Is it time to refresh the wallpaper or repaint the walls in your home? Before you can redecorate, you'll need to remove any existing old wallpaper first. This is a crucial step that requires some effort, but it's totally doable if you follow the right process. Our painters and decorators in Chelsea are experts at prepping walls for redecorating by stripping away old wallpaper properly.
Why Strip Wallpaper Before Redecorating? You may be wondering - why can't you just leave the old wallpaper up and install new wallpaper or paint over it? Here are a few key reasons it's best to start with bare walls:
- Old wallpaper adhesive can create bumps and an uneven surface under new coverings
- Raised patterns or textures from the old paper will show through
- Moisture can get trapped between layers, leading to peeling and bubbling
- It's very difficult to get a smooth, professional-looking finish over layers
Taking the time to strip off old wallpaper first ensures your newly redecorated walls will look flawless and remain in good condition longer.
What You'll Need Removing wallpaper doesn't require too many tools or materials. You'll want to have:
- Drop cloths to protect floors
- A scraper or putty knife
- Sponges and rags
- A spray bottle
- A solution for loosening adhesive (hot water and fabric softener works well)
- Patch compound to smooth any wall damage after
With these basic supplies on hand, most DIYers can successfully take on this project themselves.
How to Strip Wallpaper Step-by-Step To strip wallpaper from your walls, follow these simple steps:
- Prepare the room by clearing away furniture and covering floors with drop cloths
- Use a spray bottle to soak small sections of the wallpaper with the adhesive removal solution
- Allow the solution to soak in for 10-15 minutes to reactivate the adhesive
- Use the scraper to carefully peel away the wet, loosened wallpaper in strips
- For stubborn areas, respray with solution and allow more soak time
- Once all paper is removed, clean walls with warm soapy water to remove any adhesive residue
- Let walls fully dry, then use drywall compound to smooth any cracks or damages
This process takes some patience and elbow grease, but is very doable for most homeowners. Professional painters and decorators in Chelsea follow a similar technique using specialized tools and solutions to strip wallpaper efficiently.
Get Walls Prepped Right by the Pros If you'd rather leave this messy job to the experts, consider hiring experienced painters and decorators in Chelsea. They have all the right equipment, skills and solutions to get walls fully stripped and properly prepared for new paint or coverings. Proper wall prep is key for beautiful, long-lasting results when redecorating.
So before you start revamping your interior spaces with new colors or designs, make sure to strip away any existing old wallpaper first. This crucial prep step ensures your newly redecorated walls will look and perform their best for years to come.
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