Easiest Way to Remove Wallpaper Backing

Wallpaper backing can remain after taking off the outler paper.

Old wallpaper that is attached to drywall may seem to come off easily until you realize that all of the glue or backing from the wallpaper is still left on the wall. When this happens you will need to find a way to remove the old backing or glue. This can be done by spraying on a solvent and using a soak-and-scrape technique. You will first need to prepare the work area before beginning the process.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic sheets
• Spray bottle
• Liquid fabric softener or vinegar
• Wallpaper scraper

Instructions

1. Place sheets of plastic on the floor around the wall or area where you will be working.

2. Fill a spray bottle about three-quarters full with warm water.

3. Add ½ cup of liquid fabric softener or vinegar to the spray bottle.

4. Spray a small area of the wallpaper with the spray bottle and let it sit for a couple of minutes.

5. Scrape the wallpaper backing or glue with a wallpaper scraper. Let the residue from the backing and glue fall to the floor.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use a drop cloth to cover the floor if you do not have plastic sheets available.

• A "paper tiger" can be used to perforate the backing so that the solvent can penetrate the backing to allow the glue to dissolve.

• Scraping too hard to remove the backing or glue from the wallpaper can damage the drywall.

References

• Dummies.com: Getting to Know Wallpaper-Removal Techniques
• Thefrugallife.com: How to Remove Old Wall Paper

Resources

• Thriftyfun.com: Removing Wallpaper Glue
• Google Products: Paper Tiger