How to easily and quickly remove old wallpaper? A cheap DIY method!
Removing old wallpaper is often associated with a nightmare and hours of dry scraping. It doesn’t matter if the wallpaper was glued to bare concrete or is stuck fast to drywall – there is one incredibly simple way to remove it without losing your mind. Best of all, you don’t need to spend a dime on expensive chemical removers!
In this article, I will show you how to take down any, even the most stubborn wallpaper, using things you probably already have at home.
What do you need to remove wallpaper?
Before you start, prepare three basic things. Forget about specialized liquids – it’s a waste of money. All you need is:
- An ordinary putty knife (scraper) – it will help you lift the peeling material.
- A paint roller (or a wide masonry brush).
- A bucket of warm water – this is our secret ingredient!
Removing wallpaper step by step
The secret to fast wallpaper removal lies in properly dissolving the glue. Dry wallpaper will come off millimeter by millimeter and drive you crazy. Here is how to do it smart:
Step 1: Paint the wall with… warm water
Dip your paint roller or brush in warm water. Then start “painting” the wallpaper from top to bottom. Apply the water thoroughly and generously to the outer layer of the wallpaper. Remember: the water must be warm, because it dissolves wallpaper paste much faster and more effectively.
Step 2: Give the water time to work
Don’t grab the scraper right away. After soaking the wall, you have to wait a moment. How do you know the wallpaper is ready to be removed? Watch the wall – on well-soaked wallpaper, bulges and bubbles will start to appear. This is a sign that the water has reached underneath, the glue has released, and the material itself is starting to peel away from the wall.
Step 3: Pry and pull
When the wallpaper “swells”, take your scraper, pry an edge at a crack or seam, and simply pull. Well-soaked wallpaper should come off in long, whole strips, like butter! Stripping a wall prepared this way is just child’s play.
Step 4: What about stubborn remnants?
Sometimes it happens that small fragments of old paper remain on the wall because they didn’t get wet enough. Do not try to scrape them off dry! Instead:
- Soak these spots again with warm water using your roller.
- Wait a moment.
- Gently remove the leftovers with the scraper.
This is especially important if you plan to apply plaster or paint the walls after removing the wallpaper – the surface must be perfectly clean.
Why shouldn’t you buy wallpaper removal liquids?
You will find plenty of wallpaper softening preparations in DIY stores. The truth is, however, that plain, warm water applied with a roller works just as well. These liquids are also mixed with water and work on the exact same principle (they dissolve the glue). Save your money and use this free, homemade method.
In conclusion: water, a roller, a scraper, and a bit of patience while soaking is all you need for smooth walls. Good luck with your renovation!