How Do You Remove Wallpaper Without Damaging the Walls?
Quick Answer: Start by testing whether the wallpaper peels away cleanly. If it resists, soften the adhesive with an appropriate wallpaper-removal solution, then carefully peel or scrape the paper away. Remove remaining glue, allow the wall to dry, and repair or prime damaged areas as needed before repainting. The safest method depends on the wallpaper, adhesive, and wall surface.
Pulling wallpaper off the wall sounds simple until part of the room comes off easily and another section starts fighting you strip by strip.
There’s a reason for that.
Wallpaper type, adhesive, wall material, age, and previous repairs can all change how easily the paper releases.
This guide walks through a practical wallpaper-removal process, from testing a corner to dealing with remaining adhesive and preparing the wall for what comes next.
What Is the Easiest Way to Remove Old Wallpaper?
Start by testing the wallpaper before assuming it needs a full score-soak-scrape process.
Some peelable or strippable wallpapers are designed to release in larger sheets. If the paper lifts cleanly from a corner, you may be able to remove much of it without heavy soaking.
More resistant wallpaper may need moisture or wallpaper-removal solution to reach and soften the adhesive.
Scoring can be useful when the surface resists penetration, such as some vinyl-coated, painted-over, or stubborn wallpapers. The goal is to create small openings that allow the removal solution to reach the adhesive underneath.
Avoid over-scoring, particularly on drywall, because aggressive scoring can damage the paper facing beneath the wallpaper.
What Tools and Supplies Do You Need to Remove Wallpaper?
Gather your supplies before beginning so you can work in manageable sections without leaving wet wallpaper or adhesive unattended.
- Floor protection, plastic sheeting, or suitable drop cloths
- Painter’s tape for protecting appropriate edges and surfaces
- Spray bottle or pump sprayer
- Bucket, sponges, soft cloths, and cleanup materials
- Plastic wallpaper scraper or another suitable scraping tool
- Wallpaper scoring tool, only when needed
- Warm water or an appropriate wallpaper-removal product
- Gloves and eye protection, plus any protective equipment specified by the product manufacturer
- Waste bags for removed wallpaper and cleanup materials
Safety precautions: Keep liquids away from energized outlets, switches, fixtures, and wiring. If work may introduce moisture near electrical components, have the affected circuit made safe before proceeding; consult a qualified electrician when necessary. Do not assume tape over an outlet makes it waterproof.
Avoid saturating drywall. Excessive water and steam can soften or damage wall materials. Follow equipment instructions, and remember that steamers can cause burns.
For homes built before 1978, review the lead-paint precautions below before disturbing older painted surfaces.
Step-by-Step: How to Remove Wallpaper
Step 1: Protect the Room
Wallpaper removal can involve water, adhesive residue, scraps, and scraping.
Protect floors, furniture, trim, and nearby surfaces before starting. Move belongings away from the work area where practical.
Remove switch and outlet covers only when it is safe and appropriate to do so. Take precautions to prevent liquids from reaching electrical components.
If you are unsure how to work safely around electrical components, do not introduce moisture near them until the area has been made safe.
Step 2: Test a Corner
Start at a seam or loose corner.
Gently pull the wallpaper back at a low angle.
If it releases easily in larger sheets, continue peeling slowly.
If the decorative layer comes off but leaves a paper backing attached to the wall, that backing may need to be soaked separately.
If the wallpaper tears immediately or resists removal, move to a soaking or stripping method.
Step 3: Score Only When Needed
If water or wallpaper remover cannot penetrate the surface effectively, a wallpaper scoring tool may help.
Use light pressure.
The goal is to perforate the wallpaper surface without cutting deeply into the drywall or plaster underneath.
Not every wallpaper-removal project requires scoring. Do not score through older painted layers when lead-based paint may be present without first addressing lead safety.
