How to Remove Wallpaper From Sheetrock

Removing wallpaper from Sheetrock can be a difficult and time-consuming job.

Gypsum powder compressed and sandwiched between two pieces of paper makes up Sheetrock. People often find wallpaper notoriously difficult to remove from Sheetrock, which is also called drywall. Because some wallpaper includes more than one layer, removal can be difficult and time-consuming.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic sheeting
• Putty knife
• Wallpaper perforator
• Water
• Wallpaper Remover
• Paint roller
• Wallpaper scraper
• Fine-grit sandpaper

Instructions

1. Cover your floor with a protective plastic sheet to avoid damaging it.

2. Slide a putty knife under the corner of the wallpaper to peel it up just a little bit. After you have about 2 inches of wallpaper loose from the Sheetrock, grasp the edges and pull firmly. If the wallpaper comes off, it is dry-strippable, and you should use this method to remove it all. If not, proceed to the next step.

3. Score the wallpaper, using a wallpaper perforator every 6 to 8 inches.

4. Mix the wallpaper remover and water, and apply the solution to a 3-foot section of wallpaper, using a paint roller.

5. Scrape off the wallpaper from the Sheetrock with a wallpaper scraper or a putty knife. Begin at the edges and work toward the middle. Scrape firmly but gently, taking care not to gouge the underlying Sheetrock. Continue wetting and scraping the wallpaper until you remove all of it.

6. Gently sand away the wallpaper-glue residue, using a fine-grit sandpaper.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use a wall perforator on wet walls, which could damage the Sheetrock

References

• Dummies: Getting to Know Wallpaper Removal Techniques
• Next Step Remodeling: Dryall/Sheetrock Installers