Removing Wallpaper the Easiest and Fastest Way before Painting Part 1

Part 1 of 5 short videos shows the do-it-yourselfers how to remove wallpaper using the best and time tested methods by an experience painter and wallpaperer.

[@kcelsi]

This is GREAT! I tried this method today and it was sooooo easy. The paper literally fell off the wall. Even the second layer that was from the 40's peeled right off with no problem. I put off removing my paper for years because I thought it would be too much work. Now I don't know why I ever waited. No one should use any other method. I'm so glad I found this video!!! Thanks for posting!

[@SmudgeGuard]

Your way to remove wallpaper was great!!! I just soaked it with a sponge and water (no chemicals, not even hot water) and waited about 15 minutes...and the wallpaper came off really easy!! Thanks for teaching this! Really appreciate it! :)

[@kelsojordan]

As a first time wall paper remover I have to say that I watched several videos & decided to try your technique. It worked AWESOME!!! it came off SO easy & I didn't score the walls or anything. Took me about 2 hours to do a 10x10 room. I didn't think that was too bad being a first timer. Thanks for posting the videos they were VERY helpful.

[@lisalovs]

I highly recommend this series of KZbin videos on wallpaper removal. Bill explains and demonstrates all of the steps. I used the product, Dif, which really worked to loosen the backing and the 50's & 80's wallpapers. The most important tips were to be patient and let the product do the work, and to spray again if needed.

[@GianniPT]

Thanks Bill ! The use of a garden sprayer to apply the DIF (actually I used Piranha) is the best tip ever. It made removal so easy. Keeping the wallpaper really wet and taking your time to let the chemical do its work is key. Just take your time and you will save yourself lots of work later. I cannot believe how easy this was!

[@Michelle-zz1gm]

Followed his directions exactly and it worked like a charm! Paper AND backing came off together in sheets. So helpful. THANKS!!!!

[@dennissmith719]

Very cool wallpaper removal series of videos. Inspires confidence and radiates expertise based on real experience. Learned a lot in playing these.

[@j.knight2250]

Thanks Bill! This was very helpful. I love how you break this down into easy to do steps. Wished I would have seen this before I started my removal of a paper border in our bathroom. I think the garden sprayer is a great ideas since it gives a nice fine mist. I know now I was missing the step of keeping the paper really soaked. Will put what I learned into practice next week.

[@aalovelace2776]

This process worked surprisingly well on the vinyl wallpaper that I was trying to remove. REALLY appreciate the advice; saved hours of work. I do have one question: how to deal with electrical outlets and light fixtures while spraying the walls? I have just started to use the process on non-vinyl wallpaper and so far, the process is not nearly as easy; I am wetting and waiting as before but, the paper is still coming off in small pieces. Still, great video and many thanks!

[@debramenard7254]

Bill THANK YOU!!!! This was clear, consise and made me WANT to tackle the job. It wasn't as scary a project as I thought!

[@elainelawson6342]

I soon appreciate your careful, clear tutorial. Really great advice. I have an ugly dark red paper in the Florida dressing and bath rooms; problem: it was so expertly applied that I fear my finished paint job will not measure up! But this wonderful advice gives me more self assurance. I was planning to get one of those puncture tools; now I know better!

[@donjones2654]

This process and the DIF worked really great. The wall paper peeled off so easy most in one piece. Nothing like the horror stories I've heard in the past. My wall paper was and applied directly to the dry wall. It came off with no damage to the dry wall.

[@midwestagency7763]

Thanks, Gilmore. Appreciate the time you spent on this and am putting it to use doing some wall prep work in Europe.

