How to Remove Wallpaper

 How to Remove Wallpaper

(Studio 198 Guide)

A fresh start for flawless walls
Giving your room a new look begins with a clean, smooth surface. This guide walks you through safe, effective ways to remove old wallpaper and get your walls ready for decorating.

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What You’ll Need

• Spray bottle or broad brush for wetting

• Wallpaper stripping solution 

• Scraper/stripping knife

• Utility knife (sharp blades help)

• Sandpaper or scoring tool

• Sponge, cloth, and a bucket of clean water

• Wallpaper steamer (optional, helpful for large or stubborn areas)

• Dust sheets & masking tape

Studio 198 tip: Test your solution on a small patch first to gauge soak time.

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Preparation (Worth the Minutes!)

1. Protect the room — move or cover furniture, lay dust sheets, and tape around sockets/switches.

2. Identify wall type — plaster is sturdier; drywall (plasterboard) needs gentler scraping.

3. Check your wallpaper — newer papers are often strippable/peelable; some leave a backing that must be removed like standard paper.

4. Safety first — wear eye protection, use a secure ladder, and switch off power to the room before working near sockets/switches or using steam. 

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Method A — Remove Wallpaper Without a Steamer

1. Mix & apply
   Dilute the stripping solution as directed. Working in sections from bottom up, wet the surface with a spray bottle or broad brush.

2. Soak time
   Let the liquid penetrate for a few minutes.

3. Scrape carefully
   Use a scraper at a shallow angle to lift paper without gouging the wall.

4. Repeat as needed
   Re-apply and continue section by section.

Stubborn patches? Score lightly with sandpaper or a scoring tool so solution reaches the adhesive. Repeat wetting and extend soak time before scraping. 

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Method B — Remove Wallpaper With a Steamer (Optional)

A steamer softens paste with hot vapour and is handy for large areas, washable papers, or woodchip.

1. Set up per the manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Apply the pad to the paper for ~30 seconds.

3. Lift & scrape gently; move methodically across the wall.

4. Repeat until clear.

Always follow the steamer’s safety guidance. If a chemical-soak works well, you can usually skip steam. 

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Clean Down & Wall Check

• Wash the surface with a sponge and clean water to remove paste residue.

• Dry thoroughly, then inspect for damage.

• Fill & sand any imperfections; dust off ready for redecorating.

• If residue remains, use a stripping solution again and scrape off the softened paste before your final clean.

Ready for the fun bit? See our How to Wallpaper guide for a professional-looking finish.

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Troubleshooting

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Safety Checklist

• Eye protection & secure ladder

• Power off when working near electrics or using steam

• Ventilation when using chemical solutions

• Keep tools and chemicals away from children/pets