Marcus Chen
Removing wallpaper that has been painted over can be a challenging task. The process may vary depending on the type of paint and wallpaper used, as well as the condition of the walls. Before starting, it is important to determine the type of paint used, as latex paint is water-soluble and easier to work with, while alkyd (oil-based) paint may require more effort and multiple attempts. One method for removing painted-over wallpaper involves scoring the wallpaper, soaking it with a solution of vinegar and water, and then scraping it off with a putty knife. Another approach is to use a steamer, which can effectively loosen the wallpaper and paint without the need for chemicals. However, in some cases, it may be necessary to remove the drywall or consider priming and painting directly over the wallpaper to save time and effort.
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What You'll Learn
Identify paint type
If you are trying to identify the type of paint that has been used on a wall, there are a few methods you can try.
Firstly, you can try the paint chip method. Take a small chip of paint from the wall, ideally from a low-visibility spot, and bring it to a paint store. They will be able to match the colour and identify the finish for you. Alternatively, you can use an app such as BEHR's Color Smart, which allows users to colour match by uploading a photo. However, the accuracy of this method may be impacted by light, texture, and variations in phone screens.
If you are trying to distinguish between oil and latex paint, one test you can do is to use acetone or nail polish remover that contains acetone. Apply it to the wall, and if the paint comes off, it is latex. If not, it is oil. Oil paint usually goes on very smoothly, whereas latex paint is more likely to show brush or roller marks.
The sheen of the paint can also be a clue as to its type. There are five main types of finish: flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss. Flat paint will feel dry to the touch, whereas glossier finishes will feel smooth. The room can also be a factor; for example, paint in a bathroom may have a higher sheen due to humidity.
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Score, soak, scrape
Removing wallpaper that has been painted over can be a challenging task. The best way to do it is to score the wallpaper, soak it, and then scrape it off.
Firstly, score the walls with a scoring tool or a brillo pad to create punctures in the wallpaper. Be careful not to press too hard, as you could damage the drywall underneath. The more you score the wallpaper, the easier it will be to remove it.
Next, soak the walls using a sponge or spray bottle filled with a solution of equal parts water and vinegar, or warm water and fabric softener. Completely soak the wallpaper, then let it sit for a few minutes. If you are working with a large area, you can use a steamer to make the process faster and easier.
Once the wallpaper is soaked, grab a corner and start peeling it off in strips. If the wallpaper doesn't peel off easily, soak or steam the area again and try again. For areas that still won't come off, use a scraping tool such as a putty knife to remove them.
Finally, wash the walls with detergent to remove any remaining glue or softener. Give it a final rinse with clean water to prepare the surface for a new coat of paint or wallpaper. Make sure the walls are completely dry before proceeding with any further steps.
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Use a steamer
Using a steamer is an effective way to remove wallpaper that has been painted over. It is also a greener alternative to using chemical wallpaper strippers. A steamer only requires plain water, with no additional chemicals.
Firstly, it is important to determine the type of paint that has been used. This can be done by dabbing a small amount of nail polish remover onto a paper towel and rubbing it onto the paint. If the paint comes off on the towel, it is latex paint; if not, it is alkyd (oil) paint. Latex paint is water-soluble and will be easier to work with, whereas alkyd paint is "stickier" and may require several attempts to release the paper.
Before steaming, it is recommended to score the wallpaper with a scoring tool to help the steam penetrate the paper more effectively. Be careful to only press as hard as necessary to pierce the paper and avoid damaging the surface underneath. Cover the area with a tarp and put a drop cloth or sheet over any nearby furniture to protect them from paint chips, strips of wallpaper, and dust.
For steaming, use filtered water to avoid leaving streaks on the wall. Wet a section of the wallpaper with the steamer, wait 5 minutes, then wet it down again. Repeat this process until the wallpaper starts to release from the wall. You may need to do this several times, especially if the paper and paint have been there for a long time.
Once the paper starts to release, use a plastic putty knife or a nylon spatula to pull off the wallpaper. Continue scoring, steaming, and removing the wallpaper in sections until you've peeled off as much as possible.