Step 4: Apply a Removal Solution
Depending on the wallpaper and adhesive, homeowners may try:
- Warm water
- Warm water with a small amount of dish soap
- A diluted white-vinegar solution
- A fabric-softener-and-water solution
- A purpose-made commercial wallpaper remover
A commercial wallpaper stripper may be a more predictable choice for stubborn wallpaper because it is specifically formulated for adhesive removal.
Work in manageable sections. Apply enough solution to soften the adhesive without unnecessarily saturating the wall.
Test a small area first, and follow the manufacturer’s directions for commercial products. Never mix different chemical removal products together.
Step 5: Allow Time for the Solution to Work
There is no universal soak time for every wallpaper.
Some papers begin releasing after a relatively short soak, while stubborn adhesive may require additional time and more than one application.
Follow the instructions for the stripping product you are using and test a small area before continuing.
If the paper still resists, reapply the solution rather than forcing it off dry. Avoid allowing excessive moisture to penetrate the wall.
Step 6: Peel or Scrape Carefully
Once the adhesive has softened, lift the wallpaper gently.
A wallpaper scraper or broad putty knife can help with stubborn sections.
Keep the tool at a shallow angle and avoid digging into the wall.
Plastic tools may reduce the risk of gouging compared with sharp metal blades, although any scraper can damage drywall if used too aggressively.
If drywall facing starts tearing or plaster begins breaking away, stop and reassess rather than continuing to force the wallpaper off.
Step 7: Remove Remaining Adhesive
After the paper is gone, adhesive residue may remain on the wall.
Do not assume the wall is ready for primer or paint just because the wallpaper itself has been removed.
Use an appropriate adhesive-removal method and clean the wall thoroughly according to the product instructions.
After the adhesive has been removed, rinse or clean the surface as appropriate and allow it to dry fully before evaluating repairs, primer, or paint.
How Long Do You Need to Soak Wallpaper Before Removing It?
Soak time depends on the wallpaper, adhesive, wall surface, and removal product.
Some wallpaper begins releasing fairly quickly.
Other wallpaper may need multiple applications before the adhesive softens enough to remove without damaging the wall.
Rather than relying on one fixed time, test a small section.
If the wallpaper still feels firmly bonded, give the solution more time or reapply it, within the product instructions and the wall’s moisture tolerance.
The goal is to soften the adhesive enough that the wallpaper releases with reasonable effort.
Does Dish Soap Help Remove Wallpaper?
A small amount of dish soap mixed with warm water is one DIY method homeowners sometimes use to help wet wallpaper and loosen some adhesives.
It may work adequately on some projects.
It is not guaranteed to work on every wallpaper or adhesive, and it should not be treated as automatically equivalent to a purpose-made wallpaper remover.
If warm water and a small amount of dish soap do not soften the adhesive effectively, moving to a commercial wallpaper stripper may be more practical.
Any soap residue should be removed before preparing the wall for paint.
Vinegar, Fabric Softener, or Commercial Wallpaper Remover?
Several DIY wallpaper-removal mixtures are commonly used.
A diluted white-vinegar solution may help on some water-soluble adhesives.
Fabric-softener-and-water mixtures are another DIY method used to help loosen certain wallpapers.
Neither method works equally well on every wall. Fabric softener can also leave residue that must be cleaned away before painting.
Vinyl-coated wallpaper, multiple layers, heavy adhesive, painted-over wallpaper, and other difficult conditions may respond better to careful scoring where appropriate and a commercial wallpaper-removal product.
The best approach is to test a small area first and follow the instructions for any commercial stripper you use.
For a manufacturer explanation of different removal methods, see Sherwin-Williams’ wallpaper-removal guide.
How Do You Remove Stubborn Wallpaper Glue?
Stubborn adhesive residue may require a purpose-made adhesive remover rather than repeated scraping.
Apply the remover according to the manufacturer’s instructions and allow enough time for it to soften the residue.
Work carefully in smaller areas.
A plastic scraper or sponge may help remove softened adhesive without unnecessarily gouging the surface.
Afterward, clean the wall as directed and allow it to dry.
Do not rush directly into sanding simply because adhesive remains. Sanding through old adhesive can create dust, damage the wall, and fail to remove the contamination properly.
