Any tips for effectively removing decades-old wallpaper?
Asked by Douglas Wells 
1 month ago
Last Updated: October 9, 2024
Do you have any tips for getting rid of really old wallpaper that’s been up for like 30 years?
How about using a steamer and being patient
Definitely agrees!
That’s exactly how I removed wallpaper in the past. Just be patient and it will come off easily. And don’t forget to wear gloves that cover your forearms to protect yourself from any dripping liquid, haha!
Make some scores on it, then apply white vinegar to let it set for a few minutes before starting to peel it off.
You could try using a steamer and some good old elbow grease
Ive Zinnser DIF a shot first
Try using a steamer to tackle the issue.
If you stop giving it attention, it will eventually go away on its own.
Use a steamer to help remove the unwanted material.
Mix some Tide detergent with warm water to create a solution.
Spray some vinegar and water on the paper-faced material using a garden sprayer, gently.
Use a paper tiger and water.
Just put up thin drywall to cover it and it will be easier.
Add chair rails over the seams if needed
My mom swears by hot water mixed with liquid fabric softener to dissolve the glue and make wallpaper removal easier.
I totally agree with Joanne’s mom! To easily remove wallpaper, use a scoring tool on the wall, mix hot water and liquid fabric softener in a spray bottle, spray the wall, wait 10 minutes, and watch it peel off effortlessly.
Consider renting a paper steamer
I appreciate you sharing this!
Take down the drywall and install new
Sawzall
All sorts of things.
A wallpaper steamer. They’re really simple to operate.
Abby Rigby totally agree!! I remember using one when I was a teenager and redecorating my bedroom…55 years ago
Cover it with 1/4 inch drywall
Why not hide it by covering the wallpaper with some 1970s paneling? 😄
We had a similar situation with wallpaper removal, haha!
Why not just choose the color you want and paint it that way?
If you try to remove wallpaper this way, it might start peeling off along with your paint. I had a similar experience where layers of paper and paint caused a big mess for the next homeowners!
Please don’t attempt this method! It could lead to the wallpaper peeling off and damaging your paint. Trust me, it’s not worth the risk.
I’ve heard contractors discussing this before. Xactimate even has specific line items for painting over wallpaper, so I thought I’d share this tip with you, haha!
Three decades worth of hard work.
Use warm water to soften the adhesive starting from the top and gradually moving down. I typically apply drops and two layers of plastic. It can get messy.
Big hammer
My go-to method involves using a heat gun and a flat edge like a putty knife. It peels off easily, just be careful not to concentrate the heat in one spot for too long. Trust me. Haha
I found that using my clothes steamer was super helpful in getting rid of the wallpaper.
Oh boy, dealing with wallpaper removal can be a real fire sometimes!
Just be patient when removing the wallpaper, it will come off eventually.
Spray some hot water on the wallpaper and use a wall scraper to remove it gently.
Try using DIF wallpaper remover.
Mentioned that we tried that on a wallpaper that must have had around half a dozen layers of paint. We got the scorer to pierce through the paint and it worked really well.
For a less messy option, invest in a good steamer and be patient. Alternatively, consider replacing the drywall if you can afford it.
Try spitting on it like Huk-Tuah suggested.
Use a paper tiger roller first and then mix DIF (not gel) with super hot water in a pump sprayer!
You can find a cheap scoring tool for wallpaper. Score it and then try using a combination of fabric softener, vinegar, and hot water. I believe the softener helps keep it moist for longer. Allow it to soak in and then start scraping. I personally used a 4″ Husky wall scraper with a razor blade design.
Suggests trying to pull it off in large sheets before scoring it
I recently completed the tedious task of removing layers of ancient wallpaper from the walls of my 1911 home. rab a wallpaper scoring tool like the paper tiger, a spray bottle filled with wallpaper remover concentrate, a 5-gallon bucket of warm water, a wallpaper sponge, and a 4-inch drywall knife. Use the paper tiger to score the wallpaper. Spray it generously with the concentrate, let it soak, spray again, and wait (patience is key). Then, start scraping with the knife while wiping with the sponge and warm water. Protect the floor with plastic. Skip the steamers to avoid a big mess.
Head to a corner and start pulling off the wallpaper. It will likely come off in big pieces, but some paper residue may remain stuck in spots. Spray the wall with wallpaper paste remover (available at the hardware store), wait a couple of minutes, and then scrape the wall. Once you’ve removed all the wallpaper, wash the walls 2 or 3 times with a wet sponge that has been rinsed and squeezed out multiple times. The wall should not feel slimy when you run your wet hand over it.
Mix some vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle.
Use Windex with ammonia D and a scoring tool to easily remove old wallpaper. Simply score the wallpaper, spray with the solution, wait a few minutes, and then peel it off in sheets.
With a positive attitude and some hard work, we can get it done!
Yes, mix Downy and water together. Score the wallpaper with a scorer, then saturate the walls with the Downy and water mixture. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before starting to remove it. If you encounter tough spots, repeat the process.
Consider using a streamer to rent wallpaper steamers. Mine practically came off on its own without needing to score or anything.
Try right clicking and personalizing. 😉
Use a hammer
Mild explosives 🤣 I can’t stand wallpaper!