How to Remove Wallpaper and Know When It’s Time to Replace!

Wallpaper can be a great way to add some personality and style to your home, but it’s not always the right choice. When you need to remove wallpaper, there are a few things that should be taken into consideration before starting the process.

From preparing the room for removal all the way through cleaning up afterwards, removing wallpaper is something that takes time and effort – so when do you know it has got to go? In this article, we will talk about how best to prepare for removing wallpaper as well as provide signs that it might just have reached its expiration date.

With our tips on removing wallpaper and when it has to go, you’ll find yourself equipped with everything necessary for an easy transition from paper-clad walls back onto bare drywall.

Table of Contents:

• Preparing the Room
• Removing Wallpaper
• Cleaning Up
• Signs That Wallpaper Has to Go
  • Peeling Away from The Wall
  • Stains & Discoloration
  • Fading Colors
• Alternatives to Wallpaper Removal
• Conclusion

Preparing the Room

Preparing a room for wallpaper removal is an important step in the process. Before you begin, it’s essential to remove any furniture and fixtures from the area that will be worked on. This includes light switches, outlet covers, curtains or blinds, and anything else that could get in the way of your project.

Next, cover all floors with drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect them from damage caused by water and chemicals used during wallpaper removal. Using painter’s tape, tape off any areas that you don’t want to be affected by the process such as baseboards, trim, and door frames.

Once these steps are complete, you can begin removing the wallpaper itself. If you plan on using a chemical remover like DIF Wallpaper Stripper Solution (available at most hardware stores), make sure to read all directions carefully before use and wear protective gear such as gloves and goggles when handling it. You may also want to open windows for ventilation if possible while working with this type of product.

Once the room is prepared, it’s time to begin removing the wallpaper.

Removing Wallpaper

Removing wallpaper can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right tools and techniques, you can quickly remove wallpaper and get your walls ready for painting or other decorating projects.

• One of the most popular methods for removing wallpaper is using a steamer.

A steamer is an electric device that uses hot steam to loosen the adhesive behind the paper so it can easily be peeled away from the wall. It’s important to use caution when using a steamer as it produces very hot steam which could cause burns if not handled properly.

• Another option for removing wallpaper is by using a wallpaper removal solution.

Chemical removers are applied directly onto the surface of the paper and allowed to sit for several minutes before being scraped off with a putty knife or other tool. This method works best on papers that have been coated in vinyl or plastic-based adhesives as these materials tend to hold up better against chemicals than traditional paper-based adhesives do.

• Scraping with a putty knife is another effective way of removing wallpaper without having to resort to harsh chemicals or expensive equipment like steamers.

Simply run your putty knife along any edges where two pieces of paper meet and gently pull back on them until they come away from each other, then continue scraping until all layers are removed from the wall surface beneath them. Be sure not to press too hard while doing this though as you don’t want to damage your walls.

• If you’re dealing with stubborn areas where multiple layers of paper have been used, then scoring may help make removal easier.

By breaking down some of those bonds between layers, they come apart more easily when pulled later on during the removal process. To score old wallpaper use something called the wallpaper scoring tool or  “paper tiger” tool which has tiny spikes that puncture through the top layer(s) allowing air bubbles created underneath them to escape thus making them easier to peel off afterwards.

• Finally, there are alternatives available if you’d rather avoid taking on such laborious tasks altogether.

These include pre-pasted wallpapers (which only require water activation), contact papers (which adhere directly onto surfaces without the need for glue), and paintable textured coverings (that look like real plaster/stucco but are much lighter weight).

All of these options provide great ways to freshen up a space while avoiding the mess associated with traditional forms of removal. Removing wallpaper can be a time-consuming task, but it is necessary to ensure that your walls look their best. Now that the wallpaper is gone, it’s time to clean up and prepare for painting.

Cleaning Up

After wallpaper removal, it’s important to clean up the area. This includes wiping down walls with warm water and detergent. Start at the top of the wall and work your way down. Use a soft cloth or sponge for the best results. After you have wiped down all of the walls, rinse them off with clean water to remove any remaining residue from the detergent.

