How-To Guide

How to Remove Wallpaper: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide

By Golden Era Walls · How-To Guide

Removing old wallpaper is one of the more satisfying home renovation tasks. The moment the old paper comes away and reveals the possibility of the wall beneath is genuinely rewarding. Getting to that moment without damaging the plaster or drywall beneath requires understanding what type of wallpaper you are dealing with and working methodically through the right removal process for that type.

The removal method depends entirely on the type of wallpaper. Modern peel-and-stick wallpaper is the easiest to remove. Traditional paste-applied wallpaper is more complex. Test a small section in an inconspicuous corner before committing to a full removal method. Peel a corner back and observe the edge to identify what you are working with.

Shop This Design

What to Install After Removal

Dark safari animal print jungle design wallpaper

Dark Safari Animal PrintShop This

Dark moody floral vintage peony bedroom wallpaper

Dark Moody Floral Vintage PeonyShop This

Chinoiserie landscape misty mountains waterfalls wallpaper

Chinoiserie Landscape MountainsShop This

Bold botanical symphony vibrant garden flowers wallpaper

Bold Botanical SymphonyShop This

Key Steps

Four Principles of Wallpaper Removal

Test the Wall First

Score a small section, soak, and see what releases. The wall's response in that test section tells you exactly which removal method to use across the whole room.

Steam vs Chemical Stripper

Steam is faster on paper-backed wallpaper; chemical stripper is more effective on vinyl. Using the wrong method wastes time and risks wall damage.

Work in Sections

Do not let stripped walls dry before removing the paste. Work systematically in two-foot sections, keeping the moisture level consistent throughout.

Post-Removal Wall Prep

Always sand, prime, and wait before applying new wallpaper. A wall that feels dry to the touch may still have moisture in the drywall paper facing.

Pro Tip

The single biggest mistake is rushing the paste removal. Dried paste under new wallpaper causes bubbling and eventual peeling. Clean the wall completely before proceeding to any new wall covering.

Removal Types

Approach by Wallpaper Type

Paper-Backed Removal

Score lightly, apply warm water or stripping solution, soak for five minutes, then peel in sections. The oldest and most common type to encounter in period properties.

Vinyl and Paste-the-Wall

The facing layer usually peels dry. Soak the remaining backing paper with stripping solution and remove separately. Two-stage process but faster than traditional paper.

Peel-and-Stick Removal

Peel from a corner at a shallow angle, pulling slowly and steadily. A hair dryer on a warm setting softens the adhesive if it resists. No water, no chemicals required.

Wall Repair After Removal

Fill small gouges with lightweight spackle, sand smooth when dry, and prime before any new wall covering. Do not skip priming even if the wall looks clean.

Questions Answered

FAQ: Removing Wallpaper

How do I remove old wallpaper without damaging walls?

Work slowly and methodically. Score only as lightly as needed to break the wallpaper surface without penetrating into the drywall paper beneath. Apply water or stripping solution in small sections and remove while still wet. The most common cause of wall damage is impatience: either scoring too aggressively, pulling too hard, or not allowing enough soaking time.

Do I need a steamer to remove wallpaper?

A steamer is helpful for thick or stubborn traditional paste-applied wallpaper but is not essential for most removal projects. A pump spray bottle with warm water and a small amount of fabric softener is effective on most paper-backed wallpapers and is gentler on drywall surfaces. Steam is the most powerful method but also the most aggressive on the wall surface.

How do I remove wallpaper paste from walls?

After removing the wallpaper facing, wash the wall with warm water and a clean cloth to remove all adhesive residue. A solution of warm water with a small amount of dish soap helps cut through stubborn paste. Work in sections and rinse the cloth frequently. Allow the wall to dry fully, then inspect under raking light for remaining residue before priming.

How long should I wait before re-wallpapering?

A minimum of 24 hours after the final wall wash, 48 to 72 hours if the wall was exposed to significant water or steam during removal. Drywall in particular needs to dry completely before any new wall covering is applied. A wall that feels dry to the touch may still have moisture in the paper facing beneath. Prime the wall before applying new wallpaper regardless of waiting time.

Can I wallpaper over existing wallpaper instead of removing it?

It is possible but not recommended. Existing wallpaper seams will show through the new layer, the added weight of two layers of wallpaper can cause adhesion failure, and any moisture from the new paste can reactivate the old adhesive and cause bubbling. If the existing wallpaper is in perfect condition and flat, it can be used as a substrate for new paste-applied wallpaper in some circumstances, but removal is always the better approach.

Wallpaper Removal