Wallpaper can add a nice touch to a room or, if you're a person who likes clean-looking walls, it can be a sight for sore eyes. If you've recently purchased a home or maybe your wallpaper is old and peeling and you want to remove it, here are some tips to make the removal process a little less painful:
1) Cover the floor at the base where the walls will be stripped. You can use drop cloths, towels, or a plastic sheet. Be sure to remove all light switch plates and outlet covers. If possible, cut power to the room so there is no chance of getting electricuted as you will be using water.
2) To ensure the solution penetrates to the adhesive and not just the surface of the wallpaper, score the wallpaper to make small holes. A wallpaper scorer will do the trick.
3) Mix a solution of hot water and fabric softener in a spray bottle. You want to mix a little at a time to keep the water as hot as possible.
4) Spray a section of the wallpaper until it is saturated. Allow the solution to soak in for a few minutes before starting to scrape. Don't spray the whole wall at once as the solution will dry and get cold and then you have to spray it all over again. Do small sections at a time.
5) Start at a bottom corner and carefully peel the wallpaper upward. A wide putty knife can be used to help facilitate removal. Repeat all steps until all of the wallpaper is removed.
6) To clean your walls after all the wallpaper is removed, mix a tablespoon of dish detergent with very hot water. Use a sponge to scrub the walls and remove the remaining adhesive. Rinse the walls with clean water and towel dry.
For more home improvement tips or information on real estate, please contact us at: 888-988-6248 or www.choicehomeshawaii.com.