[@will01960]

Thank you for your comment. No need to remove baseboards. Just be sure to wipe them down afterwards. You can place your drop cloths so that they lean against the baseboards and that usually helps most water and messy paste from getting into the edge of the carpet, but if you think that the job is going to be extra messy, or you just want to play it safe, get yourself a roll of plastic that has painters tape along one edge, you should be able to find it in rolls that unravel to 4 foot wide

[@will01960]

Your welcome. It actually gives you a suggested amount on the bottle, but I tend to use about 1/5 or 1/6 (about 3 cups) of the gallon jug into my 2 gallon sprayer and then carefully add water so it doesn't foam up too much.

[@richardcouch]

Really great series. I had a whole house in wallpaper and this series did the trick!

[@IRobinson44460]

Thank you Bill. This was an informative video. I recommend it to anyone contemplating the removal of wallpaper.

[@andrewlockwood6775]

"Gahden Spraya"

[@sandrametzdorf3652]

Andrew Lockwood I can't focus on anything else. Thank you for this gift 😊

[@bigirishjohn3407]

Bill, thank you for these videos. I was nervous about removing the wallpaper in the hall and stairway. I watched your videos and then jumped up and did it! I was finished in a few hours. That was yesterday. If I had not watched your video I would still be at it. Thank you again. John

[@elmuench]

Thanks for posting this video. I will be removing wallpaper fromtwo bathroomsand will try with your method. It looks to be by far the easiest and best method I've seen on here.

[@jackiesacco8960]

looks easier than i thought! now to tackle the bathroom...thanks for the class!!

[@thehighlander1978]

Great help...Had a big job and this made it so easy.

[@mattcopley9655]

It worked!! Saved me a lot of time and money. Thanks

[@tiffanyg1143]

Thx! Also, DIF bottle mentions protecting porous ceilings...I'm following your garden sprayer method, and have popcorn ceilings. How would you protect them? Searched online, but only found that some people use DIF to actually REMOVE popcorn ceilings. Blue painters tape? not sure it will stick? A DIY spray shield? not sure my arms are long enough to hold that at right angle, and also garden sprayer, while crouching on a stool, plus the inefficient up/down factor over and over.

[@brettserpe]

DIF product worked great as did the tips. Thanks Bill!!

[@brandonstogdill3480]

Thanks for these videos. I've just recently found the home of my dreams. Only problem is it's covered head to toe in this horrible floral print wallpaper. You've inspired to me to not let this home escape me. I know it'll take time and patience but I know it'll be worth it.

[@ceelyn]

did you manage to do it?? I just found the house of MY dreams and it's also covered head to toe with wallpaper!

[@therworld6875]

Brandon Stogdill flhmf huojtm goonl bmvm gm ccn np

[@rutrow9257]

Ceelyn Yup, me too! The Wallpaper has a wildlife print with an additional border strip of paper mid wall. It's TERRIBLE

[@annelysemiller51]

Thank you for the video. I hope our four room and hall way job will be this easy.

[@judi0261]

today my friend & i are going to begin this process. neither of us have ever done it before.

[@typ8723]

Mah boy's wicked smaht

[@darlenetyson4268]

Thanks for the instructions. We are going to try it out!

[@ldrown]

Just bought a house that has wallpaper but in some of the rooms they painted over the wallpaper. Is this going to cause more difficulty or will the water still soak through? Great vid and look forward to trying your method.

[@proudhon]

I love these videos, thank you for making them ! I was about to follow your steps to remove wallpaper from my flat but the walls are drywall not plaster :( Please can you tell me what method you recommend for taking paper off drywall safely?

[@davidkraus7290]

Thanks for posting! I hope mine peels off as easily as yours.

[@SHANKDAWGBABY]

Gahhhhhdon sprayah. Good ole yankee accent you got there my brother

[@TheButterflybaby9]

Omg love your accent. Thanks for the tips!

[@williamgilmore5566]

MonkiePants , what a cute name :) thank you for your sweet comment

[@TheButterflybaby9]

William Gilmore aww thanks 🤗

[@dandee9173]

Flirting !!!!! hahahaah

[@dannydeluca5365]

Boston accent, love it!

[@nukhan92]

Thanks! Very well explained.

