Removing Wallpaper from Damaged Wallboard
- 1). Lay a drop cloth or plastic sheeting on the ground to protect the floor from the solvents used on the wallpaper.
- 2). Mix a wallpaper remover solution with hot water, per product instructions. Different products will require different rates of dilution. Add the mixture to a sprayer or plastic pump.
- 3). Choose a small section of the wallpaper (3 feet by 3 feet) and spray the remover onto that section. Allow the remover proper time to work (this will also vary by product) and then slowly peel away the loosened piece of paper. Use a broad-edged plastic scraper to pry it away from the wall, if necessary. Scrape gently, as damaged wallboard will break or crack easily under pressure.
- 4). Inspect the wall beneath the paper to find the way the grain of the paper lies. It will be easier, and create less damage, if you peel the paper with the grain of its application.
- 5). Work in sections to remove the wallpaper. Saturate one area with the spray; while the solvent works on that section, soak another section. Peel the first section while the second one soaks in; this progression will result in faster peeling.
- 6). Continue spraying and peeling until all the wallpaper is removed. Remember to use the scraper gently to avoid further damage to the wall.
- 7). Coat the wall one more time with the solvent, and wipe or scrape away any small remaining pieces or large sections of adhesive.
- 8). Wash the walls with a mixture of warm water and mild dish detergent. This will help to remove residual solvent and adhesive. Rinse with clean warm water and allow the wall to dry completely before continuing; speed up the drying process with a fan.
- 9). Repair the damaged wallboard before applying any new paint or wallpaper. Depending on your intended project and the amount of damage, you can fill in small holes with filler or spackle. You may choose to apply a completely new wall face to the area to cover up all old damage.
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