Removing Wallpaper
What were you thinking? That wallpaper covered with a purple version of what seems to be paisley sperm was once cool. Now it’s just... regrettable! Definitely time for a change! To remove that old wallpaper, follow these tips:
- As much as is practical, cover the floor and furniture with drop cloths, old sheets or discarded blankets. It’s a good idea to move the furniture into the center of the room to make it easier to cover.
- Start in any corner and try to peel the wallpaper off with your hands. Use a putty knife or a wallpaper scraper (you can actually BUY such a thing!). Pray that your wallpaper is the easy-peeling kind!
- If the paper doesn’t peel off or if peeling the paper leaves behind its backing, it’s time to get out the serious tools – razor blades. Be really careful not to cut into the drywall underneath.
- The next step is to wet the wall paper. You can use plain water, a commercial wall paper remover (wimp!) or water mixed with dishwashing liquid. Apply the water with a paint roller, squirt gun (now THAT sounds like fun!) or a sponge. Just keep wetting the wall until the glue behind the wallpaper begins to loosen.
- If you have money to burn, you can rent a wallpaper steamer.
- Try to peel the paper again using your hands, a putty knife or a scraper (a spatula or pancake turner works as well!).
- Use a large sponge or scouring pad to clean any remaining glue from the wall. You want to have the wall stripped down to the original painted or primed wall.
- If there is glue remaining, let the wall dry. Then use coarse sandpaper to sand off any remaining glue or backing.
Shazaam! You have a blank palette again! Now... I have always thought red would be good in this room. How about you?!?
Pamela Cole Harris is an editor, writer, eco-decorator and the author of "100+ Wildly Imaginative Ways to Create Your Own Coffee Table". Visit her website, HomeAndGardenMakeover.com, for her unique view of home decorating and remodeling (and a free monthly newsletter!).