[@will01960]

Too bad about that non-vinyl wallpaper. I find it's a hit or miss either paper. Sometime the advantage of non-vinyl is that it gets wet all the way through and comes off in full strips with out the backing staying there. On the outlet question, I just try to spray close but around them and not directly at them. Just be extra careful when you are working in those areas with your hands or a metal scraper. :-)

[@tedtollefson]

Great video. Really appreciate the advice.

[@ulaanaa100]

Hi, what should I do if there is wallpaper on the ceiling? The same process?

[@corygray8420]

Excellent job, I hope I can be as successful as you my friend.

[@melissaanymedina]

Awesome!!!!! Now I don't feel super scared to tackle my bathroom!!

[@shellywadman2425]

I sure wish I would have watched this before I started taking down my wallpaper. I followed the instructions on the back of the kit I bought. It was horrible! I'm not done yet but farther than when I started 8 hours ago!

[@steelcitypicker]

Thanks for the video!!

[@2012Compassion]

I have no idea how I going to remove my wallpaper after saw you video, I will try to remove my wallpaper

[@kurtwm2010]

I must have watched dozens of clips on how to remove wallpaper and absolutely nothing has worked as show in those clips. I am in the process of removing wallpaper in a powder room. 4 walls....I tried different methods on each of the wall and none has worked. The top layer comes off relatively easy, but the bottom layer is a bitch to remove. It comes off in little strips and if too wet it actually loosens the paper tape that binds wall board together at their seams. I dare anyone who advertises this task as being easy and even as a fun activity to come over and demonstrate this on my walls. Be prepared for several days of removal, several days of patching, sanding and more patching and sanding.

[@kosh2001]

+Kurt M I totally agree and if I was King for the day I'd outlaw wallpaper. I did my bathroom and took days for removal/sanding/patching over and over till it was ready for painting. One thing I've noticed with all these videos and experts is they are removing wallpaper from treated walls(painted) and not untreated walls(not painted) I stripped my kitchen and still don't know what to do with the mess I have and i still have 3 more rooms with wallpaper that needs to be removed. God I hate wallpaper!! I think the quick fix is to burn the house down, lol. Yes, that was a joke!

[@kurtwm2010]

+kosh2001 Since I finished the powder room I also did one of my kids room. Wallpaper on all 4 walls for the last 10 years. I did find an easier and much cleaner way to remove it this time. Simple warm water with a little dish washing soap. Maybe an ounce to half a gallon of water.. Add the soap last to keep the bubbles down. After you removed the top layer of the wall paper use a sponge (or sprayer) and moisten the remaining wall paper and wait about 5-7 minutes. I found that I have better control applying the soap water using a sponge compared to a sprayer. The rest of the wall paper should come off relatively easy, and most important without much damage to the drywall. Just make sure it is not too wet or let it dry too long. You have to find a middle ground to make it work. Good luck.

[@kosh2001]

+Kurt M Thanks I'll have to try that.

[@williamgilmore5566]

Kurt M , I remove wallpaper at least once per month for the last 14 years, 7 since making the videos. Occasionally I get the scenario that you described, and thankfully it is rare. I call it the wallpaper from hell . In the videos I stuck with the most common. yours I'm sorry to say wasn't even hung by someone who prepares walls properly by priming them, and therefore yes the wallboard will get wet and yes it will go painfully slow , and it will be a mess and there's almost nothing you can do about it. You could possibly use a steamer, but they're pretty slow too.

[@quettabess]

Thank you!!

[@c00lsky2le6]

Thank You for the info.

[@mythosarts]

Hey, this was an awesome how to video section. I have done the 5 steps to remove my wallpaper. It went just as you said, however, I ran into yet another layer of wallpaper under the existing wall paper! I tried doing the same exercise as the video suggests, but it doesn't seem to be working as well. The first layer of wall paper is not coming up. (I imagine that has been there for over 20 years. Any suggestions on how to get this first layer of paper off? Thanks again for the vids!

