How to Remove Damaged Wallpaper

Remove unsightly old wallpaper easily.

Unsightly wallpaper that is peeling or rotting away can sometimes be difficult to remove. Using a enzyme-based wallpaper remover is the easiest way to remove the wallpaper, even if it is severely damaged. Instead of using elbow grease to remove the wallpaper, you simply allow the enzymes to penetrate and break down the glue. This makes the wallpaper easy to scrape off.

Things You'll Need

• Perforating device
• Scraping tool
• Enzyme-based wallpaper remover
• Spray bottle
• Soap and water

Instructions

1. Make small holes in the wallpaper with a perforating device, or use a razor to make incisions in the wallpaper. Go over all the wallpaper, even the damaged areas. The holes or incisions will allow the wallpaper remover to penetrate past wallpaper to the glue. The more holes or incisions you make, the more the remover gets into the glue.

2. Spray on the wallpaper remover until the wallpaper is slightly moist. Wait for wallpaper to bubble. When that occurs, the enzyme remover has effectively penetrated the wallpaper and it is ready for removal.

3. Scrape off the wallpaper, using a scraping tool. Use moderate pressure to avoid damaging the surface of the wall.

4. Wash wall with soap and water to remove glue residue.

References

• Ask the Builder: Stripping Wallpaper
• HGTV: How to Remove Wallpaper: Patience Is A Virtue
• Zinsser: How to Remove Wallpaper Easily