How To Remove Wallpaper From Drywall: A Step-by-Step Guide

Sep 2, 2025 by Hugo van Dijk 59 views

So, you're staring at that old wallpaper, and it's just not doing it for you anymore, huh? You're ready for a change, a fresh coat of paint, or maybe some cool new wallpaper. But first, that old stuff's gotta go! Removing wallpaper, especially from drywall, can seem like a daunting task, guys, but trust me, with the right approach, you can totally handle this. It’s all about patience, the right tools, and a little bit of elbow grease. We're going to break down the process step-by-step, so you can say goodbye to that outdated wallpaper and hello to a fresh, new room. Let's dive in and get started on this DIY adventure! Remember, preparation is key, and we’ll cover everything from gathering your supplies to protecting your space. So, roll up your sleeves, and let's get this wallpaper down!

Gathering Your Supplies: The Arsenal You'll Need

Before you even think about touching that wallpaper, you need to assemble your toolkit. Having the right supplies on hand will make the whole process smoother and less frustrating. Trust me, you don't want to be halfway through a wall and realize you're missing something crucial! Think of this as your wallpaper removal arsenal. Here’s a list of essentials you’ll need to gather before you start battling that old wallpaper:

Wallpaper Scoring Tool: This little gadget is a game-changer. It creates tiny perforations in the wallpaper, allowing your removal solution to penetrate and loosen the adhesive. Without it, you're just scratching the surface (literally!). You can find these at any hardware store, and they're super affordable.
Wallpaper Removal Solution: You have a few options here, guys. You can buy a commercial wallpaper removal solution, which is specifically formulated to dissolve wallpaper adhesive. Or, if you're feeling a bit more budget-conscious (or like a DIY champ), you can mix your own solution using warm water and fabric softener or vinegar. Both work well, but the commercial solutions often have added surfactants that help them penetrate better.
Spray Bottle or Garden Sprayer: You'll need something to apply your removal solution to the walls. A spray bottle works great for smaller areas, but if you're tackling a whole room, a garden sprayer can save you a ton of time and effort. Plus, it gives you a more even application.
Putty Knife or Scraper: This is your main weapon in the wallpaper removal battle. Once the solution has loosened the adhesive, you'll use the putty knife or scraper to gently lift and peel away the wallpaper. Make sure you choose one with a good, sturdy blade that won't bend or break easily.
Drop Cloths or Plastic Sheeting: This is crucial for protecting your floors and furniture from drips and splashes. Wallpaper removal can get messy, so don't skip this step! Lay down drop cloths or plastic sheeting to cover any areas you want to keep clean.
Painter's Tape: Use painter's tape to protect trim, baseboards, and other areas you don't want to get wet or damaged. It's a simple step that can save you a lot of cleanup time later.
Sponges and Buckets: You'll need sponges to apply the removal solution and buckets to hold your water and cleaning supplies. It's also handy to have a clean, dry sponge to wipe down the walls after you've removed the wallpaper.
Gloves: Wallpaper removal solutions can be harsh on your skin, so protect your hands with a pair of gloves. Plus, it'll keep your hands clean from sticky adhesive residue.
Eye Protection: Safety first, guys! Wear safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from splashes and debris. You don't want to get any chemicals in your eyes.
Trash Bags: You'll need something to collect the old wallpaper as you remove it. A large trash bag or two should do the trick.

Having all these supplies ready to go will make the wallpaper removal process much smoother and more efficient. So, take the time to gather everything you need before you start, and you'll be well on your way to a wallpaper-free room! Remember, being prepared is half the battle. Now, let’s move on to prepping the room, which is just as important as having the right tools.

Preparing the Room: Setting the Stage for Success

Okay, you've got your supplies gathered – awesome! Now, before you start tearing away at that wallpaper, you need to prep the room. This step is super important for protecting your space and making the whole process easier and less messy. Think of it as setting the stage for a successful wallpaper removal performance! Here’s what you need to do to get your room ready:

Clear the Area: First things first, move any furniture out of the room or to the center of the room and cover it with plastic sheeting or drop cloths. You want to create a clear workspace so you can move around freely and not worry about damaging your belongings. Trust me, you'll be grateful for the extra space when you're wrestling with stubborn wallpaper.
Protect the Floors: Lay down drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect your floors from drips, splashes, and adhesive residue. Wallpaper removal can be a messy job, so this is a non-negotiable step. Secure the edges of the drop cloths with painter's tape to prevent them from slipping.
Tape Off Trim and Baseboards: Use painter's tape to protect trim, baseboards, window frames, and any other areas you don't want to get wet or damaged. This will save you a lot of time and effort in the cleanup phase. Plus, it'll give you a nice, clean edge when you're applying the removal solution.
Turn Off the Power: Before you start working, turn off the power to the room at the circuit breaker. This is a crucial safety precaution, especially if you're working near electrical outlets or switches. Water and electricity don't mix, guys, so always err on the side of caution.
Ventilate the Room: Open windows and doors to ventilate the room. Wallpaper removal solutions can have strong odors, and good ventilation will help to dissipate the fumes and keep the air fresh. You can also use a fan to circulate the air.
Remove Outlet Covers and Switch Plates: Use a screwdriver to remove outlet covers and switch plates. This will give you a clean, unobstructed surface to work on. Store the screws in a safe place so you don't lose them.
Patch Any Holes or Imperfections: Now's a good time to inspect the walls for any holes, cracks, or imperfections. Fill them with spackle or drywall compound and let them dry completely before you start removing the wallpaper. This will ensure a smooth surface for your new paint or wallpaper.

