How to Remove Old Wallpaper from Drywall
If you want to change the look of your room completely, then replacing the old wallpaper with a new one is one of the best options. However, if you have drywall walls, you should be careful while removing wallpaper from them. There are different ways to remove different types of wallpapers. For example, new wallpapers can be removed easily since they are freshly installed. However, old ones are a bit stubborn, and you may face difficulty removing them. Here’s how you can remove old wallpaper from drywall.
1- Tools and Materials Required
Here are some things you will require while removing wallpaper from your drywall.
Screwdriver
Bucket
Towels
Shovel
Spatula
Floor mops
Sponge mops
Dry cloth
Rag
Vacuum cleaner
Lights
Tapping Hammer
Gloves
Sandpaper
Stripper
Tape
Scoring Equipment
Compounds
2- Cover the Floors, Furniture, and Surfaces with Tape
Things get messy while removing the old wallpaper from drywall; hence, it is better to cover the floors and furniture first. Remove everything from the walls, such as the switch plates, and cover the opening with tape. Switch off the electricity of the entire area and use high-power lights to illuminate the area. If taking all the furniture out of the room is difficult, cover the furniture with plastic sheets and tape. Use the same method to cover the floors.
3- Use Warm Water on the Walls
Before removing the wallpaper from the drywall, it is always better to spray a good amount of warm water on it. This makes it simple to remove the top layer of the wallpaper and, after that, remove the base coat.
4- Remove the Top Layer of the Wallpaper
The best way to start removing the wallpaper is to remove it from the top or bottom corners of the wall. This is where the paper loosens first when the hot water is sprayed on it. Use a knife to cut the paper from the corner if it is not loose. After that, start removing the paper at a 45-degree angle by pressing it moderately. When the wallpaper gets old, it becomes harder to remove, and it won’t come off easily; hence you have to be patient.
5- Spray the Base Coat
After you remove the top layer of the wallpaper from the wall, you will see that the base coat is still there. It is better to spray the backing with hot water again to loosen it. Spray the entire section so that water is properly soaked into the base coat. Once the backing loosens, it becomes easier to remove it.
6- Peel off the Backing
7- Repair if Needed
Even if you are very careful, there will be areas of your drywall that will get slightly damaged when you remove old wallpaper from it. Repair these areas and apply a primer to the wall after that.
Once you are done removing the wallpaper from your drywall completely, you should get ready to install a new one. Look for different wallpapers and see which one suits your room the best. Wallpapers are now available in various textures and colors, so you can easily pick one per your choice, need, and budget. You can go for a chic and unique wallpaper or a simple one to complement the furniture and aesthetics of your room. However, make sure to remove the old wallpaper properly first by using the tips shared above to ensure a smooth installation of the new one.
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