As we meet more residential clients, one question we always get is ho do you remove old wallpaper without damaging the drywall. I should start off this post with a few caveats. First, it is always possible. It depends on the type of wallpaper and the type of glue used. The best scenario is that you have vinyl faced wall paper and the glue is a simple starch based glue. The worst case is you have paper faced wall paper and the glue is not a water soluble glue. Here is the reasoning. Vinyl faced paper can be easily peeled. Your goal is to peel the vinyl face off leaving only paper and glue behind. Once peeled, you can roll on the wallpaper removal gel and within 5 minutes the paper and glue residue will easily scrape off. If it is paper, you will have to lightly score the face with a “Tiger” tool to make lots of small holes through which the water can seep to reactivate the glue. Now for the nightmare scenario – a solvent based glue. It is rare, but we occasionally meet a glue that does not dissolve when re-hydrated with water. These are very difficult to deal with. If you run into that scenario, call a professional, he is well worth the money and will earn his keep for the day!

So, here are the steps to remove wallpaper as safely as we know how. Peel the vinyl face or, if it is paper (you will know because the face comes off is small pieces), score it with a “Tiger” tool to allow the gel to penetrate more quickly. Patience is the key here in the next step. Roll the gel (available at most box stores that sell wallpaper tools) on generously. The key here is to catch it at the right moment. If you don’t let it dwell long enough, it won’t come off easily and will be very difficult to work with. Waiting too long and the water will soften the drywall paper and paint underneath. We usually work in a five to six foot section of wall at a time to avoid over hydrating the drywall paper. You will know that you have over-wetted if the drywall surface tears easily and comes off with the wallpaper and glue. Once you’ve let this happen, it will never be the same and your strategy will need to change.

It is inevitable that you will do some damage to the wall with your broad knife while scraping off the glue. Our process includes taking a warm rage and removing as much residue as possible without harming the drywall itself. Then, we apply a layer of Gardz primer to the wall affected. Don’t skip this step! This seals any glue residue into the Gardz so it can reactivate with the application of drywall mud or paint. Let the Gardz dry for 24 hours – this time frame is necessary unless you are a professional who knows what to look for and can competently determine that the surface is ready for mud or paint.

Now you can begin the repair work. Some walls might require a full skim coat, if you are lucky, you’ll just need some drywall patching. Once your walls are smooth and acceptable, prime the drywall patches and now your are ready for paint! Wallpaper removal is for the patient. Don’t hesitate to give us a call with any questions you have, we are always happy to give you our advice when we think we can be helpful!