Removing wallpaper is a lot easier when you know what type of wallpaper and what wall surface you are dealing with. Stripping old wallpaper from a plastered wall calls for a different approach than removing fiberglass wallpaper from plasterboard or soaking off painted vinyl wallpaper. With the right order of steps, enough moisture and the right tools, you avoid damage and save a lot of time. On this page you can read how to take wallpaper off the wall, when a steamer is useful, what a scoring roller does and how to remove stubborn glue residue.
What is the best way to remove wallpaper?
The best way to remove wallpaper depends on three things: the type of wallpaper, the condition of the top layer and the wall surface. Strippable or removable wallpaper can often be pulled off dry. Paper wallpaper and old wallpaper usually come off better if you wet them first or soak them with a wallpaper remover. Vinyl wallpaper, washable wallpaper and painted wallpaper are trickier, because moisture does not soak in as well. In that case a wallpaper scoring roller or perforator helps to make small openings, so that water, remover or steam can reach the glue layer.
Always work from top to bottom and test on a small area first. Do not pull too hard on large strips if the wall is fragile. Use a putty knife or scraper at a low angle, so you do not damage the wall. If you want to remove wallpaper before plastering or painting, it is important that the last scraps and wallpaper glue disappear from the wall as well. Only then do you get a smooth wall surface again.
Removing wallpaper in 6 practical steps
1. Find out which wallpaper is on your wall
Check whether the wallpaper comes off dry or tears in thin layers. Removing non-woven wallpaper is often different from removing paper wallpaper. Vinyl wallpaper usually has a water-repellent top layer. Removing fiberglass wallpaper and renovation non-woven often takes more time, because these types are firmly glued.
2. Protect the floor, outlets and baseboards
Switch off the power at outlets and switches, cover the floor and move loose furniture away. Soaking wallpaper, steaming it off or working with a wallpaper steamer creates a lot of moisture and loose scraps.
3. Open up the top layer if needed
Use a scoring roller or a wallpaper perforator if the wallpaper is painted, washable or vinyl. This lets the water soak in better. Do not press too hard, especially on plasterboard or soft plaster.
4. Soak the wallpaper loose with water, remover or steam
You can soak wallpaper off with warm water, a sponge, a plant sprayer or wallpaper remover. For stubborn layers you can remove wallpaper with a steamer or a wallpaper steamer. Always let the moisture soak in for a while before you start pulling or scraping.
5. Take the wallpaper off the wall
Pull loose strips off gently. If it is stuck, use a putty knife or scraper. Work in small pieces if the wallpaper tears easily. Taking wallpaper off usually goes faster if you first loosen a corner properly and then keep pulling evenly.
6. Remove glue residue and let the wall dry
After taking the wallpaper off, scraps or glue are often left behind. You remove wallpaper glue from the wall with warm water and a sponge or with a suitable cleaning product. Then let the wall dry completely before you paint, plaster or hang new wallpaper. You can find more practical advice in our guide to removing wallpaper: extra tips.
Removing wallpaper by type
Removing non-woven wallpaper
Removing non-woven wallpaper is often relatively easy. Many types are strippable wallpaper, which means you can pull the top layer off dry in strips. If a paper backing stays behind, wet it and scrape off the rest with a putty knife. Pull slowly and evenly to prevent the wallpaper from tearing into narrow strips.
Painted non-woven wallpaper is harder. The paint seals the top layer, so moisture does not soak in as well. Perforating or lightly scratching the surface is then often needed before you soak or steam it off.
Removing paper wallpaper
Removing paper wallpaper usually works best if you let it soak completely first. Wet the wallpaper with warm water or use a wallpaper soaking agent. Old layers often absorb moisture well, but they can tear quickly. So work in sections and give the water time to get into the glue layer.
Taking wallpaper off with water is often enough, especially with thin paper wallpaper. If you want to remove wallpaper quickly, you can wet it several times instead of scraping hard right away. That way you are less likely to damage the wall.
Removing vinyl wallpaper
Removing vinyl wallpaper almost always needs an extra step. The waterproof or washable top layer does not let moisture through easily. So first pull off the top layer or open it up with a wallpaper scoring roller. After that you can soak the backing loose with water, wallpaper remover or a wallpaper steamer.
Removing washable wallpaper works the same way. Without perforating, it sometimes seems as if the remover or steam does not work, while the real problem is the sealed top layer.
Removing fiberglass wallpaper and glass fleece
Removing fiberglass wallpaper or glass fabric wallpaper is often one of the hardest jobs. This wall covering is strong, does not tear easily and is often firmly glued. Removing glass fleece or glass fabric sometimes only works in small pieces, especially if it has been painted over.
First open up the paint layer, then try a combination of soaking and scraping. Expect removing fiberglass wallpaper to take more time than standard wallpaper paper. If the wall surface is damaged or the glue is extremely hard, it can be smart to level the wall after removal.
Removing renovation non-woven
Removing renovation non-woven is similar to removing sturdy non-woven or glass-fleece-like material. Removing renovation non-woven wallpaper can be difficult if it was fully pasted or painted over several times. You often have to loosen a starting piece first, then cut open the top layer and wet the rest. Work slowly and do not pull too hard, especially on plasterboard walls or fragile plastered walls.