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Remove residual adhesive
Removing residual adhesive from a wall after removing painted-over wallpaper can be a tedious and time-consuming process. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process:
Prepare the Workspace
Cover the area you're working in with a tarp to catch the paint chips, wallpaper strips, and dust. Put a drop cloth or sheet over any nearby furniture to protect it from the mess.
Assemble Your Tools and Solutions
You will need a damp sponge, a spray bottle, a plastic putty knife or nylon spatula, a scoring tool, a scraper, rubber gloves, a rag, and a cleaning solution. For the cleaning solution, use a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water, or a commercial wallpaper stripper. If using the vinegar mixture, add about one cup of vinegar per gallon of water.
Apply the Solution
Put on your rubber gloves, then use the damp sponge to apply the cleaning solution to a small section of the wall. Let the solution sit for a few moments. If the glue is particularly stubborn, you may need to soak the section multiple times.
Scrape Off the Residue
Use a rag to wipe off the glue residue. For stubborn pieces, use the putty knife or scraper to gently scrape them off. Be careful not to damage the wall surface underneath. Work in small sections, focusing on areas no larger than five feet by five feet at a time.
Dispose of the Residue
Dispose of the glue residue in trash bags. Repeat the process across the entire room, using a ladder for higher sections and getting on your knees for areas closer to the baseboards. Ensure you remove even the smallest marks of leftover residue, as they can ruin the look of your new paint job or wallpaper.
Alternative Methods
If you're dealing with a large area or multiple layers of paint and wallpaper, you may want to try a different approach. One option is to use a steamer, which operates with plain water and no chemicals. Another option is to use a primer, such as an oil-based primer, which can help remove the glue along with the paint.
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Prime before repainting
If you're looking to redecorate but don't want to go through the hassle of removing old wallpaper, you may consider painting over it. However, this is not always advisable, especially if the wallpaper is peeling in multiple places or is a certain type of wallpaper, such as fabric-backed vinyl. In addition, if the wallpaper has a bold pattern or texture, it may be more challenging to paint over it, and it may be more noticeable underneath the paint.
Before deciding to paint over wallpaper, it is recommended to test a small corner to see if it can be easily removed. If the wallpaper is old and covered by many layers of paint, you may need to replace the drywall underneath. Additionally, if someone installed wallpaper over unfinished drywall or plaster, removing it could damage the wall.
If you choose to paint over the wallpaper, it is essential to prime it first. Use an oil-based primer, as a water-based primer could soak into the wallpaper and loosen the adhesive. Sand the seams of the wallpaper, remove the dust, then use a brush to cut in the corners and edges with the primer. Once you've primed the corners and edges, switch to a roller for the larger areas. Ensure proper ventilation during this process by opening windows and using exhaust fans. Allow ample time for the primer to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.
After priming, you can paint the wallpaper as you would any other surface. Depending on the colour and type of paint you're using, you may need to apply two coats, allowing for sufficient drying time between coats.
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Frequently asked questions
Removing wallpaper that has been painted over can be difficult. The best way to do it is to score the wallpaper, soak it, and then scrape it off. You can use a bucket of water and a sponge (with the optional addition of vinegar or fabric softener) or a steamer to soak the wallpaper.
You will need a scoring tool, a sponge or spray bottle, a plastic putty knife or nylon spatula, and a tarp to cover the floor. If you are using a steamer, you will also need a blade scraper and filtered water.
First, score the paint/wallpaper with a scoring tool. Then, soak a section of the wallpaper with a sponge or spray bottle, or use a steamer. Wait 5 minutes, then wet it down again. After another 5 minutes, the wallpaper should come off. If not, repeat the process. Once the paper starts to release, use a putty knife or spatula to pull off the paper.
Removing wallpaper that has been painted over can be a messy process, so it is important to cover the area with a tarp and put a drop cloth over any furniture. You should also be aware that you may need to replace the drywall underneath if it is damaged during the process. Additionally, if the wallpaper is old and covered by many layers of paint, it may be more difficult to remove.
To determine the type of paint, you can dab a small amount of nail polish remover onto a paper towel and rub it onto the paint. If the paint comes off on the towel, it is latex paint. If it does not come off, it is alkyd (oil-based) paint.
