It is common to see wallpaper that has been painted over with more than one layer of paint.The best way to get rid of it is to score the wallpaper and soak it.If the wallpaper is old and covered with many layers of paint, you may have to replace it.
Step 1: You need to assemble the equipment.
It can be difficult to remove wallpaper that has been painted over, but you can make it easier on yourself by having all your supplies ready.You need a Wallpaper scoring tool.The small hand tool has several small rotating wheels with small teeth to score the paper without damaging the surface underneath.A solution of half water and half vinegar is used for wallpaper stripper spray.
Step 2: Renting a steamer is a good idea.
If the room you're working on is large, or if you want to remove several layers of paint and wallpaper, it might be a good idea to rent a steamer.You can rent steamers from home and garden centers.They have a steam canister and a nozzle that you can use to loosen the wallpaper.It's easier and faster to steam the job.It's difficult for the steam to penetrate all the layers if you're working with wallpaper that has been painted over by more than one layer.You will need to remove everything by hand.Chemical wallpaper strippers are an alternative to steaming.A steamer uses plain water.
Step 3: Put the tarp on the furniture.
Taking paint and wallpaper off the walls can be messy.Paint chips, wallpaper and dust accumulate quickly and can get into the cracks and crevices in your furniture.You can cover the area where you're working with a tarp by covering the furniture.Lamps and pictures should be moved out of the room or toward the center.You should wear a mask to protect yourself from dust.
Step 4: The switch plate and electrical outlet covers should be removed.
It will be easier to remove the wallpaper from underneath them.Turn off the power if there are outlets or switches in the area where you are working.
Step 5: Determine the type of paint that was used.
Rub the paint on a paper towel with a small amount of nail polish remover.If the paint does not come off on the towel, it is latex paint.It will be easier to work with latex because it is water-soluble, alkyd is stickier, and it may take several attempts to get the paper to release.
Step 6: The scoring tool can be used to score the walls.
To create punctures in the paper, run the tool over the area several times.Push as hard as possible to pierce the paper.If you don't have a tool, use a Brillo pad.If you want to score all of the walls at once, start with a five by five foot area.If the wallpaper won't come off with solution or steam, you'll have to pull it off in strips.
Step 7: Either soak the walls or steam them.
Either use the steamer over the area you scored or down the wallpapered area with the removal solution.Make sure the area is wet.To steam, move the steamer's hot plate slowly over the scored areas, checking to make sure the steam is soaking through the wallpaper.The sponge and spray bottle can be used to soak the wallpaper.
Step 8: Pull the paper from the corner.
The paper should come off in strips.If it doesn't, try to pull it off again.If the paper and paint have been there for a while, you may need to do this a few times.To remove all the paper from the surface, use a plastic putty knife or nylon spatula.Continue scoring the wallpaper and applying wallpaper removal solution to the other areas until you are able to remove as much wallpaper as possible.
Step 9: You can remove wallpaper with steam or wallpaper removal.
You have to remove most of the wallpaper by hand if it won't absorb steam or wallpaper removal.There is no way to pull it off in small strips.Pull up the edges of the wallpaper with the scraper.Unless you have help, the process can take several days.
Step 10: It's a good idea to wash the walls.
If the area is free of wallpaper and backing paper, wash it down with detergent.It's time to give it a final rinse.The surface needs to be prepared for a new coat of paint or wallpaper.Before continuing, be sure the walls are completely dry.
Step 11: Determine the extent of the damage.
If there are places where parts of the wall came off, you might need to repair them.Put wood or spackle on the damaged areas.If there is serious damage, you may need to hang new drywall.
Step 12: New paint or wallpaper should be put up.
If you plan on painting or papering, cover the surface with a coat of primer.If you choose to remove the wallpaper later, be sure to prime the walls with wall size first.Don't paint over wallpaper again.