Removing photo wallpaper
Removing photo wallpaper depends on the backing. Non-woven photo wallpaper sometimes comes off dry, while paper or vinyl needs to be soaked first. So always check whether you can pull the strip off dry before you start with water or steam.
For specific tips and pitfalls with fragile prints, also read removing photo wallpaper without damage.
Steaming or soaking wallpaper?
If you hesitate between steaming and soaking wallpaper, it helps to look at how stubborn the layer is. Soaking wallpaper with water or wallpaper remover is often the safest start, especially on sensitive wall surfaces. It gives you more control and reduces the risk of damage from heat or scraping too aggressively.
Steaming wallpaper is mostly useful for removing old wallpaper, several layers or wallpaper that does not come off easily. A wallpaper steamer heats the glue layer, which makes it softer. That often works well, but only if the steam really reaches the glue. With painted wallpaper, washable wallpaper or vinyl, you should first open up the top layer with a scoring roller.
Removing wallpaper with a steamer can be faster, but work in moderation. Do not hold the steam plate in one spot for too long, especially not on plasterboard, drywall or soft plaster. Too much moisture and heat can weaken the wall.
When do you use a scoring roller or perforator?
You use a wallpaper scoring roller or perforator when moisture or steam does not get through the surface well. That is especially the case when removing painted wallpaper, vinyl wallpaper, fiberglass wallpaper with a paint layer and other dense top layers. By making small holes, you help water and wallpaper remover soak in deeper.
Use this tool with care. On sturdy walls you can press a bit harder, but on plasterboard, drywall or thin plaster you only want to open the top layer and not cut into the wall surface. A good perforator makes the job easier, but does not replace soaking or steaming. Think of it as preparation for the actual soaking.
Removing wallpaper from different wall surfaces
Removing wallpaper from plasterboard or drywall
Removing wallpaper from plasterboard, or from a plasterboard wall, calls for extra care. The top layer of plasterboard can easily get damaged if you pull or scrape too hard. So start as gently as possible: test whether the wallpaper comes off dry, otherwise wet it lightly and use a wide putty knife at a low angle.
Taking wallpaper off plasterboard with a steamer is possible, but do it briefly and in a controlled way. Do not let the steam stay in one spot for too long. If the cardboard layer is damaged, the wall often has to be repaired before you can finish it.
Removing wallpaper from plaster or a plastered wall
Removing wallpaper from plaster or a plastered wall usually goes well, as long as the plaster is firmly attached. Always test first how the wall surface reacts to moisture. Old or powdery plaster can come loose if you work too wet. In that case, wetting in stages is better than soaking the whole wall at once.
If you want to remove wallpaper before plastering, the wall must be as clean as possible. Not only the wallpaper, but also glue residue and loose parts have to go. Only then will new plaster adhere well.
Removing wallpaper from wood or MDF
Removing wallpaper from wood or MDF calls for as little moisture as possible. Wood and board material can swell. So work with a lightly damp sponge, a short soaking time and gentle mechanical removal. Test in an inconspicuous spot how the surface reacts.
Removing painted or stubborn wallpaper
Removing painted wallpaper is often exactly the point where an easy job becomes difficult. A layer of wall paint seals the wallpaper, so water and wallpaper remover barely get through the top layer. That makes it seem like nothing works: not soaking, not steaming and not pulling. The solution is usually in the preparation. First open up the top layer with a scoring roller, a wallpaper perforator or by lightly cutting into the surface. After that you can wet it again or use steam.
Removing painted non-woven wallpaper or painted fiberglass wallpaper also often takes extra time. Expect to work in smaller pieces and to need several rounds. Do not pull hard on large strips if they are still stuck, because then you are more likely to damage the wall. With very stubborn wallpaper, a combination of perforating, soaking, short steaming and then carefully scraping usually works best.
Removing wallpaper without a steamer
Removing wallpaper without steam or without a steamer is perfectly possible. In many cases warm water, a sponge, a plant sprayer and possibly wallpaper remover are all you need. This approach works well, especially with paper wallpaper or wallpaper that is already a bit loose. Wet the surface, let it soak in for a moment and repeat if the glue is not soft enough yet.
Taking wallpaper off without a steamer mostly takes patience. Work in strips, not over the whole wall at once. If the wallpaper still feels dry, it is often necessary to perforate first. That way you can easily remove wallpaper without expensive machines too.
Which products can you use?
Warm water and sponge
For many types of wallpaper, warm water is the simplest start. Wetting wallpaper is cheap, safe and often surprisingly effective. A little dish soap can help to lower the surface tension, but do not overdo it.
Wallpaper remover
Wallpaper remover or wallpaper soaking agent is handy when water alone does not do enough. The product helps the glue soak loose faster. Especially with old wallpaper, several layers or stubborn pieces, this can save time. Apply it evenly and let it soak in as stated on the packaging.
Steamer or wallpaper steamer
A wallpaper steamer, wallpaper steam machine or wallpaper removal machine is suitable for heavier jobs. Use it in a controlled way and combine it with a putty knife or scraper. A steam cleaner is sometimes used too, but a real wallpaper steamer usually works more precisely.
