How Do You Remove Old Shiny Wallpaper?

Removing old shiny wallpaper often requires breaking through its non-porous surface to allow a removing agent, such as water, solution, or steam, to reach the adhesive underneath.

Shiny wallpaper, which may be coated or vinyl, is typically less permeable than paper-based wallpapers. This means traditional soaking methods might not be effective on their own because the liquid cannot easily penetrate the surface to loosen the old glue. Therefore, the key steps involve preparing the area, breaching the surface, and then applying a removal agent.

Here's a breakdown of the process:

Preparing Your Space

Before you start removing the wallpaper, it's crucial to prepare the room to protect your floors, furniture, and electrical outlets.

• Clear the Room: Move out as much furniture as possible.
• Cover Surfaces: Lay down drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect floors and any remaining furniture. Secure the edges with painter's tape.
• Protect Electrical Outlets: Turn off power to the room at the breaker box. Remove outlet and switch covers and cover the openings with painter's tape.
• Gather Your Tools: Have all necessary equipment ready before you begin.

Essential Tools & Materials

Gathering the right tools will make the job easier and more efficient.

• Drop cloths or plastic sheeting
• Painter's tape
• Wallpaper scoring tool (like a "Paper Tiger")
• Spray bottle
• Warm water
• Wallpaper stripper solution (optional)
• Putty knife or wallpaper scraper (with rounded corners is best)
• Sponge or rag
• Bucket
• Wallpaper steamer
• Utility knife (for cutting stubborn sections)
• Trash bags
• Ladder or step stool

The Removal Process

The most effective way to remove shiny wallpaper typically involves scoring, applying a wetting agent, and potentially using steam.

Step 1: Score the Wallpaper

Since the shiny surface prevents liquid from penetrating, you must create small holes or perforations.

• Use a wallpaper scoring tool to lightly roll over the entire surface of the wall. This tool has small wheels with spikes that create tiny perforations without damaging the drywall beneath.
• Overlap your passes to ensure the entire area is covered. Don't press too hard; you only need to pierce the wallpaper surface.

Step 2: Apply a Wetting Agent

Once the wallpaper is scored, you can apply warm water or a wallpaper stripper solution to start softening the adhesive.

• Fill a spray bottle with warm water or a mixed wallpaper stripper solution according to product instructions.
• Generously spray a section of the wall, working from bottom to top to prevent streaking.
• Allow the liquid to soak in for about 15-20 minutes. You may need to reapply if it dries out too quickly.

Step 3: Scrape the Wallpaper

After soaking, test a small area to see if the wallpaper is ready to be scraped.

• Use a putty knife or wallpaper scraper to gently lift an edge of the wallpaper.
• Slide the scraper underneath the paper, keeping it at a shallow angle against the wall to avoid gouging the surface.
• Scrape off sections as they loosen. If the paper is still difficult to remove, it needs more soaking time or a stronger method.

Step 4: Utilize a Wallpaper Steamer

For stubborn sections or highly resistant adhesive, a wallpaper steamer is a very effective tool, especially after scoring the paper.

• Fill the steamer with water according to the manufacturer's instructions and allow it to heat up.
• Hold the steam plate against a section of the scored wallpaper for about 20-30 seconds.
• As per the reference, the steam penetrates through the perforated wallpaper to the old adhesive underneath, moistening it enough to loosen the paper from the wall.
• Carefully lift the steam plate and immediately use your scraper to remove the softened wallpaper.
• Work in small sections, as the steam cools quickly.

Step 5: Repeat and Clean Up

Continue the process section by section until all the wallpaper is removed.

• Dispose of removed wallpaper in trash bags.
• Once all paper is off, wash the walls with a sponge and clean water to remove any remaining adhesive residue. For stubborn glue, a solution of DIF or a similar adhesive remover may be needed.
• Rinse the walls again with clean water.
• Allow the walls to dry completely before undertaking any wall repairs or repainting.

Summary Table: Wallpaper Removal Steps

Removing old shiny wallpaper can be time-consuming, but with the right tools, preparation, and patience, you can successfully tackle the job.