Tackling the Tough Stuff: How to Remove 40 Year Old Wallpaper
So, you've decided to give your home a makeover, and the first hurdle is that stubborn, decades-old wallpaper. Removing 40-year-old wallpaper can feel like an archaeological dig, but with the right tools, techniques, and a good dose of patience, you can conquer this task. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring you get down to a clean, paint-ready surface.
Why is Old Wallpaper So Stubborn?
Several factors contribute to the difficulty of removing wallpaper that's been in place for 40 years:
- Aging Adhesives: Over time, wallpaper paste can dry out, become brittle, and essentially fuse with the drywall or plaster. In some cases, stronger, more permanent adhesives may have been used, especially in bathrooms or kitchens where moisture resistance was a concern.
- Multiple Layers: It's not uncommon for older homes to have had multiple layers of wallpaper applied over the years. Each layer adds another challenge to the removal process.
- Paint Overlays: If the wallpaper has been painted over, the paint acts as a sealant, preventing water or removers from penetrating the paper and reaching the adhesive.
- Wallpaper Type: Some types of wallpaper, like vinyl or foil-backed papers, are more difficult to remove than traditional paper. Vinyl coatings can create a barrier, and foil-backed papers are often adhered with very strong glues.
Gathering Your Arsenal: Essential Tools and Supplies
Before you start, make sure you have everything you need. This will save you trips to the hardware store mid-project.
Tools:
- Putty Knife or Wallpaper Scraper: A sturdy metal putty knife (4-inch wide is good) or a dedicated wallpaper scraper is essential for peeling and scraping.
- Scoring Tool: A wallpaper scoring tool (like a PaperTiger or similar) is crucial for creating tiny holes that allow removers to penetrate the wallpaper.
- Spray Bottle or Garden Sprayer: For applying wallpaper remover solution. A garden sprayer is ideal for larger areas.
- Bucket: For mixing wallpaper remover solutions and for rinsing tools.
- Ladder or Step Stool: For reaching high areas. Ensure it's stable and safe.
- Screwdriver or Utility Knife: To remove outlet covers and switch plates.
- Drop Cloths or Plastic Sheeting: To protect floors and furniture from water and debris.
- Sponge or Rag: For applying and wiping away the solution and loosened paper.
Supplies:
- Wallpaper Stripper Solution: You can buy commercial wallpaper removers or make your own.
- Hot Water: For mixing with removers or for use on its own.
- Dish Soap (Optional): A few drops in warm water can help break down some adhesives.
- Drywall Repair Compound (Spackle or Joint Compound): For filling any gouges or imperfections after the wallpaper is removed.
- Sandpaper: Fine-grit sandpaper for smoothing the wall after repairs.
- Primer: A good quality primer to seal the wall before painting.
- Gloves: To protect your hands from the stripping solution.
- Safety Glasses: To protect your eyes from dripping solutions and debris.
Step-by-Step Wallpaper Removal Guide
Let's get down to business. Follow these steps meticulously for the best results.
- Preparation is Key:
- Clear the Room: Remove all furniture from the room, or at least move it to the center and cover it completely with drop cloths.
- Protect Surfaces: Cover the floor and any baseboards with drop cloths or plastic sheeting. Tape them down securely to prevent any slippage.
- Turn Off Power: For safety, turn off the electricity to the room at the breaker box. Then, carefully remove all outlet covers and switch plates. You can use painter's tape to cover the openings.
- Identify Wallpaper Type (If Possible):
If you can peel off a corner, try to determine if it's strippable, vinyl, foil-backed, or fabric. This can influence your approach. Many 40-year-old wallpapers are not strippable and will require more aggressive methods.
- Score the Wallpaper:
This is a critical step for older, tougher wallpapers. Use your scoring tool to create tiny perforations all over the surface of the wallpaper. Don't press too hard, you don't want to damage the drywall underneath, but you need enough holes for the solution to penetrate. Work in small sections.
