Stripping Old Layers Can Be a Challenge

Taking off the old wallpaper and preparing the wall surface for the new covering is the messiest part of the entire job.

The traditional method of removing wallpaper was to soak it with warm water and scrape it off. Small sections were wetted down with a cloth or sponge and scraped while still damp.

A later method was to apply a chemical solvent that loosened the underlying paste. Another way was to use strippable paper that later could be pulled off with an upward-away motion.

Steaming remains one of the most-used methods. Though messy, it’s the most efficient method if done properly. Non-porous paper needs to be scored so the steam penetrates more easily. The steam machine also makes an easier job of removing more than one layer of paper.

On the market now is a wallpaper stripper that is sprayed on. After 20 minutes, the paper can be peeled off, though if it’s non-porous, a second application may be needed. To determine whether the paper is porous, work a test patch by spraying a section of the paper with water. The water will bead on non-porous paper.

Non-porous papers--the kind often found in kitchens and bathrooms--must be scored so enzymes in the stripper can reach and dissolve the adhesives. This can be done with a special tool that uses angled cutting disks to cut the paper without damaging plaster or dry wall.

Another method is to use a variable-temperature heat gun. After moistening a small section of the wallpaper with water, hold the gun three or four inches from the wall, starting at a seam. As the adhesive begins to soften, loosen the paper gently with an accessory scraper and peel it off. Take care not to overheat the paper or wall, and don’t use with flammable wallpaper removers.