How To Strip Wallpaper
Polythene dust sheets
Craft knife or wallpaper scorer
Bucket
Washing-up liquid and water solution
Decorator's sponge
Wallpaper stripping knife
If you're using a steam stripper, you will only need the dust sheets, scorer and stripping knife
Budget
From around £4, if you just buy stripping knife. If you're using a steam stripper, these cost from around £15 a day to hire.
Time
A day or more depending on the size of the area to be stripped, and the firmness with which the old wallpaper is stuck on.
Skill
A job anyone can take on
Step One: Score The Wallpaper
Protect the floor with polythene dust sheets - this job is really messy. Start by scoring the wallpaper with a craft knife or a wallpaper scorer to help the water penetrate the surface of the paper. Make sure that you are just scoring the wallpaper and not the wall underneath.
Step Two: Soak The Wall
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: Use A Stripping Knife
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: Use A Steam Wallpaper Stripper
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.
- Woodchip can be very difficult to remove, and vinyl wallpaper can usually be peeled off, but there will be a backing paper left on the wall, which should be removed using water, as above.
Illustrations: Ed Roberts
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