Removing vinyl wallpaper can seem like a daunting task, especially if it has been on your walls for years. Unlike traditional paper wallpaper, vinyl is more durable and resistant to water, which makes it tougher to strip off. But with the right approach, you can get the job done quickly and without too much hassle.
Whether you’re working on a small room or a whole house, we’ll show you how to remove vinyl wallpaper in this guide with easy and efficient techniques. You’ll discover what equipment you’ll need, how to set up your area, and the best methods for removing the wallpaper without causing damage to your walls.
These suggestions will assist you in quickly preparing your walls, regardless of whether you intend to redecorate or simply want a new look.
- Preparatory stage
- Ways to remove wallpaper from ordinary surfaces
- With water
- With steam
- Using glue
- Using a spatula
- Layer-by-layer removal
- Using special liquids
- Using a power tool
- Video on the topic
- Vinyl wallpaper – how to quickly and easily remove from the wall (life hack)
- How to easily remove old washable vinyl wallpaper from painted walls.
- How to quickly and cheaply remove vinyl wallpaper
Preparatory stage
Prior to taking down the vinyl wallpaper, you need to do the following:
- Take all things and furniture out of the room. You don"t have to remove massive or built-in wardrobes, but rather cover them tightly with plastic film.
- It is also recommended to cover the flooring, especially if it is new. Fix the polyethylene with adhesive tape and lay newspapers on top to prevent slipping.
- It is recommended to put a damp cloth at the entrance to the room to avoid spreading dirt to other rooms.
- Remove all switches or sockets, remove the wallpaper underneath with a spatula. You don"t have to be too zealous, you only need to clean a small area. Seal the holes with tape, and turn off the electricity.
- Remove all lighting fixtures and shelves from the wall and remove the fasteners.
As well, get the necessary supplies and tools ready:
- wallpaper tiger (a roller on a long handle with metal spikes);
- a container for water or a special solution;
- washing powder, detergent or any other surfactant, if plain water will be used;
- brush, roller, sponge or sprayer;
- narrow metal spatula;
- personal protective equipment (gloves, glasses);
- stepladder.
Ways to remove wallpaper from ordinary surfaces
Here, the walls in question are composed of brick, concrete, or wood. Water can be used to moisten such surfaces, and drying them afterwards will not harm them. Old vinyl wallpaper can be removed in a few different ways.
With water
- Vinyl wallpaper consists of several layers, and only one of them is waterproof, so it is necessary to damage it. It is better to use a wallpaper tiger, but if you do not have the tool at hand, it is recommended to treat the coating with a metal brush, knife or any other sharp tool. The main thing is to cause damage as often as possible, then the wallpaper will soak better.
- After this, you need to heat the water and add a little detergent to it, it will ensure deep penetration of the substance into the wallpaper layer. If a special composition is used, then it is prepared according to the manufacturer"s instructions.
- Wet a sponge or roller in the solution and treat the walls. You can also use a spray bottle or a regular rag. Do not moisten too much so as not to damage the base.
- Wait about 15 minutes and start removing the wallpaper. To do this, you need to pry the corner of the strip and pull it down. It is better to act slowly in order to remove the entire fragment at once. Parts of the material may remain on the walls, they need to be wetted again and scraped off with a spatula.
Note: This method may not be as effective for other types of products; it is most effective for removing paper-based products.
With steam
You will need an iron or a steam generator for this operation because hot steam causes the top vinyl layer of the wallpaper to delaminate. In the first instance, you must wet a rag with water, place it up against the wall, place a hot iron on it, and hold it there for a short while. Proceed down the strip once more, and so forth, until the very end. You will need to redo the wallpaper unless it has begun to peel off, in which case you can pry it up and remove it.
Working with a steam generator is considerably simpler. After adding water, the device is powered up to its maximum level. Bring it closer and use steam on the wall the same way you would an iron. This is the most hygienic method of wallpaper removal because it leaves almost no material remnants behind and prevents the formation of dust and other pollutants. Furthermore, you can quickly and simply remove non-woven products with its assistance.
Vital! When using heating equipment, you should always take safety precautions like donning gloves and a respirator.
Using glue
In this instance, a tiny bit of wallpaper glue mixed with detergent in the water will help spread the product evenly across the surface and stop the composition from drying out too soon. The substance is applied as usual, but it is left on for three hours. The wallpaper will have time to soak during this period and will peel off the wall in full sheets. Additionally, this approach works particularly well for products made of paper.
Using a spatula
If there are newspapers or paper underneath the wallpaper or if it was pasted in multiple layers, this method works perfectly. As a fairly thick cake forms on the wall in this instance, it can be easily peeled off with a spatula without any prior preparation. Should material fragments persist on the surface, it is preferable to immerse them in warm water and repeat the process using a spatula.
Be aware of this! Because the tool can damage the plaster layer underneath the wallpaper, this method isn’t the best if you need to protect it.
Layer-by-layer removal
With the help of any improvised sharp or rubbing tool, the top layer of vinyl is removed using this technology. Using a metal brush or spatula, or even a dishrag for dishes, you can try scraping it off. Following the layer removal, proceed as previously mentioned: wet with water and scrape off with a spatula. Sandpaper can be used to remove the remnants.
Using special liquids
These are combinations of preservatives, defoamers, and surfactants. The manufacturer specifies the precise duration on the packaging. They need to be applied to the prepared surface and left for two to three hours. The wallpaper should remove from the wall without causing any damage because the products dissolve the glue.
Using a power tool
When all other approaches have failed, this one works well. Sometimes wallpaper is glued with PVA; once it dries, the material interacts with other materials weakly, so force must be used to remove the wallpaper. A grinder or a drill with a brush attachment can be used. Because so much dust and debris is created, this method is not the most widely used.
Method | Description |
Soapy Water | Apply warm soapy water to the wallpaper, let it soak for 10-15 minutes, then scrape off with a putty knife. |
Steam | Use a steam cleaner to loosen the adhesive, making it easier to peel off the wallpaper. |
Scoring Tool | Use a scoring tool to perforate the wallpaper, then apply water or steam to help it absorb and loosen the glue. |
Vinegar Solution | Mix equal parts vinegar and water, apply to the wallpaper, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrape it off. |
It can be easy and quick to remove vinyl wallpaper from your walls if you take the proper precautions. Use the method that is most effective for your particular situation, whether that is to steam the wallpaper, peel it off dry, or apply a solution to loosen the adhesive.
Always take care to protect your furniture and floors before beginning any task, and take your time so as not to injure the wall underneath. You’ll have a blank canvas after the wallpaper is taken down, so you can start over with any new design you have in mind.
Without letting the outdated vinyl wallpaper hold you back, you can easily update your area and give your walls a new look with a little perseverance and the right tools.
If you know the right methods, removing vinyl wallpaper can be a simple process. This post offers quick, easy methods for removing vinyl wallpaper from your walls, which will save you time and hassle and leave a smooth surface for your upcoming decorating project.