By taking the time to prepare the room properly, you'll create a safe and efficient workspace. Remember, a little prep work goes a long way in making the wallpaper removal process easier and less stressful. Now that your room is prepped and ready to go, let’s move on to the exciting part: actually removing the wallpaper!

Removing the Wallpaper: The Main Event

Alright, guys, the moment you've been waiting for is here! You've gathered your supplies, prepped the room, and now it's time to tackle that old wallpaper. This is where the magic happens (or, you know, the wallpaper comes off!). Think of this as the main event – the showdown between you and the wallpaper. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the removal process:

Score the Wallpaper: This is a crucial first step. Use your wallpaper scoring tool to create tiny perforations in the wallpaper. These perforations allow the removal solution to penetrate the adhesive underneath. Apply moderate pressure and move the scoring tool in overlapping patterns across the entire surface of the wallpaper. Don't press too hard, though, or you could damage the drywall underneath.
Apply the Removal Solution: Now it's time to unleash your removal solution. Fill your spray bottle or garden sprayer with your chosen solution (either a commercial remover or a DIY mix of warm water and fabric softener or vinegar). Spray the solution onto the scored wallpaper in sections, allowing it to soak in for 10-15 minutes. The solution needs time to penetrate the perforations and loosen the adhesive. Don't saturate the walls, but make sure they're thoroughly damp.
Peel Away the Wallpaper: After the solution has had time to work its magic, grab your putty knife or scraper. Starting at a seam or corner, gently slide the blade underneath the wallpaper and begin to peel it away from the wall. Work slowly and carefully, applying steady pressure. If the wallpaper is stubborn, reapply the removal solution and let it soak for a few more minutes. Avoid forcing the wallpaper, as this can damage the drywall.
Tackle Stubborn Areas: Some areas of the wallpaper may be more difficult to remove than others. This is common around seams, corners, and areas where the wallpaper has been applied for a long time. For these stubborn spots, try using a wider scraper or a heat gun (used with caution!) to soften the adhesive. You can also try reapplying the removal solution multiple times and letting it soak for longer periods.
Remove Remaining Adhesive: Once you've removed all the wallpaper, you'll likely be left with some adhesive residue on the walls. Don't worry, this is normal! To remove the adhesive, mix a solution of warm water and dish soap in a bucket. Use a sponge to scrub the walls, rinsing frequently with clean water. You may need to scrub the walls several times to remove all the adhesive.
Rinse and Dry the Walls: After you've removed the adhesive, rinse the walls with clean water to remove any soap residue. Use a clean sponge to wipe down the walls, and then allow them to dry completely. You can speed up the drying process by using a fan or opening windows to ventilate the room.

Removing wallpaper can be a bit of a workout, but remember to be patient and persistent. If you encounter any stubborn areas, don't get discouraged. Just reapply the solution, let it soak, and keep working at it. With a little elbow grease, you'll have that wallpaper off in no time! Now that you've conquered the wallpaper removal, let's move on to the final step: cleaning up and prepping for your next project.

Cleaning Up and Prepping for the Next Steps: The Grand Finale

Congratulations, guys! You've successfully removed the wallpaper – give yourselves a pat on the back! But the job's not quite done yet. Now it's time to clean up the mess and prep the walls for your next project, whether it's painting or hanging new wallpaper. Think of this as the grand finale – the final touches that will leave your walls looking fresh and ready for anything. Here’s what you need to do to wrap things up:

Dispose of the Old Wallpaper: Gather up all the old wallpaper scraps and dispose of them in trash bags. Make sure to seal the bags tightly to prevent any lingering odors or debris.
Clean the Room: Remove the drop cloths or plastic sheeting and dispose of them properly. Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove any remaining debris. Wipe down any surfaces that may have gotten wet or sticky during the removal process.
Wash the Walls: Even if you rinsed the walls after removing the adhesive, it's a good idea to give them a final wash with a mild detergent solution. This will ensure that all traces of adhesive and residue are gone. Use a sponge and warm, soapy water to gently scrub the walls, then rinse with clean water and allow them to dry completely.
Inspect the Walls: Once the walls are dry, take a close look at them. Check for any damage, such as gouges, scratches, or holes. If you find any imperfections, now's the time to repair them. Fill any holes or cracks with spackle or drywall compound, sand them smooth, and prime the walls.
Prime the Walls: Priming is a crucial step before painting or hanging new wallpaper. Primer helps to seal the surface, create a uniform base, and improve adhesion. Apply a coat of high-quality primer to the walls and let it dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Consider Skim Coating: If your walls are particularly damaged or uneven, you might want to consider skim coating them. Skim coating involves applying a thin layer of drywall compound to the entire surface of the walls to create a smooth, flawless finish. This is a more involved process, but it can make a big difference in the final result.

By taking the time to clean up and prep the walls properly, you'll ensure that your next project goes smoothly and looks its best. Remember, the key to a professional-looking finish is in the preparation. So, don't skip this step! You've put in the hard work of removing the wallpaper, now let’s make sure your walls are ready for their next transformation. With your walls clean, smooth, and primed, you're ready to paint, hang new wallpaper, or whatever your heart desires. Enjoy your fresh, new space, guys! You earned it!