Sometimes, you look around your Danville CA home and realize it’s time for a change—like saying goodbye to outdated wallpaper. Wallpapers were all the rage decades ago, and perhaps you want your space to look more modern and updated. The good news is you can remove it by yourself. 

Removing wallpaper can seem daunting, especially if you’ve never done it before, but it’s relatively simple with some help from household items. If you don’t want to deal with it alone, you can always call in the pros. Let’s explore your options!

Understanding Your Walls and Wallpaper

Before tackling wallpaper removal, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the walls and the type of wallpaper on them. This will help you avoid surprises and choose the right techniques for the job.

• Drywall: If your Diablo, CA area home was built in the last 50 years, chances are your walls are made of drywall. Drywall is a lightweight, chalk-like material that’s pretty common. It’s easy to work with, but it’s also more delicate. If you’re not careful, you might end up damaging it when removing wallpaper, especially if the wallpaper is old or heavily glued on.
• Plaster: If you live in an older home, your walls might be plaster. Plaster walls are sturdier and make a dull thud when you knock on them. They’re made of layers of plaster over wooden lath, which makes them more resistant to damage. However, removing wallpaper from plaster can be a bit more challenging because the material underneath is harder and less forgiving if you’re too rough.

It also helps to identify wallpaper types so you can better deal with them: 

• Strippable Wallpaper: This is the best-case scenario for anyone removing wallpaper. Strippable wallpapers are designed to come off easily without damaging the wall underneath. If your wallpaper is relatively new, there’s a good chance it’s strippable. You won’t need any special tools or chemicals—just peel, and you’re done!
• Traditional Wallpaper: Traditional wallpapers can be trickier. They are usually made from untreated or uncoated paper, so they absorb water when dampened. Once they’re damp, they’re easier to scrape off. However, if the wallpaper is laminated or coated, you’ll need to be more careful, as these tend to resist moisture.
• Treated/Vinyl-Coated Wallpaper: Often found in kitchens and bathrooms, this type of wallpaper is designed to withstand moisture, making it a nightmare to remove. You’ll likely need to score the surface first (so the steam or water can penetrate) and then use a steamer to soften the glue before peeling it off.

Understanding these basics will help you approach your wallpaper removal project with the right mindset and tools. It’ll also give you a better idea of whether you want to tackle this on your own or call in the pros.

Steps for DIY Wallpaper Removal

So, you’ve identified your walls and wallpaper type—great! Now, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get started. Don’t worry; I’ll walk you through the process step-by-step. And if at any point it feels like too much, remember that professional help is just a call away.

Preparation

Prepping the space before you start peeling away is essential. This will save you a lot of hassle later on.

1. Clear the Area: Start by removing anything that could get in the way or be damaged during the process. Take down pictures, artwork, switch plates, and drapes. Move furniture out of the way or cover it with plastic sheets to protect it from dust and debris.
2. Protect Your Floors: Lay down a drop cloth or a poly sheet on the floor. This will catch any bits of wallpaper or adhesive that fall off, making cleanup much easier later.
3. Gather Your Tools: Depending on the type of wallpaper, you’ll need different tools. Common items include a garden sprayer, wallpaper stripper solution, a putty knife or scraper, and possibly a wallpaper steamer. Ensure you have everything on hand before you begin so you’re not scrambling in the middle of the project.

How to Remove Wallpaper

This is where the real work begins. The method you use will depend on the type of wallpaper you’re dealing with.

1. For Older Uncoated/Untreated Wallpaper:

• Fill a garden sprayer with warm water and a bit of wallpaper stripper solution. Spray the solution liberally on the wallpaper, making sure it’s thoroughly soaked.
• Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the adhesive to soften.
• Once the wallpaper is soaked, peel it away using a dull putty knife or scraper. Be gentle to avoid damaging the wall underneath.

2. For Coated or Treated Wallpaper:

• These types of wallpaper are a bit more stubborn. First, you’ll need to score the wallpaper using a wallpaper removal tool. Scoring allows steam or moisture to penetrate and loosen the adhesive.
• After scoring, use a wallpaper steamer. Hold the steamer against the wall for about 15-20 seconds to soften the glue behind the paper.
• Once steamed, use your scraper to gently lift and peel the wallpaper from the wall.

Post-Removal Cleanup

After you’ve successfully removed the wallpaper, it’s time to clean up.

1. Wash the Walls: Use a large sponge, TSP (trisodium phosphate), or a similar cleaner to remove any leftover glue and paper bits from the walls. This step is crucial to ensure that the walls are smooth and ready for painting.
2. Let the Walls Dry: Depending on the weather and the condition of the walls, let them dry for a day or two. This ensures there’s no moisture left that could interfere with painting or cause mold growth later on.

And that’s it! Following these steps will help you remove wallpaper effectively and prepare your walls for a fresh coat of paint. 