Once you are done rinsing, use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of any dust or debris that may still be on the floor or in corners of the room where it is hard to reach by hand. Make sure you empty out your vacuum bag after each use so that no dust particles remain inside and can cause allergies or other health issues later on.

Finally, check around baseboards and windowsills for any leftover pieces of wallpaper adhesive that may have been missed during the removal process. If there is some stubborn wallpaper left behind, try using a putty knife or razor blade scraper to gently scrape away at them until they come off completely without damaging your walls too much in the process.

Finally, don’t forget to clean window treatments such as curtains since they will likely be covered in dust from being near where all of this activity has taken place. Once everything is spick-and-span again, consider adding fresh paint if desired – it’s always nice to finish off a project like this with something new.

Once the wallpaper has been removed, it’s important to clean up any residue and dirt left behind before proceeding with a new paint job. Now let’s look at signs that wallpaper has to go.

Signs That Your Wallpaper Has to Go

It’s easy to forget about the wallpaper in your home, but it can be a major factor when it comes to decorating. Wallpaper is often used as an accent or feature wall and can add texture and color to any room.

But over time, wallpaper can start to look worn out or dated. If you’re wondering if it’s time for a change, here are some signs that wallpaper has to go:

1. Peeling Away from The Wall

One of the most obvious signs that your wallpaper needs replacing is when it starts peeling away from the wall. This could be due to age or moisture damage, so check around windows and doors for any damp patches which may have caused this issue.

2. Stains & Discoloration

Another sign that your wallpaper should be replaced is if there are noticeable stains on its surface which won’t come off with cleaning products alone – these could indicate mold growth behind the paper itself. Additionally, discoloration from sunlight exposure may also mean that you need new wallpaper in order to keep up with current trends and styles in interior design.

Even if your wallpaper isn’t damaged or stained yet, it’s worth considering changing up its style every few years – especially if you’ve had the same pattern since before 2000. Outdated patterns such as florals and stripes will make a room look tired and dated compared with more modern designs like geometric shapes or abstract art prints available today. Similarly, colors that were once popular but now seem dull might need updating too – think bright blues instead of muted greens.

3. Fading Color

If you notice fading along edges where light hits directly onto them then this could indicate fading color due to prolonged exposure – another reason why you might want to consider changing up your walls soon enough.

Finally, check for any damage on adjacent walls or ceilings caused by water seeping through from behind old paper; this means either removing all layers of existing paper which can take considerable effort, or simply starting again with fresh new sheets instead.

Wallpaper can be a great way to add color and texture to your walls, but if it’s starting to look worn or dated, it might be time for a change.

Alternatives to Wallpaper Removal

If you’re looking for a way to spruce up your walls without the hassle of wallpaper removal, there are plenty of alternatives.

Painting over existing wallpaper is one option, although it may not be as effective as removing the paper first. Wallpaper primer can help ensure that the paint adheres properly and covers any imperfections in the wall underneath.

Another alternative is using wall decals instead of traditional wallpaper. Decals come in a variety of colors and patterns and are easy to apply and remove when needed. They also won’t damage your walls like traditional wallpaper might if removed incorrectly or with too much force.

If you want to add texture to your walls but don’t want to commit to permanent changes, try using textured fabric on an accent wall or use stencils for added visual interest. You can even create unique designs by combining different fabrics together or adding metallic accents such as gold leafing or silver foil detailing for extra flair.

Finally, consider creating a mural on one wall with either paint or stickers – this will make a big impact without having to worry about taking down old wallpaper first. Whatever route you choose, these alternatives provide an easy way to update your space without all the work associated with removing existing wallpaper.

Conclusion

Taking the time to understand when you need to remove wallpaper is important as well. If you notice any of the signs that wallpaper has to go such as peeling, fading, or discoloration then it’s best to take action sooner rather than later. There are also alternatives available if removing wallpaper isn’t an option for you. No matter what route you decide on, make sure that your walls look their best by taking care of them properly.

If wallpaper isn’t for you, you can also consider repainting the walls with a fresh coat of paint or using wall decals for a more modern look. Big Easy Painting is here to help. We offer professional painting services for both residential and commercial properties. Contact us today to learn more!