How to remove stubborn wallpaper before you start painting
That vintage floral wallpaper in your dining room might have been charming decades ago, but now you’re ready for a fresh, modern coat of paint. Before you grab your paintbrush, however, you have to face the ultimate prep-work hurdle: wallpaper removal.
Here in Central Indiana, our climate can make this job surprisingly tricky. Our notoriously humid summers can cause old adhesive to turn into a gummy, sticky mess, while freezing winter temperature swings can make older paper brittle and prone to tearing into frustrating, tiny shreds.
If you want to tackle this project like a pro, here are four actionable tips to get that stubborn wallpaper off your walls without damaging the drywall:
1. Score the Surface Gently
Before applying any liquid, use a wallpaper scoring tool. Roll it lightly over the walls to create tiny punctures. This allows your removal solution to penetrate the paper and dissolve the glue underneath. Be careful not to press too hard, or you will gouge the underlying drywall.
2. Mix a Warm Soaking Solution
You don’t need harsh chemicals to get the job done. Mix equal parts hot water and white vinegar (or a splash of liquid fabric softener) in a spray bottle. Spray a manageable three-by-three-foot section at a time. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to soften the glue, then scrape gently with a plastic putty knife.
3. Utilize the Power of Steam
For incredibly stubborn, multi-layered wallpaper, rent a commercial wallpaper steamer. The combination of concentrated heat and moisture liquefies even the toughest, oldest adhesives.
4. Thoroughly Wash Away the Glue Residue
This is the most critical step. Paint will not adhere to leftover wallpaper glue; it will bubble, crack, and peel. Wash the bare walls with warm water, a little dish soap, and a sponge, then let them dry completely before applying your primer.
If scraping wallpaper sounds like a headache you would rather avoid, you don't have to do it alone. Based in Mooresville, our professional painting crew proudly serves Brownsburg, Indiana, and the surrounding Central Indiana area. We can handle the messy prep work and deliver a flawless, long-lasting paint finish.
Contact us today to request a free estimate for your home in Brownsburg or anywhere across Hendricks, Morgan, Marion, and Johnson counties!
