4 Mistakes to Avoid When Removing & Replacing Old Wallpaper

When it comes to wallpaper removal, there are a lot of different approaches you can take, tools you can use, and people you can rely on—and at the end of the day, using everything at your disposal can ensure a job well done and results you’ll be proud to show off. That said, there are also quite a few things you’ll want to absolutely refrain from doing as you navigate this process, both for the benefit of your walls as well as your own safety. Continue reading to learn more about wallpaper removal and some things you should refrain from doing as you begin transforming your home’s interior.

1. Don’t Buy Too Much of the Wrong Stuff

Wallpaper removal is similar to home painting in the sense that you may be tempted to go out and purchase a wide assortment of supplies to help you out. However, it’s important to remember that removing wallpaper is more about technique than anything else, and the supplies and tools you buy should only make your method more effective. Really, all you need is a putty knife, soap, water, some washcloths, and plenty of trash bags or trash cans—anything else is extra.

2. Avoid Dangerous & Ineffective Chemical Hacks

Maybe you’ve seen other homeowners on social media use strippers and softening solutions as quick-fixes for removing wallpaper, sometimes in the form of fabric softeners or vinegar. However, if there’s even one tiny hole in your wallpaper and you expose your underlying walls or floors to these chemicals, they can cause surprising damage—not to mention, they might also create unsafe fumes.

3. Don’t Forget to Scour the Existing Wallpaper

To remove wallpaper, you’ll need to moisten the adhesive underneath so that the paper slides right off. You might become frustrated when you soak your wallpaper once, and it doesn’t become easier to pull off. You can scour your wallpaper using a metal scrubber; the goal is to create holes and tears that give the water a pathway to the underlying adhesive, making it easier to remove the paper.

4. Never Neglect Cleaning Up Your Mess

If you’ve never removed wallpaper, you might expect to be able to knock out this project quickly, but you shouldn’t be surprised if this project turns into a whole-weekend ordeal. While you may want to do everything at once, there’s no harm in spacing the project out to help you keep your sanity. No matter what you decide, though, know that you’re going to have a mess to clean up afterwards! Don’t just settle for one trash can or one bag—you’re going to need several! Keeping up with your mess as you work will help you stay on top of things, saving you time at the end of the project.

If removing wallpaper doesn’t seem like your thing, you might want to consider leaving things in the hands of a skilled team of professionals. Not only will they take care to avoid these pitfalls, but they can also ensure a quick and safe removal process—as well as spectacular results for your new look!

About Platinum Painting

At Platinum Painting, we’ve helped countless homeowners across the DFW metroplex over the last 15 years, offering assistance with a wide variety of interior and exterior painting projects, as well as wallpaper removal. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up a FREE in-home estimate, please reach out online or by phone today for more information.

Tarrant County Telephone: (817) 697-2726.

Dallas/Denton/Collin County Telephone: (817) 993-4095.