How to remove wall paper and paint

You won't know how hard - or easy - removing that old wallpaper will be until you try. Here are a few guidelines to help you to learn how to remove wallpaper. Before starting, test a small area to see if it simply peels right off. If the wallpaper peels off leaving only the glue on the wall, you’re job is really easy! It means you have strippable wallpaper (which is true of most new wallpaper). Here’s how to remove wallpaper that is strippable: Tools and Materials: Sponge, hot water, and a broad (6”) paint spatula. 1. If necessary, soften the paste underneath the paper with a sponge and hot water. 2. Scrape the paper off with a six-inch broad knife and remove as much of the residue as possible. 3. Rinse the walls with TSP or with a neutralizing solution of 1 cup white vinegar mixed in 1 gallon of water. If your wall paper is not the strippable kind, here’s how to remove wallpaper that is older: By modifying commercial wallpaper remover you can remove old wallpaper much more quickly and efficiently. Combine the following: • 3 gallons of very hot water • 1 bottle of wallpaper remover with reactive enzymes (the label should state that it's enzyme based) • 1/4 cup liquid fabric softener • 2 tablespoons baking soda Using Wallpaper Remover This method is often more easy and less messy than steaming and works well with older, difficult to remove wall coverings. Tools and Materials: Sprayer or paint roller, wallpaper remover, broad knife (large paint spatula) sponge, small perforation tool, trisodium phosphate or white vinegar and water. Note, many people have found that by using a paint roller rather than a sprayer you can achieve better results. Whichever you choose, make certain to move furniture away from the walls and to put drop cloths on the floor to avoid damage.