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Before starting work, it is important not only to prepare the necessary tools, but also to ensure the cleanliness and safety of the room
Removing old wallpaper is an important stage of renovation that affects the quality of the new wall covering. With the right approach and knowledge of effective methods, this process can be greatly simplified. RBC-Ukraine tells how to prepare the room for work, determine the type of wallpaper and choose the best way to remove it.
Preparing for work
Before starting work, it is important not only to prepare the necessary tools, but also to ensure that the room is clean and safe.
Cover the floor with oilcloth or newspapers and furniture with plastic sheeting to avoid damage and contamination. If possible, it is a good idea to move all items out of the room to have more space to work in and avoid accidental damage. It is also worth de-energising the room and closing sockets, as water will be used during the work. It’s a good idea to check the walls – if they are plaster, they can be well moisturised, but if they are plasterboard, be careful not to damage the coating.
Additionally, you can prepare a plastic trowel, a bucket of water and a sponge for easy work. If the wallpaper was glued on a painted wall, it will be much easier to remove them.
Choosing the right method
Before starting work, it is important to determine the type of wallpaper, because it depends on the method of its removal. Some wallpapers can be easily removed in strips, others only the top layer, and old paper wallpapers can be peeled off in pieces, which makes the process much more difficult.
- If the wallpaper does not come off on its own, you will have to use special means or ordinary water with a soap solution. The easiest to remove are modern vinyl or fleece wallpapers, which can be removed in one movement by pulling a corner.
- If the main paper layer remains on the wall, it should be well moistened before cleaning to avoid damaging the wall. This can be done with a cloth, sponge or sprayer, and a steam generator is sometimes used to speed up the process.
- If the wallpaper is glued in several layers, it is better to remove it gradually, soaking each layer separately.
Removing firmly glued wallpaper
If the wallpaper is very strong, you may need to use additional tools to make the job easier.
The most effective way is to use hot water with vinegar or liquid soap to help soften the adhesive. The solution should be applied to the wall with a roller or sponge and allowed to soak for 10-15 minutes to soften the adhesive layer.
The wallpaper can then be carefully removed with a plastic spatula, working in a bottom-up direction or vice versa, depending on convenience. It is important not to over-wet the wall to avoid damaging the wallcovering, especially if it is plasterboard.
If the wallpaper is very dense or has a protective waterproof layer, it can be scratched with a trowel or a special spiked roller before wetting. After cleaning the entire surface, wash off any adhesive residue with a soapy solution and wait for it to dry completely before further repair work.
