How to Remove Old Wallpaper Paste From Plaster Walls

Using a paint roller to remove old wallpaper paste is safer than using a steamer on plaster walls.

Old wallpaper paste on a plaster wall serves as a tough obstacle that won't allow you to re-paint or re-wallpaper the wall easily. Old wallpaper paste is widely removed using the steamer method; however, plaster walls can sometimes be more porous than plain dry walls and therefore need a special method to remove the wallpaper paste. Luckily, completing the task is easy and won't require too much time.

Things You'll Need

• Enzyme-based wallpaper removing solution
• Water
• Large bucket
• Paint roller
• Wallpaper scraper
• Sponge

Instructions

1. Combine 5 oz. of an enzyme-based wallpaper remover, found at any home improvement store, with a gallon of water in a large bucket.

2. Dip a paint roller into the solution and roll down part of the affected area on the wall. Only apply the mixture to as much wall as you can scrape in about 15 minutes; otherwise, the solution will dry up and you'll need to reapply it. Allow the mixture to penetrate for a few minutes.

3. Use a wallpaper scraper to carve and scrape away at the old glue. Repeat Step 2 until the entire wall has been rid of the old wallpaper paste.

4. Submerge a large sponge in clean water and wring out most of the moisture. Gently wipe away the wall to rinse, ensuring that all traces of old wallpaper paste have been removed. Allow the wall to dry for at least 24 hours before painting it or placing new wallpaper.

References

• This Old House: Removing Wallpaper From Plaster Walls
• Home Tips: Wallpaper Removal Tips