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Remove Wallpaper

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Riverking Custom Painting

Better Homes & Gardens

 

Turn Off Power

Turn off the circuit breaker that powers the switches or outlets on the wall, and remove any electrical covers.

 

Apply Wallpaper Remover

Spray or roll the wallpaper remover on the wall, then wait 15 minutes or so for it to soak through and loosen the paper. Be sure to wear protective eyewear when spraying wallpaper remover.

 

Peel Wallpaper

Apply a second coat of wallpaper remover to keep the paper moist. Use a putty or drywall knife to loosen the paper, then begin peeling it off. Be careful not to gouge the wall.

 

Remove Backing Layer

Often the top layer of wallpaper will separate from the backing. If this happens, apply the wallpaper remover again and repeat the process.

 

Patch Walls

Continue working until all the wallpaper has been removed. Patch any bad spots on the wall with spackling compound. Allow the spackling to dry and sand it smooth before painting.

Charlie Gantz
Keller Williams Commercial, Tampa Bay - Saint Petersburg, FL
J.D., M.B.A.

Thanks for the compilation of wallpaper-removing tips.  But you should also keep in mind that the wallpaper which you want to remove may be hiding a myriad of other problems such as termites and plaster that comes out in chunks, both of which require extensive repairs for your initially simple task.  Charlie Gantz, Greenwood, IN; J.D., M.B.A.; Atlas Commercial Real Estate.

Oct 05, 2009 01:50 AM
Ann Allen Hoover
RE/MAX Advantage South - Hoover, AL
CDPE SRES ASP e-PRO Realtor - Homes for Sale - AL

I hate this job!  Removing wallpaper from our bathroom was such a mess!  I don't have much patience for this, but these are good tips.

Oct 05, 2009 01:53 AM
Jeff Craig
Hang Me Up Photos - Jamestown, NC
Greensboro Area Real Estate Photography

My wife and I tried it in our master bath.  Not really a fun job, but glad we did it.

Oct 05, 2009 02:21 AM
Cassi @ Knightyme Video Tours
Knightyme Video Tours - Lawrenceville, GA

Do you  have a remover you recommend?

Oct 05, 2009 04:57 AM
Callie Thompson
Property Xchange Solutions - Frederick, MD
Property Xchange Solutions

Hi John, thanks for the tips, great job !

Oct 06, 2009 07:35 AM