Orlando area home builders

Removing Wallpaper

Like all things, trends in home decorating move in and out of popularity. A few years ago, wallpaper was the most popular thing to put on a home’s walls. Unfortunately, it is now completely out of fashion. This means that a number of homeowners have been left with wallpaper on their walls that they really want to be rid of. To do this, they must strip the walls.

When stripping wallpaper, there are a number of steps that are needed to prepare the walls for the process. In addition, there are a couple of specialized products and tools needed. The most important tool is a good amount of patience.

Before removing wallpaper, it is a good idea to remove all switch plates and outlet covers from the walls. The furniture should be moved out of the room completely or at least away from the walls so that it is not a hindrance. While prepping the room, it’s also a good idea to spread drop cloths on the floor. This is a good idea because the wallpaper glue might become sticky when it is wetted for removal. No one wants wallpaper shards stuck to their floors.

After thoroughly prepping the room, the offending wallpaper can be scored lightly with a utility knife or the edge of a putty knife. Be very careful not to cut too deeply because that can score the drywall. Rather than a knife, a wallpaper piercing tool may be the best option. These tools fit in one hand and are filled with a series of spiked wheels that pierce the wallpaper when the tool is rolled over the wall.

Once the walls have been scored, apply a solution of warm water and vinegar using a spray bottle or bucket and sponge. This should be left on the walls for 30 minutes. Once the walls have set for 30 minutes, pick a corner or seam in the wallpaper and gently peel it off the walls. If you’re one of the lucky few, I will peel off easily. Most likely, however, a wallpaper scraper will be necessary to get the wallpaper to come away from the wall.

When working on removing the wallpaper, keep the vinegar and water solution handy in order to spray stubborn areas. The whole process will take a lot of time and you’ll probably smell like vinegar for a while, but it will be worth it.

For more information on removing wallpaper or anything dealing with home construction, contact the Orlando area home builders of BRC Homes at 352-383-1948.