When considering what you may need to start this project, Carol Miller at York Wallcoverings suggests, “Basic is better. Tools and supplies such as a scoring tool, a scraper, chemical wallpaper stripper, a bucket, and a bottle mister should do the job for most removal projects. Removal does not have to be expensive.” We researched dozens of wallpaper removers and evaluated them on ease of use, effectiveness, and value. Our top recommendation is the Roman’s Wallpaper and Paste Removal Kit. It includes everything you need to get started and is affordable and effective. Here are the best wallpaper removers to help save time (and your fingernails). The Roman’s Wallpaper and Paste Removal Kit is suitable for use on a wide variety of wallpaper types, including vinyl, paper, non-woven, grass cloth, and pre-pasted varieties. It is especially handy If you don’t know which type of wallpaper you have or if you have many different types of layers. The scoring tool has four wheels set at the right angle to perforate wallpaper without damaging drywall. Perforation is important for allowing the Piranha Liquid Wallpaper Remover formula to penetrate below the surface of the wallpaper, where it can loosen the adhesive binding the wallpaper to the wall. One of the unique aspects of this kit is the fact that the scraper is designed to be ergonomic and steady, thanks to a unique roller handle. The wide blade makes quick work of lifting old wallpaper, while the roller gives the tool better gliding action as you work across large areas. Price at time of publish: $23 As anyone who has stripped wallpaper will tell you, the amount of effort you’ll need to put into the job varies based on the type and age of the wallpaper. Keep in mind that there are some tough situations where you may need to apply this DIF solution more than once before the adhesive gives way. However, most users find that this budget wallpaper remover, along with a basic scoring and scraping tool, is an effective, straightforward way to strip away wallpaper and adhesive. Price at time of publish: $10 The larger steam plate measures 8 x 11 inches and is good for covering more surface area in a single pass. The small 3 x 6-inch steam plate is valuable, too, since it’s great for accessing corners or tight spaces. Both steam plates easily connect to the 12-foot-long hose that is designed to remain cool to the touch. It has a 1.3-gallon water reservoir that powers steam production for up to two hours, making it useful for even large jobs. There is no on/off switch, so you’ll have to unplug the steamer if you want to take a break while working on the task. Price at time of publish: $65 The 4-inch-wide blade of the WP Chomp Wallpaper Scraping Tool is set at an angle that makes it better suited for skimming wallpaper off the surface of the wall, while minimizing the chances of digging into your drywall. Of course, your technique will also determine how successful you are at avoiding any drywall damage, but the design of this particular tool makes it easier to do than with a putty knife. Price at time of publish: $13 The key to success for this wallpaper remover solvent is its bio-enzymatic formula. The active ingredients target wallpaper glue and dissolve it. Keep in mind that you’ll need to prep the surface by using a scoring tool to perforate the wallpaper before soaking it with this solution. While the formula isn’t fragrance-free, it has a mild citrus scent that isn’t overpowering or offensive to most users. Price at time of publish: $14 Available in a 32-ounce spray bottle, you don’t need to do any mixing or measuring before getting to work with this wallpaper remover. The manufacturer recommends that you let the product stand on the surface for 15 minutes before proceeding to scrape away the old wallpaper with a scraping tool. Many people choose this gel-based formula because it maintains better contact with your work area. However, keep in mind that it has a blue tint. The manufacturer claims that it won’t stain walls or other surfaces, but it is best to wipe up any residual solution as you move from one area of the wall to the next. Price at time of publish: $13 The 32-ounce spray bottle contains a ready-to-spray formula that you don’t need to dilute. It’s also unique because it’s free of heavy fragrances and chemical odors that can be off-putting to many people. After spritzing the wallpaper remover onto a scored surface, allow it to penetrate for 15 minutes before scraping away the paper and adhesive. If additional treatment is necessary to remove any remaining wallpaper glue, spray the formula directly on the wall. Let it soak for 15 minutes, and then use a sponge to remove the adhesive. Price at time of publish: $8 The key to success when using this wallpaper-scoring tool is to let the wheels do the work. Start with light, even pressure, only increasing as needed to penetrate the surface of the wallpaper. Keep in mind that the circular nature of the tool makes it ergonomic but also more challenging to score wallpaper close to the ceiling or adjoining walls. Price at time of publish: $13
Drywall or Plaster Walls
When choosing the right wallpaper remover, you should start by identifying whether your walls are plaster or drywall. Drywall more readily absorbs moisture and is more prone to damage from a scraping tool, so extra caution is needed to avoid oversaturating the wall or using excessive force when stripping the wallpaper.
Wallpaper Type
Wallpaper type is another factor to consider when deciding on tools for removing wall coverings. Vinyl, foil-finish, or water-resistant wallpaper will be more impermeable, making it harder for wallpaper-stripping solution or steamers to loosen the adhesive backing. If that’s your situation, you’ll need a plan that includes using a wallpaper-scoring tool to allow the solution or steam to penetrate beneath the wallpaper. “Perforate the surface of the wallpaper all over with a wallpaper scoring tool. This will allow the wallpaper removal solution to seep behind the wallpaper and loosen the adhesive,” Ryan Breau of A-Street Prints suggests.Strippable or temporary wallpaper is much easier to remove; it can usually be accomplished with a steamer or basic wallpaper-remover solution.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Erica Puisis, a freelance writer with expertise in researching and testing home products and appliances. She frequently covers interior design topics and is well aware of the struggle presented by changing trends and tastes when it comes to wallpaper. To find the best options for wallpaper removers, she considered specialized tools, along with solutions to cover the spectrum of products needed. Ryan Breau of A-Street Prints provides this advice: “Spray the wallpaper-removal solution liberally and allow it to soak into the wallpaper for the recommended amount of time. Don’t rush this process. Let the wallpaper-removal solution do most of the work.” Erica also interviewed Carol Miller, the marketing manager for York Wallcoverings. Carol provided insights on the feasibility of removing wallpaper as a DIY job, along with recommendations for the tools and supplies you should have on hand when taking on the task. In addition, Ryan Breau from A-Street Prints weighed in on the tools necessary to remove old wallpaper and what to expect when removing peelable wallpaper.
