A-Z of DIY & Building Guides How To Strip Wallpaper

Date Published:

24/03/2009

Step Two

If you are not using a steam stripper, fill a bucket with hot water and add a little washing up liquid to it. Apply the solution to the wall with a decorators’ sponge, starting at the top.

Leave to soak for around 10 minutes, then test to see if the wallpaper is going to come off easily. If not, repeat the soaking process. Alternatively, you can use a wallpaper stripping preparation. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and use safety protection as directed.

Step Three

Remove the wallpaper with a stripping knife. Make sure you get the knife between the paper and the wall, so the knife is not digging into the wall. Clear the wallpaper away as you work as it will still be sticky.

Step Four

If the wallpaper is very difficult to remove, or you have a large area to strip, a steam stripper is really worthwhile because it makes the job so much quicker. You can buy one at a DIY store (a good investment if you've got the whole house to do - or are planning a series of property renovations) or you can hire one from HSS.

Following the manufacturer's user and safety instructions, start from the top of the wall, holding the plate against the wallpaper to loosen it, then scrape the paper off using a stripping knife. Don’t hold the plate on any area for too long as the heat and steam may damage the plaster.

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