taking down wallpaper

Taking down the old wallpaper in your room is a great way to give it a fresh, stylish look. It can be a daunting task for some, as wallpaper can be tricky to remove, but with the right tools, it’s certainly achievable. This guide will lay out the basics of taking down wallpaper, so that you can go ahead and give your room a makeover.

Gathering the Tools

Before you start the job, it’s important that you have all the necessary tools. You’ll need: a wallpaper scoring tool, wallpaper stripper, putty knife, sponge, bucket, paper towels, and a ladder. Make sure to get the right tools for the job, as this will help you to work quickly and safely.

Preparing the Room

Now that you have all the tools you need, you can begin preparing the room. Start by removing all furniture, fixtures, and anything else that might get in the way. Clear the floor space and cover any surfaces you want to protect with a drop cloth. Once you’ve done this, you can start taking down the wallpaper.

Scoring the Wallpaper

This is an important step to ensure that the wallpaper will come off easily. Using the scoring tool, make thin, vertical lines in the wallpaper. This will create tiny holes in the surface of the wallpaper, which helps the wallpaper stripper to penetrate. Make sure to score the entire surface of the wallpaper, as this will make it easier to remove.

Applying the Stripper

Once the wallpaper is scored, you can start applying the stripper. Put some of the stripper into a bucket and using a sponge, start applying it to the wall. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the wallpaper. Give the stripper a few minutes to soak in and start breaking down the wallpaper.

Removing the Wallpaper

Once the wallpaper has been scored and the stripper has been applied, you can start taking it down. Using the putty knife, start gently scraping off the wallpaper. Work from the top downwards, and make sure to use a light touch. If you’re having difficulty removing the wallpaper, you can apply more stripper and let it soak in.

Cleaning Up

Once you’ve finished removing the wallpaper, you can start cleaning up. Remove any bits of wallpaper and stripper with a damp sponge and rinse with clean water. If any wallpaper glue remains on the walls, you can use a putty knife to scrape it off. Once you’re done, you can dispose of the wallpaper and stripper in an appropriate way.

Patching the Walls

Once the walls are clean, you can start patching any holes or cracks that may have appeared. Take a damp sponge and smooth over any surface imperfections. If there are more serious cracks or holes, you can use some plaster to patch it up. Once you’ve done this, let the walls dry before painting or wallpapering.

Conclusion

Taking down wallpaper is not an easy task, but with the right tools and the right approach, it can be achieved. Follow this guide and you’ll be able to give your room a fresh, stylish look. Don’t forget to clean up afterwards, and patch any holes or cracks that may have appeared.