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best preparation, wallpaper removal can sometimes throw you a curveball. Don’t worry—here are some common issues you might encounter and how to tackle them.

Stubborn Wallpaper That Won’t Budge

Sometimes, no matter how much you soak or steam, that wallpaper just won’t come off. Here’s what you can do:

1. Double Down on Scoring: If the wallpaper isn’t peeling easily, try scoring it again. The more you break up the surface, the better the water or steam can penetrate. Use a bit more pressure with your scoring tool, but be careful not to damage the wall underneath.
2. Try a Stronger Solution: If plain water or a mild wallpaper stripper isn’t cutting it, you might need to bring in something stronger. Commercial wallpaper removal solutions are designed for tough jobs—just be sure to follow the instructions carefully.
3. Use a Steamer: A wallpaper steamer can be a game-changer for really stubborn wallpaper. If you’ve already tried steaming, give it another go with a longer steam time. Sometimes, the adhesive just needs a bit more heat to loosen up.

Dealing with Wall Damage

It’s not uncommon to end up with a few nicks or gouges in your wall during removal, especially if the wallpaper was particularly tough.

1. Patch Small Holes or Gouges: If you’ve accidentally scraped too hard or the adhesive was too strong, leaving small dents or gouges, don’t panic. Use a bit of spackling compound to fill in the damaged areas. Once it’s dry, sand it down so it’s flush with the rest of the wall.
2. Smooth Out Rough Spots: Sometimes, removing wallpaper can leave behind rough patches, especially if the adhesive doesn’t come off cleanly. Use fine-grit sandpaper to gently smooth out these areas. Just be careful not to over-sand, which could cause further damage.
3. Prime Before Painting: If your walls look a bit rough after removal, applying a coat of primer before painting is a good idea. Primer will help create a smooth, even surface and ensure that your paint adheres properly.

Lingering Adhesive

Sometimes, even after cleaning, you might notice some sticky residue left on the walls.

1. Re-clean with TSP: If the adhesive is still lingering, repeat the area with a TSP solution. Be thorough in your scrubbing to ensure all the residue is gone.
2. Sand as a Last Resort: If the adhesive is really stubborn, lightly sanding the area can help remove the last traces. Just be gentle to avoid damaging the wall surface.

These troubleshooting tips should help you overcome any hurdles you encounter during your wallpaper removal project. Remember, if things get too tricky or you’re worried about damaging your walls, there’s no shame in calling in the pros. They can take over and ensure everything is done perfectly, leaving you with beautifully prepared walls ready for a fresh coat of paint.

The Case for Professional Help

You’ve tackled the basics of wallpaper removal, and maybe you’ve even tried it yourself. But let’s be honest—sometimes, bringing in the experts is easier (and less stressful). Here’s why hiring a professional painter, like Custom Painting, Inc., can be a smart move.

Why Consider Hiring a Professional?

1. Convenience: Let’s face it—removing wallpaper and preparing walls for painting is time-consuming. Professionals can handle the entire process from start to finish, saving you precious time that you can spend on other important things.
2. Expertise: Professional painters have seen it all. Whether your wallpaper is stubborn or your walls are delicate, they know the right techniques to do the job without causing damage. They also have the right tools on hand, so you won’t have to worry about renting or buying equipment.
3. Minimized Risk of Damage: One of the biggest concerns with DIY wallpaper removal is damaging your walls. Professionals are skilled at removing wallpaper with minimal risk; if any damage occurs, they can quickly repair it.
4. Comprehensive Services: When you hire a professional, you’re not just getting wallpaper removal. You’re getting a full package that includes prep work, removal, cleanup, and a beautifully finished paint job. They’ll even handle the final cleanup, so you’re left with nothing but fresh, flawless walls.

Benefits of Choosing Custom Painting, Inc.

At Custom Painting, Inc., we pride ourselves on providing top-notch service tailored to your needs. Here’s why we’re the best choice for your wallpaper removal and painting project:

1. Experienced Team: Our team has years of experience and a wealth of knowledge in dealing with all types of wallpaper and wall surfaces. You can trust us to handle your project with care and precision.  We serve the Bay area including Livermore, Pleasanton, and San Ramon.
2. Customer Satisfaction: We’re not happy unless you’re happy. We work closely with our clients to ensure that every detail is perfect, from the initial consultation to the final brushstroke.
3. Special Offers: We offer competitive pricing and special promotions to make your decision even easier. Contact us to learn more about our current offers and how we can help transform your space.

Conclusion

Removing wallpaper and preparing walls for painting can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re looking for convenience, expert results, or simply peace of mind, hiring a professional is the way to go. At Custom Painting, Inc., we’re ready to take the stress out of your home improvement project. Contact us today at 925-866-9610 or fill out our contact form for a free estimate and see how we can make your walls look brand new.