How to Remove Wallpaper
May 6, 2015
The #staggreno had a lot of wallpaper…
That’s from the old entryway and it sported some kind of pillared structure slash floral motif. Definitely had to go. Luckily, we ripped that entire area out during demo. We also tore down all of the walls of the former formal dining room.
There was one original wall left in that room after we finished demo and Jon actually ripped out the drywall just so he didn’t have to try to remove the wallpaper. Paying for a new wall was worth his time. But there was one room we couldn’t avoid taking it down: the upstairs bedroom which will be Anna’s new nursery.
It had a small wallpaper border around the ceiling (remember when those were all the rage?) Not a major deal, but we sure didn’t want to damage the wall and have to replace it all.
Luckily, the first method for removing it we tried worked like a charm and took literally 30 minutes. (forgive the grainy photos. It was really late and night and we had limited lighting because of construction)
All you need is a steamer. We’ve had ours for years and though it’s a pretty inexpensive one (I think I picked it up for around $50), it works fine. Just be sure to use distilled water or it clogs from build-up.
Once the steamer was heated, we just ran the wand over the wallpaper, moving it frequently as not to saturate the area, and it peeled right off. No resistance at all.
Seriously, we couldn’t believe how easily it came off. Now, I realize it may be a bit more work with a complete wall covered with paper, but I think it’s worth trying the steamer first, folks. And if you need to go buy one look at it this way: you’ll always have wrinkle-free drapes and clothing and won’t have to iron. I loathe ironing. L.O.A.T.H.E.
Love when something you think is going to be terrible ends up much easier than expected.
Also, I teamed up with P&G and Home Depot to share some tips for making your next move easy– something I have a lot of experience with. You can read my tips, as well as a cute and easy DIY to make your new home a little more personalized and here’s the best part: your kids can help. Ruby and her buddy, Davey, had a blast helping me. You can find it all over on Home Depot’s blog, The Apron. Here’s a sneak peek:
Bless Home Depot for those “car carts” that Ruby can’t get enough of.
Have a wonderful day!
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We're a full-service design firm and home furnishings shop built around the philosophy that a well-designed home should be beautiful, personal, cohesive, and complete. We think home is the most important place on the planet and when you live in a home that is perfectly you, it changes your life. Don't believe us? Stick around. We're confident we'll change your mind.
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Using a steam was a smart choice. You are true, sometimes things go better than expected. Nice job!
Wow, that’s a great method that I never though of and it seems pretty efficient too! I thought the best way to take wallpaper down was either using warm water to dissolve the glue or using those special removal products. Your way looks much quicker and safer, I will definitely give it a go next time I have to take down my wallpaper.
Hope it works for you too!