What Should You Know About Lead Paint Before Removing Wallpaper?
If your home was built before 1978, there may be lead-based paint underneath the wallpaper or on adjacent surfaces.
Wallpaper removal does not automatically create lead exposure. However, scraping, scoring, sanding, or other work that disturbs underlying lead-based paint can release hazardous lead dust.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends checking whether lead-based paint is present and using lead-safe work practices when renovation activities may disturb it.
For covered renovation, repair, and painting work in pre-1978 housing, paid contractors generally must meet EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) certification requirements, subject to applicable exceptions. Homeowners working on their own homes are generally not covered in the same way, although exceptions apply, including certain rental and renovation-for-resale situations.
Do not assume ordinary dust masks, household vacuum cleaners, or routine cleanup methods are adequate for lead-containing dust. Avoid aggressive disturbance until the risk has been evaluated and appropriate safeguards are in place.
Review the EPA’s official Lead-Safe Renovations for DIYers guidance before beginning potentially paint-disturbing work in an older home.
If you hire a contractor for work that falls under the RRP Rule, ask about the required lead-safe certification. Do not assume that every painting contractor is certified for this work.
Will Removing Wallpaper Damage Your Drywall or Plaster?
It can.
Drywall is especially vulnerable because aggressive scraping or pulling can tear the paper facing.
That may leave fuzzy or torn areas that need repair before painting.
Plaster can also be gouged or damaged, particularly when sharp tools are used too aggressively.
Some surface repair after wallpaper removal is not unusual.
Depending on the condition of the wall, preparation may include:
- Stabilizing torn drywall facing
- Patching gouges and holes
- Repairing cracks
- Smoothing repaired areas where appropriate and safe
- Removing remaining adhesive
- Priming or sealing repaired and problem areas before finish painting
The amount of repair depends on what is discovered after the wallpaper comes off.
For more extensive damage, review Titleist Painting’s drywall repair services in Lawrence, KS.
How Do You Prepare Walls for Painting After Removing Wallpaper?
Removing the wallpaper is only part of the job when the next step is repainting. The wall must be clean, dry, sound, and compatible with the planned coating system.
- Check for leftover wallpaper and backing. Inspect seams, corners, and areas around trim for paper that did not release completely.
- Remove remaining adhesive. Use a suitable cleaning or adhesive-removal method rather than assuming primer will solve heavy glue contamination.
- Clean the wall. Remove residue from soap, vinegar, fabric softener, or commercial stripping products according to the product directions.
- Allow the surface to dry. Drying time depends on the wall material, moisture introduced, room conditions, and products used.
- Inspect for damage. Look for torn drywall facing, loose plaster, holes, gouges, and uneven areas.
- Stabilize damaged drywall paper. Torn or exposed facing may require a specialized drywall sealer or conditioner before patching. Follow the repair-system manufacturer’s instructions.
- Complete and smooth repairs. Patch damaged areas with compatible materials, allow them to dry or cure, and smooth them where appropriate and safe.
- Choose a suitable primer or sealer. Select the product based on the actual wall condition, repairs, remaining contamination concerns, and coating-manufacturer instructions. Ordinary water-based primer is not suitable for every problem surface.
- Check whether the wall is paint-ready. Confirm that the surface is clean, dry, stable, sufficiently smooth, free of problematic residue, and properly primed where needed.
Remaining adhesive can interfere with paint adhesion or cause finish problems. Unsealed damaged drywall facing can blister during patching or coating, while an unsuitable primer may fail to isolate problem areas.
Sherwin-Williams explains the use of a drywall conditioner for torn facing in its paint preparation FAQs.
For the broader preparation process, including cleaning, repairs, sanding, and priming, read our guide to preparing walls for painting.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
DIY wallpaper removal can make sense when the project is small, the wallpaper releases easily, the walls are in good condition, and you are comfortable with the time and mess involved.
A single accent wall with newer, strippable wallpaper may be much more manageable than a whole room with several layers of older paper.
