Adding suitable wallpaper can basically transform any room, making it beautiful when it was initially boring. The problem is that removing the existing wallpaper is usually something that most people out there do not know anything about. That is why you should seriously consider all the tips mentioned below as knowing the correct wallpaper removal techniques will help you out a lot.
What Are You Up Against?
Walls are usually plaster smoothed over lath or drywall. By basis of feeling, you can realize what you are up against as plaster will be smoother, colder and harder. If you are in doubt, you can remove outlet covers to see exposed edges. Drywall stands out as vulnerable for water damage so you have to be sure that you do not get it too wet during the removal process.
Try to see if the wallpaper is dry-strippable. Slowly try to peel it. If you can do this, it will be easy. There are also papers that are not porous. They will be tougher to remove.
Removal Techniques – What To Choose
The chosen techniques depend based on the type of paper that you want to remove and the surface that is present underneath. With this in mind, here are the techniques you can consider:
Dry-Stripping
This is the best case scenario. You just need to loosen the strip with the use of a putty knife. Slowly peel it back at a degree of 10 to 15 degrees. Never pull the paper right out because it can damage underlying surface.
As soon as the paper is removed, follow adhesive removal procedure mentioned below. Try to dry-strip the top layer completely. If just the top layer will peel off, with a paper backing behind it, the paper is peelable.
Soaking And Scraping
If the paper is nonstrippable or there is paper backing that will remain after you dry-strip, you can use warm water first and then apply wallpaper removal solvent. You can soak the entire surface with the use of wallpaper remover. The spray bottle is enough but pain rollers are better. A wallpaper scraper or a wide taping knife can be used to remove the paper.
Never wet an area that cannot be scraped off in 15 minutes. Water should never soak inside the drywall for a longer period than that since this causes damage. Remove the wet wallpaper and let ig drop. Use towels to absorb dripping solutions and make your shoes clean.
Steam Baths
If the wallpaper was painted over or there are many wallpaper layers that were added, you will be faced with a lot of work. When faced with surfaces that are not properly sealed, even more problems will appear as the wall will most likely be damaged. In this case a wallpaper steamer may be necessary. This is basically a hotplate that is attached to a hose. Make sure that you are careful when referring to using steam baths on drywalls because they can easily be damaged.
The options above are very good but make sure that you choose correctly. If you do not know what method to use to remove wallpaper, try to ask a professional since you do not want the wall to be damaged.
