The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Wallpaper on drywall walls is tough enough to remove.
But wallpaper on plaster walls can be far worse.
Before You Begin
Carefully consider this project before you begin.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Oldplaster and lathwalls often have several layers of wallpaper that have accrued over the years.
In other words, a situation similar to the one that you’re facing.
Using a Wallpaper Steamer
you’re able to purchase or rent awallpaper steamer.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Steamers liquefy the dry wallpaper paste, loosening it and aiding in removal.
Using other attachments will not concentrate the steam enough; you must use a wallpaper pad.
Score Wallpaper
Use the scoring tool to create light abrasions on the wallpaper.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Do not press hard on the scoring tool.
Attach Steamer Pad
Attach the large wallpaper steaming pad to the end of the hose.
see to it that it is tightly attached and that the hose is securely attached to the steamer.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Prepare Wallpaper Steamer
Fill the wallpaper steamer with water.
ensure that the steamer is turned off and is not plugged in when filling water.
Securely end the reservoir cap.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Turn on the steamer and let it fully charge up.
Most steamers have indicator lights that will let you know when the steamer is ready to use.
Press the trigger to let steam flow out.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Leave the pad in place for about 30 seconds.
Scrape Wallpaper
Remove the steamer and quickly begin scraping with the putty knife.
Start at the loose end and gently pry the wallpaper up and away.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Work section by section.
Aim to keep wallpaper together as much as possible instead of shredding it up into small pieces.
Wallpaper technicians and some painters are skilled at removing wallpaper from loose plaster.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
In general, it’s better to remove wallpaper from a wall before you paint it.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