Professional help may be worth considering when the project involves:
- Multiple rooms
- Several layers of wallpaper
- Stubborn or unknown adhesive
- Extensive wall damage
- Older plaster
- Painted-over wallpaper
- Difficult access
- Uncertainty about lead-based paint
- Substantial repair and preparation after removal
Hiring a professional does not automatically mean every project will be faster or less expensive.
The advantage is that a qualified contractor can evaluate the wallpaper, wall condition, removal difficulty, and preparation needed before the new finish goes on.
Wallpaper removal is often only the first step in a larger wall-finishing project.
Titleist Painting provides wallpaper removal as part of its decorative painting and wallpaper services in Lawrence, KS. The scope of removal, wall preparation, and any subsequent painting should be discussed for the specific project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you paint directly over wallpaper glue residue?
You should not assume a wall with visible adhesive residue is ready for paint.
Remaining wallpaper adhesive can interfere with surface preparation and coating performance.
Remove the residue, clean the wall appropriately, allow it to dry, repair any damaged areas, and use a compatible primer or sealer where the wall condition or coating system calls for it.
Do you need a wallpaper steamer for every job?
No.
Some wallpaper can be removed with peeling, soaking, or a wallpaper-removal solution.
Steamers may be helpful on certain stubborn projects, but they are not automatically necessary for every wall.
Follow the equipment manufacturer’s safety instructions carefully because steam and hot water can cause burns and can introduce substantial moisture into the wall surface. Avoid steam near electrical components.
How much does it cost to have wallpaper professionally removed?
Cost depends on the actual scope of the project, including the amount of wallpaper, number of layers, adhesive, wall condition, access, and repair or preparation needed afterward.
There is no single price that accurately represents every wallpaper-removal project. A small area of easily removable wallpaper is different from multiple rooms with stubborn adhesive and damaged drywall.
If you want an estimate for your particular walls, request an estimate from Titleist Painting.
What’s the biggest mistake first-time DIY wallpaper removers make?
One common mistake is trying to force stubborn wallpaper off before the adhesive has softened enough.
That can turn a manageable removal project into unnecessary scraping and wall damage.
Another common mistake is assuming the job is finished once the paper is gone.
Remaining adhesive still needs to be addressed before the wall is repaired, primed, or painted.
What should I do if drywall paper tears during removal?
Stop pulling aggressively around the damaged area.
Once the wallpaper and adhesive are removed, the damaged drywall surface may need to be stabilized with an appropriate conditioner or sealer, patched, smoothed, and primed before finish paint is applied.
The correct repair depends on how much of the drywall facing was damaged.
Is wallpaper harder to remove from plaster or drywall?
The difficulty depends more on the wallpaper, adhesive, wall preparation, and number of layers than on one wall material alone.
Drywall can be easier to damage because its paper facing may tear during scraping.
Plaster is harder than drywall but can still be gouged, cracked, or damaged by aggressive tools.
Before You Start
A little preparation can make wallpaper removal more manageable.
Protect the room. Test a corner. Determine whether the wallpaper will strip cleanly before scoring it.
Use a suitable removal method, avoid excessive moisture, and do not force stubborn wallpaper off the wall.
Remove remaining glue before assuming the wall is ready for paint.
If the home was built before 1978, address lead safety before sanding, scraping, or otherwise disturbing potentially painted surfaces underneath the wallpaper.
Once the wallpaper is removed, the next decision is whether the wall needs cleaning, repair, sealing, or priming before repainting.
Ready to Remove Wallpaper and Repaint Your Walls?
Wallpaper removal can reveal adhesive residue, damaged drywall, or other preparation work that was not visible before the paper came down.
If you are planning to update a room in Lawrence, Kansas, or a surrounding community, Titleist Painting can discuss your wallpaper-removal project and the wall preparation or repainting that may be needed afterward.
Whether the project involves one accent wall or several rooms, request an estimate that identifies the work proposed for your particular walls.
Learn more about our interior painting services, or Request an Estimate to discuss your project.
