Removing wallpaper... help please!?

Question

I am trying to remove some old wallpaper and it is coming off in little pieces and taking FOREVER. I have to scrape at it for hours. I have tried some water, but this just further grossifies the mess... what is a good way to remove wallpaper WITHOUT using chemicals???

Answer 1

You need a steam machine...they are a little piece of genius when it comes to removing wall paper, it works the same as your kettle, you plug it in, it boils, and you use the steam to remove the paper.

Have a look at the link below...you got to get one of these things, they are absoloutly fantastic.

Answer 2

Find a good place to start and pull a strip off by hand to get you going. Using the sponge, soak the paper enough to allow easy removal. Scrape or pull paper off the wall, whichever is easier. Don't dig the scraper into the wall.

For large areas it is best to use a steamer and score the paper diagonally with the edge of the scraper so that chunks can come off all at once rather than hundreds of little pieces.

Once all the paper has been removed, let the wall dry then give it a once over with the scraper again to remove little bits that are stuck on.

Finally, give the wall a quick sanding using medium-fine sandpaper to smooth off. Fill any holes, cracks etc, sand off when done.

Before repapering, run your hand over the wall to make sure there are no more little bits stuck to it and it's all good and smooth.

Answer 3

When I removed all our wallpaper, I was able to get the "top" portion off in large chunks, but for the glue backing (they seperated for some reason) I needed a mix of water and fabric softener.  I just poured a small amount of softener into a gallon pail and filled it with water, then used a sponge to let it get into the paper (a spray bottle is nicer... mine broke right away however, so I used a sponge).  Don't let it dry, just let it sit a little bit then remove, and work in sections.  It's messy but works great, and easier than handling a steamer.  However, if you can work the steamer without too much problem, and the wall area you are doing is not too large, I'd rent one.

Scoring the wallpaper is a must if you arent as lucky as I was and get the "patterned" part right off of the glue/paper backing.  

Another tip... work from the top down.  If you can get a good grip on the paper right from the top, it should come off in strips.  If the glue is just being a real pain... enlist someone to help you as it will take much longer and be much more tedious.

After the paper is gone, go over the whole wall with your hand and make sure no glue remains.  Where there is some, wash off with soapy water (or continue using the fabric softener).

Good luck!

Answer 4

You mean wallpaper as in a wall?? Oh I though you meant wallpaper as in on a ccomputer wallpaper ...

Answer 5

You can get a steam machine made for removing walllpaper and it just comes off easily. Try a home depot or look online to see about renting one.

Answer 6

Without any chemicals, yeah, steam.

With much milder chemicals than wallpaper remover and with great results, fabric softener diluted in water in a spray bottle. Score the wallpaper, spray, let sit unitl a test spot peels.