Whether you plan to repaint your walls or apply new wallpaper, professionals agree that old wallpaper should always be removed first. The good news is that in most cases, this is a job you can do yourself, often within one day.

Different types of wallpaper require different removal methods, but the goal is always the same: a smooth, clean wall ready for the next stage.

Prepare the room

Before you start, remove pictures, shelves and decorations from the walls. Move furniture to the centre of the room or, if possible, take it out completely. Protect floors and remaining furniture with plastic sheets, old bed sheets or dust sheets to prevent damage and mess.

Switch off the electricity

Turn off the power in the room and cover sockets and switches with masking tape. As water is often used during wallpaper removal, this step is essential for safety.

Identify the wall and wallpaper type

First, determine whether the walls are solid masonry or plasterboard. Plasterboard is more sensitive to moisture, so use less water and work more carefully.

Next, identify the type of wallpaper. Lift a corner using a scraper:

• if the wallpaper peels off easily in one piece, it is peelable wallpaper
  
• if only the top layer comes off and paper backing remains, it is a two-layer wallpaper
  
• if the wallpaper is firmly attached, it is traditional wallpaper that will need moisture to loosen the adhesive
  

How to remove peelable wallpaper

What you will need

• scraper
  
• water
  
• mild soap
  
• cloths
  

Method

Lift a corner of the wallpaper with the scraper and slowly pull it away from the wall by hand. Keep your hands close to the wall to avoid tearing. If it does tear, start again from another corner and continue until all wallpaper is removed.

Cleaning the wall

Once the wallpaper is removed, wash the walls with warm soapy water to remove any adhesive residue. Allow the walls to dry completely before continuing.

How to remove traditional wallpaper

What you will need

• water
  
• wallpaper remover solution
  
• spray bottle or paint roller
  
• scraper or stripping knife
  
• scoring tool, if needed
  
• step ladder
  
• mild soap
  
• cloths
  
• rubber gloves
  

Prepare the solution

Mix warm water with the wallpaper remover according to the manufacturer’s instructions and pour it into a spray bottle.

Apply the solution

Apply the solution to a section of wall roughly one square metre in size. Leave it to soak for several minutes so the adhesive softens.

Remove the wallpaper

Use a scraper or stripping knife to remove the wallpaper, working from the bottom upwards. Take care not to damage the wall surface.

Score the surface if needed

If the solution does not soak in, lightly score the wallpaper with a blunt tool to help the liquid reach the adhesive.

Final cleaning

Wash the walls with soapy water. Fill any small holes or imperfections with filler, allow it to dry and lightly sand before proceeding.

How to remove two-layer wallpaper

What you will need

• water
  
• wallpaper remover solution
  
• spray bottle or roller
  
• scraper
  
• scoring tool
  
• step ladder
  
• mild soap
  
• cloths
  
• rubber gloves
  

Remove the top layer

Start by peeling off the top decorative layer from the corners or seams.

Remove the paper backing

Remove the remaining paper backing using the same method as for traditional wallpaper, with water and wallpaper remover.

When nothing else works: steam wallpaper removal

If wallpaper cannot be removed with water or chemical solutions, a steam wallpaper remover is often the most effective option.

What you will need

• steam wallpaper remover or steam cleaner
  
• scraper
  
• protective gloves
  
• eye protection
  
• water
  
• mild soap
  
• cloths
  

Method

Prepare the steam remover according to the manufacturer’s instructions and allow it to heat up. Wear protective gloves and long sleeves to avoid burns.

Hold the steam plate against the wallpaper to soften the adhesive, then scrape the wallpaper away. Avoid soaking the wall too much, especially if it is plasterboard.

Final steps

Wash the walls with soapy water and allow them to dry completely before painting or applying new wallpaper.