Putty knife or scraper
A wide putty knife helps to remove soaked-off wallpaper from the wall without making deep scratches. Keep the tool flat and do not force anything. The goal is to support, not to chisel.
Removing wallpaper glue and scraps
After removing the wallpaper, there are often wallpaper scraps and glue residue left to remove from the wall. This step is often underestimated, but it is important if you want to paint or hang new wallpaper. You remove wallpaper glue from the wall with warm water and a sponge, sometimes in several rounds. Let the glue soften first and then scrub it off gently.
Removing wallpaper glue from the wall before painting is extra important, because paint does not adhere well to glue residue and you could otherwise get differences in sheen, bubbles or streaks. Also when you remove wallpaper and paint the wall, or take wallpaper off and then paint, the wall must be clean, dry and dust-free. Check with your hand whether the wall still feels sticky. If so, there is still glue on it.
Removing wallpaper and then painting or plastering
If you want to remove wallpaper and paint, wait until the wall surface is completely dry. Fill small damage, sand the wall lightly and use a primer if needed. When you remove wallpaper before plastering, the wall surface must be firm and clean. Loose glue, scraps and powdery parts otherwise cause adhesion problems.
Also when you take wallpaper off and paint, preparation is the difference between a smooth result and a wall that stays uneven. So take the time for the follow-up work, not only for taking the wallpaper off itself.
How long does removing wallpaper take?
How long removing wallpaper takes depends on the type of wallpaper, the number of layers, the wall and the method you choose. Strippable non-woven wallpaper can sometimes be off the wall in a short time. Painted wallpaper, fiberglass wallpaper or renovation non-woven often takes much longer. A plasterboard wall is also slower to work on than a sturdy, smooth wall, because you have to be more careful.
As a rule of thumb: taking off simple wallpaper can go quickly, but removing stubborn or painted wallpaper often happens in smaller pieces and several rounds. Allow extra time for removing glue residue and for letting the wall dry. Anyone who tries to work too fast often causes more damage and therefore more repair work.
Common mistakes when taking wallpaper off
- Pulling too fast without first testing which type of wallpaper is on the wall.
- Not using a scoring roller on washable, vinyl or painted wallpaper.
- Using too much force with a putty knife, which damages the wall.
- Steaming too long on plasterboard or soft plaster.
- Not cleaning the wall properly after removing the wallpaper.
- Painting or hanging new wallpaper too early while the wall is still damp.
What you need to remove wallpaper
- Masking film or old sheets for the floor and furniture
- Sponge, bucket and warm water
- Plant sprayer or pressure sprayer
- Wallpaper remover
- Wallpaper scoring roller or perforator
- the right wallpaper tools
- Wallpaper steamer for stubborn layers
- Cloths to catch loosened scraps and moisture
FAQ about removing wallpaper
How can I remove wallpaper easily?
Removing wallpaper easily starts with recognizing the type of wallpaper. You can often pull strippable wallpaper off dry. With paper wallpaper you wet it first. Vinyl or painted wallpaper usually has to be perforated before you soak or steam it.
What is the best way to remove wallpaper paper?
The best way to remove wallpaper paper is usually with warm water or wallpaper remover. Let it soak in well and then loosen it in strips or small pieces with a putty knife.
Can I remove wallpaper with a steam cleaner?
Yes, you can remove wallpaper with a steam cleaner, but a special wallpaper steamer often works more precisely. Use steam carefully on plasterboard and do not let the heat stay in one spot for too long.
How do I take wallpaper off the wall without damage?
Work calmly, test on a small area first and do not force anything. On fragile walls, it is better to use more soaking time with moisture than extra force with tools. This is especially important when removing wallpaper from a drywall or plasterboard wall.
Does wallpaper remover always work better than water?
No. With simple paper wallpaper, warm water is often enough. Wallpaper remover is mostly useful with old glue, several layers or wallpaper that is hard to get off. With painted or vinyl wallpaper it only helps if the top layer has been opened up first.
Can you remove painted wallpaper?
Yes, but it usually takes more time. Removing painted wallpaper works best by first opening up the paint layer with a scoring roller or wallpaper perforator and then working with water, remover or steam.
How do I remove wallpaper glue from the wall?
You remove wallpaper glue from the wall with warm water and a sponge. Let the glue soak loose first and then wipe the wall down several times until it no longer feels sticky.
Can I paint right after removing wallpaper?
Only if the wall is dry, clean and smooth. First remove all glue residue, repair any damage and apply a primer if needed. When you remove wallpaper and paint the wall, this preparation is essential.
The right approach makes taking wallpaper off much easier
Whether you want to remove wallpaper from a wall, take off fiberglass wallpaper or quickly soak off old wallpaper, the core stays the same: first look at the type of wallpaper, then choose the right method and work without rushing. With a smart combination of perforating, soaking, steaming and carefully scraping, you prevent damage and get the wall ready for the next step. Are you looking for products to remove wallpaper or do you want to know which wallpaper glue you need for new wallpaper? Then you will find helpful information and tools on behang.nl to get started well prepared.