- Apply Wallpaper Stripper:
Mix your chosen wallpaper stripper solution according to the manufacturer's instructions. For a DIY solution, hot water with a bit of dish soap can sometimes work, but for 40-year-old wallpaper, a commercial stripper is usually more effective. Fill your spray bottle or garden sprayer with the solution.
Start applying the solution generously to a section of the scored wallpaper. Ensure it's thoroughly wetted. Let it sit for the time recommended by the manufacturer (usually 10-20 minutes). You want the solution to soak in and soften the adhesive.
- Start Peeling and Scraping:
Once the solution has had time to work, begin gently prying at a corner with your putty knife or scraper. If the wallpaper is loosening, continue to peel it away. Work slowly and deliberately. If it’s still stuck, apply more solution to that area and let it sit longer.
Use your scraper to lift stubborn sections. Hold the scraper at a low angle to avoid gouging the drywall. Work in small, manageable sections. Don't try to force it if it's not coming off easily; more soaking is usually the answer.
- Dealing with Stubborn Spots and Painted Wallpaper:
If you encounter areas where the wallpaper is still clinging stubbornly, or if the wallpaper has been painted over, you may need to repeat the scoring and soaking process multiple times. Patience is your best friend here. For painted wallpaper, scoring is absolutely essential, and you might need to let the solution soak for an extended period.
"Don't get discouraged if it takes multiple applications. Old wallpaper and old adhesive are tough!"
- Wipe Down the Walls:
After you've removed all the wallpaper, you'll likely have a sticky residue left behind from the adhesive. Mix a solution of hot water and a bit of vinegar or dish soap in a bucket. Use a clean sponge or rag to wash down the walls, removing any remaining paste. Rinse the sponge frequently and change the water as needed.
- Inspect for Damage and Repair:
Once the walls are clean and dry, inspect them carefully for any gouges, tears, or imperfections in the drywall or plaster. Use your drywall repair compound to fill in any damaged areas. Allow the compound to dry completely according to the package instructions.
- Sand and Prime:
Once the repairs are dry, lightly sand the patched areas with fine-grit sandpaper until they are smooth and flush with the rest of the wall. Wipe away any dust with a damp cloth.
The final step before painting is priming. Apply a good quality primer to the entire wall. This will seal any remaining adhesive residue, create a uniform surface, and ensure your new paint adheres properly. Allow the primer to dry completely before you begin painting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to remove 40-year-old wallpaper?
This can vary greatly depending on the size of the room, the type of wallpaper, the adhesive used, and whether it's been painted over. For a single room with tough, old wallpaper, you could be looking at anywhere from a full day to several days of work, especially if you encounter significant challenges.
Why is my 40-year-old wallpaper so hard to get off?
As mentioned, 40-year-old wallpaper often has aged, hardened adhesive that has bonded strongly to the wall. It might also be multiple layers of paper, or a type of paper (like vinyl) that's designed to be more durable and resistant to water, making removal more difficult.
Can I just paint over old wallpaper?
While it might seem like a shortcut, painting over old wallpaper is generally not recommended, especially if it's not a vinyl-coated, strippable type. The adhesive can fail over time, causing the wallpaper to bubble or peel underneath the paint. The seams can also become visible. It's always best to remove it for a smooth, long-lasting finish.
What's the best homemade wallpaper remover for old wallpaper?
A common DIY solution is hot water mixed with a bit of dish soap or vinegar. However, for very old and stubborn wallpaper, commercial wallpaper removers are often more potent and effective. You can also try a mix of hot water and liquid fabric softener, as the softener can help break down the adhesive.
How do I know if I'm damaging the drywall underneath?
You'll know you're damaging the drywall if your scraper is digging into it, leaving deep gouges or tearing off chunks of the paper facing of the drywall. Always use a sharp scraper at a shallow angle. If the wallpaper isn't coming off easily, resist the urge to hack at it; reapply your stripping solution and let it soak longer.