[@Executiveinvestments-]

why do you need to score the paper? Paper is porous. Will soak right through it.

[@will01960]

Thank you :-)

[@Propertyexit]

You forgot to create little holes in the paper before you apply the chemical

[@2626martha]

O&A Reference??

[@realitywithmj4334]

spence?

[@trillfire]

he sounds like adam sandler

[@cdarind1]

My product take the entire paper down in one shot... @

[@TheMeme191]

Tried. Don't work that good

[@johnbaum1043]

Very helpful. Looks like patience is the main tool.

[@patrickscott5547]

Thanks. I bought the gel DIF and it was too thick to spray, so I used a paint brush to apply it. I followed your instructions and easily stripped off the top layer, then stripped off the paper layer next. It does take some time to let the DIF soak in (20 - 30 min), but I saved hours of work. The top layer took more DIF application, but the second layer took less. Again thanks for the excellent video

[@will01960]

Hope this helps. Once the walls are totally dry all you can do is just sand the walls with about 100 grit sandpaper to knock off and feather out some of the peeling paint and wallpaper seems. Next to keep the paint from peeling anymore and lock it down for patching, you can get yourself an oil primer like Coverstain and paint the areas affected. After it drys you can skim those areas with lightweight joint compound and a wide spackling knife. After dry and sanded smooth, prime again befor paint.

[@will01960]

I know I don't have a problem with Dif on regular painted trim or polyed trim for the time it takes me to do my job and then wipe down the trim after it, but to be sure for your situation, I would look them up or check to see if they have a number on the bottle and as for their technical support department. There are a couple others i've used like Chomp, which may be a friendlier option if Dif seems to harsh. Thank you.

[@anneaugusta]

Great videos. I have a question: I have large open bookshelves that are bolted in a wall and my wallpaper is behind the shelves. I don't think there is anyway to remove the bookshelves without destroying them, so I'm just going to have to remove the wallpaper from each shelf. It's going to very time consuming, but what I want to know is how damaging the Dif might be to my nice wood shelves? Do I need to cover up/protect the shelves or will the Dif not hurt wood too much? Thanks!

[@will01960]

Sorry for the delayed response. For some reason your message eluded me and I just read it now. Usually so much water isn't needed, but...but..occasionally you got to do what you got to do. Hopefully you won't need so much, but if you do, you probably should change the drops you have draped over the plastic with fresh dry ones. There is also the plastic that comes in a roll with sticky side that is made for covering carpets, you might consider that for extra measure.. Good luck!.

[@tiffanyg1143]

Started yesterday, and your method worked GREAT!! Many thanks, Bill! Only thing: despite double-layer blue tape on baseboards angled onto floor, heavy duty painters plastic taped to that, and heavy duty canvas over that, still had literal puddles on tile after. Taped plastic pulled away here and there, which contributed, but was also just ALOT of water after so many apps (necessary, and worked tho). Next rooms have fancy carpet tho...yikes. Any products for or advice on "waterproofing" carpet?

[@will01960]

That can be a little tricky. First notice whether or not your ceiling has been painted over the popcorn (unpainted popcorn ceilings tend to be "extra" delicate when wet). If it has been painted you should be safe. It is very difficult not to get it a little wet near the corner. You typically wipe down the ceiling as you go, but with popcorn that can be difficult so be careful not to get too much solution on it and you might want to paint the corner with ceiling paint after you're all done. And..

[@tiffanyg1143]

Wonderfully helpful video, thank you! Was about to go at it with a Tigerpaw, with no idea of outer layer vs. backing vs. paste. Just saved me from going about it all wrong... Questions: Do you remove baseboards? Does the DIF solution damage stained baseboards, in your experience? If they don't suffer damage from DIF, should they still be removed to prevent the DIF from seeping behind them and then into the carpet edge? If you don't remove baseboards, do you tape them off or anything?

