How To Remove Wallpaper From Your Walls in 9 Easy Steps

Key Points

• Remove wallpaper by first preparing the space with drop cloths, painter’s tape, and essential tools like a scraper, scoring tool, and spray bottle.
• Identify the wallpaper type, peel or score the surface, then apply a vinegar or chemical solution to loosen adhesive before scraping.
• Clean walls with warm soapy water, repair any damage using joint compound, then prime the surface for painting or new wallpaper.

Peeling Back the Years: Start Fresh with Smart Wallpaper Removal

Tired of staring at faded florals or outdated patterns on your walls?

Wondering if removing wallpaper is as frustrating as everyone says—or if there’s actually a manageable way to do it?

In this post, you’ll learn a step-by-step process to remove wallpaper efficiently, cleanly, and without damaging your walls.

Whether you’re updating a single room or prepping your whole house for painting, we’ve got you covered with proven methods and smart tricks.

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to strip away old wallpaper like a pro, saving time, minimizing mess, and creating a smooth surface ready for interior painting.

If you’d rather not deal with it yourself, give Tribble Painting Company a call or fill out the quick contact form—we’ll handle the hard part so you don’t have to.

🛠️ Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Before you start peeling away those outdated layers, make sure you’ve got the right tools on hand.

Having everything ready will help you stay organized, work faster, and avoid unnecessary damage to your walls.

Here’s what you’ll need to remove wallpaper the right way in your Ann Arbor home:

• Drop cloths or plastic sheeting – “Drape and tape” to protect your floors and furniture from moisture and mess.
• Painter’s tape – Seal off baseboards and outlet covers to prevent drips and splashes.
• Spray bottle or pump sprayer – Evenly apply your wallpaper removal solution.
• Chemical wallpaper remover or DIY mix – A 1:3 ratio of vinegar or fabric softener to hot water works well for most wallpaper types.
• Putty knife or paint scraper – Essential for lifting wallpaper and backing without gouging the wall.
• Scoring tool – Helps break through washable or vinyl wallpaper so your solution can soak in.
• Bucket and sponge – Use for applying water, cleaning off glue, and wiping down walls.
• Trash bags – Collect torn paper and old adhesive as you go.
• Rubber gloves and safety goggles – Protect your hands and eyes, especially when using chemicals or steam.

Optional but helpful:

• Wallpaper steamer – Speeds up removal for older, stubborn wallpapers.
• Joint compound, sandpaper, and primer – For smoothing and prepping the surface after the paper is gone.

Having these supplies on standby will help ensure your wallpaper removal project goes smoothly from start to finish.

Ready to get started?

Let’s walk through the process step by step.

🧽 Step-by-Step Wallpaper Removal Process (Best for Peelable or Strippable Wallpaper)

Removing wallpaper might seem like a chore, but with the right approach and a little patience, you can get clean, paint-ready walls without damaging the surface underneath.

The following steps are ideal for peelable or strippable wallpaper, a common type found in many older Ann Arbor homes.

Step 1: Prepare the Space

• Clear the room of furniture and decorations.
• Use drop cloths to protect your floors from water and paste.
• Cover outlets and baseboards with painter’s tape to guard against moisture and spray. Follow the link to learn how to use painter’s tape.
• Keep a trash bag nearby to collect torn sheets of wallpaper as you go.

Step 2: Test the Wallpaper Type

• Find a corner or seam and use a putty knife to pry up a small section.
• If it peels off easily in one layer, it’s likely strippable wallpaper—the ideal scenario.
• If only the top layer lifts and a fuzzy paper backing remains, you’re working with peelable wallpaper.
• If nothing budges, it’s likely traditional or vinyl wallcovering, and you’ll need a different method later.

Step 3: Remove the Top Layer

• Slowly pull the wallpaper using steady, even pressure. Avoid yanking, which can tear the paper unevenly.
• If the top layer detaches cleanly, great—toss it.
• If it leaves behind the backing, move to the next step.

Step 4: Apply Your Wallpaper Removal Solution

• Fill a spray bottle or pump sprayer with a wallpaper remover or DIY solution.
• A homemade mix of equal parts vinegar and hot water works well on older wallpaper adhesive.
• Spray the exposed backing in manageable sections to soak the glue thoroughly.

Step 5: Let It Soak In

• Wait about 5–10 minutes while the solution softens the adhesive.
• For stubborn areas, spray again and let the mixture sit a little longer.
• The goal is to loosen the paste so you can scrape without damaging the wall.

Step 6: Scrape the Backing

• Use a paint scraper or putty knife to gently lift and strip wallpaper backing.
• Work carefully to avoid gouging drywall or chipping plaster.
• Keep a sponge handy to wipe as you go and control the mess.

