

In small sections, start applying the solution evenly across the wall using a sponge, spray bottle or brush.

3. Let it soak

Leave the wallpaper to soak for about 10-15 minutes to allow the paste to soften.

4. Scrape the wallpaper

Once it starts to feel soft, has bubbled or is peeling away from the edges, use your scraper to gently lift the wallpaper from the wall. If needed, re-apply the solution and repeat the process.

5. Clean the wall

Use warm water and a clean sponge to wipe the wall down.

Which Wallpaper Removal Method is Best?

For lighter, traditional wallpaper, warm water is often enough to loosen the adhesive. For more stubborn wallpaper, a steamer can help lift the paper more effectively. If heavy-duty adhesive has been used or if other methods are proving inaffective, a chemical wallpaper remover is the best option. In some cases, these methods may need to be combined where necessary.

Why Proper Removal is Important

Before applying new wallpaper or paint, it is important to create a smooth and clean surface. Leaving behind old wallpaper or adhesive can lead to bumps, peeling and uneven finishes later on. Taking the time to remove wallpaper properly helps to create a smoother finish for decorating and will improve how well new wallpaper adheres.

How to Prepare Walls for New Wallpaper

Once the wallpaper and adhesive are removed, inspect the wall for any damage. Fill cracks or holes with filler and sand smooth when dry. Clean, smooth walls create the best foundation for your next decorating project, whether you are painting or applying stylish new wallpaper designs.

Shop for your next project at World of Wallpaper

Once your walls are clean and smooth, you can start exploring new colours, patterns and textures that completely transform your space. Whether you're planning a bold feature wall or a full room makeover, we offer a range of wallpapers that will give your space that fresh, new look.

We'd love to see how you've transformed your space! Share your photos with us on Instagram by tagging us @worldofwallpaperuk – we can’t wait to be inspired by your style!