[@will01960]

@ThePatrickekelly When I do a room I often will fill up my 2 gallon sprayer at least once and sometimes twice. Using Diff concentrate (a Diff gallon runs about $20) the amount of Diff concentrate that I use will allow me to fill up my 2 gallon sprayer at least 4 times. I'm guessing if I used fabric softener in a 50/50 solution it might end up costing quite a bit. But I like to keep an open mind and if I'm on a really difficult job I might consider it. Anyone else who tried it I'd like to hear.

[@will01960]

..if your ceiling has not been painted, "I" would take a chance while being careful not to get the ceiling too wet, then I would use "Zinser" ceiling white spray and stain block in a can and hit the corner after it's dry (where a mask when you spray and vent the room. It's not that bad but it can get pretty choky when spraying above your head).

[@nestabus]

Listening to NPR yesterday, I heard that a good recipe should include lots of details including all the difficulties one may encounter while executing the recipe. This how-to video is detailed enough to give me the confidence to strip the wallpaper in our new home! I'll report back with another comment in a few weeks after we actually try this! Thank you!

[@will01960]

You're right. I actually got so caught up with setting up for the video that I didn't do such a good job of setting up my plastic drops! I actually almost didn't post these videos and thought about a do-over for that reason, but seeing that I might never get around to doing it again I put them up. Good observation.

[@eyedeeaz]

I watched this video in a hope of finding the easiest way possible to strip my wallpaper from one wall. I had originally had visions of a big wet mess with stubborn paper sticking steadfastly to the wall. Well you started with the first move of trying to peel the paper from a corner so I tried it. 5 minutes later the wall was stripped! Thanks a million :)

[@will01960]

@Propertyexit If you watched all 5 videos you'll hear that I suggest not to create the little holes in the paper. The risk of damage is too great and very rarely is it even worth while. Believe me I've gone that route and I find it a complete, useless, waste of time and I haven't bothered with that step in years.

[@juliesawchuk2487]

This whole series is fantastic...it was helpful and honest and every bit of advice worked for me. I'm a first time wallpaper remover and although this is a terrible job, these videos made it work the best it possibly could. Thanks so much for all this advice -- your the best!!!!!

[@aksheppa]

I just bought a house that had wallpaper in every room. Using your instructions, I spent the last week removing all of it. It wasn't has horrible as I feared! Thanks for putting up this video and making an overwhelming task doable!

[@debj5092]

Bill, your video is great. Wish I had seen it when we removed the wallpaper from one of our bathrooms :( Oh well, we still have one bathroom to go and will definitely use your method. Thanks and yes, yes, yes, please do more videos!

[@will01960]

thin sheet of plastic. Stick the taped edge to the baseboard and lay the plastic out over the carpet, then place your drop cloths on top of the plastic to soak up excess water and hold the plastic down. Good luck. Bill

[@jacallen44]

I found your video very clear. I only wish the previous owner hadn't stuck 3 layers of wallpaper over what seems pretty messed up dry wall! Took many lots of spraying but the system worked. Many thanks.

[@ChrisOfMar]

Well done. I am facing the removal of a house full of "old people" paper from back in the 60s. While the production was rough the content was superb. Keep it up. I don't care whether it is a fancy big money production. Does it explain how to do it. That you did.

[@SmudgeGuard]

Now, I just need help with the peeling paint that was underneath the wallpaper and the wallpaper seams that are left on the walls! Do you have a video to repair that? :P

[@richardellis913]

Bill this was an excellent video. I have two rooms to work on and I will definitely use your method. I do have a sprayer and a good knife to work with. Thanks

[@chris88041]

Thank you for making this video. This was very helpful and makes the process less scary for the non-handy person.

[@Henzary]

Awesome vid! Dif is a very good product for wallpaper removal. I used the same method and it worked! Except I scored the wallpaper before spraying.

[@yakbowbw]

Followed your instructions and it was so easy to remove the wall paper and prep the wall afterwards, I thank you. Nice instructional video.