Step 7: Clean the Walls

• Once all the old wallpaper is off, it’s time to clean up any glue residue.
• Use dish soap and warm water to scrub down the surface with a sponge.
• Rinse thoroughly and dry the wall with a clean cloth to remove leftover paste.

Step 8: Repair the Surface

• Inspect the wall for holes, scratches, or uneven areas.
• Fill imperfections with joint compound and sand them smooth once dry.
• This is especially important if you’re planning to paint or apply new wallpaper.

Step 9: Prime the Wall

• Use a quality primer to seal the surface and prep it for its next chapter—whether that’s a fresh coat of paint or a brand-new wallcovering.

With these steps, you’ll turn even the most stubborn existing wallpaper into a clean slate.

In the next section, we’ll walk through alternate removal methods that can help with tricky or heavily glued surfaces.

🧪 Alternate Wallpaper Removal Methods (For Tough or Specialized Situations)

If the standard method didn’t quite do the trick—or you’re working with vinyl wallpaper, unprimed drywall, or thick adhesive—don’t worry.

There are several ways to tackle stubborn wallcoverings.

These alternate techniques are especially helpful in older Ann Arbor homes or if you’re trying to remove wallpaper that’s been in place for decades.

Gel Wallpaper Remover

• Great for vinyl wallpaper or clay-based adhesive that resists soaking.
• Less messy than liquids and perfect when you need precision around trim or in tight corners.
• Use a scoring tool first to penetrate the outer layer of the existing wallpaper.
• Apply gel with a brush or roller and let it sit for 20–30 minutes before trying to scrape.
• Gel loosens the wallpaper adhesive without over-saturating drywall or damaging plaster.

Steam Removal Method

• This is your last resort when other methods can’t loosen the glue.
• Ideal for removing old wallpaper applied with heavy-duty paste or multiple layers.
• Rent or buy a wallpaper steamer, fill it with water, and allow it to heat up fully.
• Use a scoring tool first so the steam can penetrate the paper and soften the adhesive underneath.
• Hold the steam pad on the wall for about 30 seconds, then scrape gently with a wide putty knife.
• Always wear gloves and goggles to avoid burns from wet steam.

Bonus Tip: Homemade Wallpaper Stripper

• For a budget-friendly option, mix hot water with a few drops of dish soap or wallpaper stripper concentrate.
• Apply with a spray bottle after scoring.
• It’s not as powerful as a steamer or gel, but it’s great for light-duty jobs or small areas.

Whether you’re working on your first house or just refreshing a room, these backup methods give you more control when standard techniques fall short.

Next up: tips to get even better results from your wallpaper removal project.

🧼 Tips for Better Results

Whether you’re working on one accent wall or tackling every room in your house, a few smart techniques can make wallpaper removal much easier.

These tips will help you avoid damage, reduce cleanup, and get your walls ready for a fresh coat of paint or brand-new paper.

• Start at the top and work down
  Gravity helps. Spraying and scraping from top to bottom prevents water and paste from running onto areas you’ve already cleaned.
• Don’t oversaturate the wall
  Especially on drywall, too much moisture can weaken the surface. Keep it wet, but not soaked, and work in small sections.
• Use light pressure with your scoring tool
  The goal is to penetrate the wallpaper, not damage the wall underneath. A gentle touch keeps things smooth and repair-free.
• Let your remover sit long enough
  Many people rush this step. Giving your stripper or homemade remover time to break down the paste will make it much easier to strip wallpaper without tearing it into tiny sheets.
• Scrape with care
  Always hold your putty knife at a shallow angle and use even strokes. This helps you lift material cleanly without gouging drywall or creating unnecessary holes.
• Use proper protection
  Goggles and gloves are a must when working with steam or chemical strippers. It’s not just about safety—it also makes the job more comfortable.
• Plan for a clean surface
  After stripping and scraping, a final wipe-down with warm water ensures that no leftover paste will cause issues when painting or replacing wallpaper later.

Following these basic instructions will help you get better results and save you from mistakes that can cost time and money.

If you’re prepping your Ann Arbor house for a major refresh, even these small details can make a big impact.

Ready to paint your home?

Follow the link to explore the most popular interior paint colors for homes in Ann Arbor.

🎯 Say Goodbye to Old Walls with Help from Tribble Painting Company

Now you know how to safely remove wallpaper, deal with tough adhesives, and prep your walls for a smooth, modern finish—without making a mess or damaging your drywall.

From choosing the right tools to mastering steam and scoring techniques, you’ve got everything you need to transform any room with confidence.

But if the idea of peeling, spraying, and scraping doesn’t sound like your thing, that’s where we come in.

The professional painters at Tribble Painting Company can take care of the hard work and help you kickstart your next interior painting project, so your walls look just as fresh as you imagined.