FAQ’s about Wallpaper Removal

Do you have a house that has wallpaper? Are you wanting to remove wallpaper but have more questions than answers? If you’re like most homeowners we meet, you’re trying to figure out whether to tackle the outdated wallpaper in your home. It can seem like a daunting task—especially if you’ve never done it before. Maybe you’re imagining torn walls, a mess of glue residue, or hours spent scraping, dirt/dust all over your house, only to ask yourself: Is it even worth it?

The good news? It is possible to remove wallpaper without losing your sanity. You can transform your space with a fresh, new look. Let’s walk you through the FAQ’s about wallpaper removal and give you real answers that can help you take the next step—whether it’s DIY or calling in the pros (like us lol).

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How Do I Remove Wallpaper Without Damaging the Wall?

One of the biggest fears homeowners have when removing wallpaper is damaging the walls underneath. It’s understandable! No one wants to peel off wallpaper only to discover they’ve gouged their drywall or plaster.

I want to just war you- you can do everything correct and use the right tools- BUT you may still have issues with damaging walls due to how the paper was installed.

Overall- The key to avoiding damage is taking your time and using the right tools.

We do not endorse what other sites will tell you “Start by scoring the wallpaper with a scoring tool, making small holes in the paper that will allow moisture to penetrate the adhesive”. THAT IS A MISTAKE!! All those little holes create scars, dimples and marks on the walls- which you have to then fix.

We, at Dfranco Painting and Wallpaper, advise to warm water and a sponge. Apply to the walls, let it sit, apply again, let it sit, then test to see if it will come off the walls. The hot water will also loosen the glue. Patience is key here—don’t pull too hard or scrape too aggressively. Once the paper is wet, gently use a putty knife to peel it off.

For more tips, check out our complete guide to wallpaper removal.

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What is the Best Way to Remove Wallpaper?

There are several methods for removing wallpaper, and the “best” way often depends on the type of wallpaper and how it was applied. If you’re dealing with traditional wallpaper, using hot water, a steamer or a chemical wallpaper stripper is generally the most effective approach.

For peel-and-stick or newer vinyl wallpaper, you might be able to peel it off by hand without the need for chemicals.

Some homeowners also swear by DIY mixtures of vinegar and water, which can help break down the glue behind the paper. The key is finding the right method for your walls. If you’re unsure about where to start, you can always contact a professional for a consultation.

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Can I Paint Over Wallpaper Instead of Removing It?

Here’s the deal: Yes, you can paint over wallpaper, but that doesn’t mean you should. Painting over wallpaper might seem like the quick and easy solution, but it can lead to long-term issues. The seams of the wallpaper may show through the paint, and if the wallpaper begins to peel, it will take your fresh paint job with it. Plus, textured wallpaper can make it difficult to get a smooth finish.

In most cases, it’s better to remove the wallpaper entirely before painting. However, if the wallpaper is firmly adhered and has a smooth surface, you might get away with priming and painting over it. But beware—this is often a short-term fix, and you could be dealing with bubbling or peeling down the line. For more on this, check out our blog post: How to Paint Over Wallpaper!

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What Tools Do I Need to Remove Wallpaper?

You don’t need to break the bank to get the right tools for wallpaper removal, but having the basics on hand will make the process much easier. Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need:

• 5 gallon bucket
• Sponges (I like sea Sponges)
• A wallpaper steamer or a spray bottle with warm water
• A putty knife or scraper
• Drop cloths or plastic to protect your floor
• Ladder
• screwdriver to remove outlet covers

These tools can be easily found at your local paint store, hardware store or online.

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How Do I Remove Wallpaper Glue After Removing the Wallpaper?

Once the wallpaper itself is gone, the glue often sticks around, literally. Removing wallpaper glue is a must before you repaint or install new wallpaper. Start by wiping the walls with a sponge soaked in warm water. If that doesn’t do the trick, you may need to mix in some vinegar or a wallpaper adhesive remover.

After the glue has softened, use a scraper or putty knife to remove it. You might need to repeat this process a few times to get the wall completely clean. If you skip this step, the glue can cause issues with paint adhesion, leading to an uneven or bubbly finish. You can read more on the topic in our article on removing wallpaper glue.

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How Long Does it Take to Remove Wallpaper?

How long it takes to remove wallpaper depends on several factors—how much wallpaper you’re dealing with, the type of wallpaper, and how it was applied. For a small room, you might be able to get the job done in a few hours. But if you’re dealing with multiple layers of wallpaper or an entire house, it could take days.

The best answer is – we don’t know. Or as my Dad would say “it will take as long as it takes” Followed by his other favorite when asking what is for dinner “food”

To save yourself time (and headaches), make sure you have all the right tools before you start and set aside plenty of time for the project. Rushing through the job can lead to damage or incomplete removal, which will only cause more problems down the road.

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Can You Remove Wallpaper Yourself, or Should You Hire a Professional?

If you’re a handy homeowner with a bit of time and patience, you can definitely tackle wallpaper removal yourself. But if you’re dealing with particularly stubborn wallpaper or don’t have the time to commit, hiring a professional might be your best bet. Professional painters and wallpaper specialists have the tools and expertise to remove wallpaper efficiently and without damaging your walls.

If you’re not sure whether to DIY or hire help, you can always schedule a consultation with our team at Dfranco Painting & Wallpaper. We’re happy to provide you with an estimate and help you decide what’s best for your home and budget.

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Other thoughts on wallpaper removal

Removing wallpaper might seem like a hassle, but with the right tools and methods, it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Whether you’re planning to tackle the job yourself or call in the pros, we hope this guide has answered your most pressing questions and helped you feel more confident about the process.

Got more wallpaper or painting questions? Check out our Learning Hub for additional resources and tips to help make your home improvement projects as smooth as possible.

While these are the FAQ’s about wallpaper removal we have heard, if you have other ones- please let us know, as we want to help you in your home improvement needs.

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There you go! A warm, friendly, and informative guide to wallpaper removal, complete with references to Dfranco’s existing resources and answers to the top searched questions.