[@alangottheim4654]

Very helpful, I've got 5 rooms to do in a new home and need all the good advise I can get. Thank you.

[@alexmarkus1868]

I did like this, first i made the wallpaper wet, then i used a puncture tool and then i made it wet again with the mix. It works a little better because the punctures from the wallpaper allows the water mixture to go to the wallpaper glue and make it easy to remove in one piece without aditional work. Anyway, thumbs up for the tip

[@yogib37]

what is the ratio of water to DIF that you use in a bug or garden sprayer?

[@kkazior]

Christopher Baker I would like to know this as well.

[@tamasczinki5510]

hi,I am just wondering is it working on woodchip wallpaper as well, what is got paint on the top....

[@derekarruda5857]

so i just came across your video..and i seen another one who did the same thing as you in 4 minutes and you have about 4 6 minute parts as how to do it

[@maconsumner]

DO NOT USE THAT DIF SHIT!!!!! It is expensive. Get a palm scorer and a couple gallons of the cheapest fabric softener you can find at dollar general. Mix the fabric softener 1 to 3 with water. Score first then spray or sponge or use a thick nap roller and soak the paper and with a 3 inch putty knife is slides off like butter. The fabric softener does the same thing at a fraction of the price and it makes your house smell much better!!!!

[@lisalovs]

Dif worked great for me. I did not use the scorer (even though I bought one) for fear of pricking the drywall paper.

[@infantino76]

Used your methods this weekend and it worked to perfection. Thanks you for your video series.

[@ArtByJodiBauter]

You don't score the paper before wetting it? Scoring can help the solution soak through.

[@BLally78]

Awesome videos. I found it to be very helpful. Thank you Bill!!!

[@onlineshopgirl4587]

THANKS for the easy to follow instructions. I removed a wallpaper border which was on top of other wallpaper I wanted to keep. Your videos were most helpful & easy to use. Thanks for sharing your knowledge :)

[@melynimason4216]

He doesn't mention how much water to Dif he uses. Half and Half?

[@viewmore100]

Why is it called a "God and " sprayer ?...... God and what ?

[@kburton129]

I would like to do my bathroom. But it seems whoever put up the wallpaper, put it up first then added the towel hanger and medicine cabinet. So how can I remove the wallpaper around those things?

[@williamgilmore5566]

Assuming you don't want to remove those items before taking off the wallpaper. What I would do is get a razor knife and gently cut around those objects. That way when you start removing the paper it'll easily peel away from the edges of those items you leave me hanging on the wall. I hope that helps :-)

[@domesteader]

you don' t tell us how much water to mix with the dif?

[@Brent5239]

Really awesome explanations! Thanks!

[@wallshuttle]

New DIY paint and wallpaper tools:wall shuttle

[@Garwood900]

Bill, as a former commercial carpenter, I’ve never had the occasion to remove wallpaper. We always demoed the job and rebuilt new. Your videos are excellent. I followed your instructions and the job went smoothly. Keeping the paper & backing wet, along with wiping it down right away as you went w/ a terry cloth, is key. Thanks so much for posting these videos. They are very helpful.

[@dlwalldesign]

not all the wallpaper remove that easy!!! some time you need to use the steamer im professional paper hanger and i work every day with wallpaper installation and removal the old wallpaper thank you...

[@alxlafontaine]

With this technic you will have to wash your wall several time after the removal. I did this technic and the places that are not well washed look like shit. I will never do it like that again.

[@williamgilmore5566]

Alexandre Lafontaine , that's too bad I continue to remove wallpaper 7 years after this video on a regular basis and I rarely need to wash the walls more than once. I use Terry towels and sometimes green scrubbies to scrub off the paste, and I don't move forward until that particular walls no longer feels slimy. occasionally the paste is thick and clay based, and it helps to scrape it carefully off with spackling knife, then green scrubbies.. Hope that helps..