DIY- How to Remove Wallpaper

Remodeling is out of the question for many families in this economy, but painting is an excellent way to give various rooms in your home new life. If your current walls are donned in wallpaper or borders, here is the easiest way to remove it and prepare the wall for painting without harmful chemicals.

You'll

Need:

• Steamer- I highly recommend the Wagner 905, it works like a charm
• Score Tool
• Putty Knife (Scraper)
• Patience

Step 1: Score the wall- in order to make it easier for the steam to penetrate the wallpaper, it is necessary to gently score the wall using a score tool. This essentially makes little tiny holes in the paper, allowing the steam to penetrate and soften the glue.






Step 2: Hold the steamer over a section of paper you wish to remove, hold for 20-30 seconds and then slide it along the wall.






Step 3: Using the putty knife gently scrape away the offending wallpaper.

Step 4: Repeat until all the paper is gone!

If you don't have access to a steamer, you can fill a squirt bottle with a 50/50 mix of Vinegar and hot water. Score the wall, spray liberally and wait 10-15 minutes. Unfortunately, this method takes twice as long and requires repeated applications.

Step 5: Wash remaining glue residue off the walls. I recommend hot water with a dab of dawn dish soap, it works great. If you've used a steamer, most of the residue is already gone.

Step 6: Apply Drywall Mud (joint compound) to any knicks or gouges to fill the holes and make the surface smooth. Allow it to dry (may take several hours depending on how thickly it was applied). Smooth the surface with a dampened sponge (much easier than sanding, I promise!)

Step 7: Paint!