Get matched with top wallpaper removers in Poseyville, IN

Rubbing alcohol may help dissolve stubborn wallpaper adhesive that remains after removal, but be sure to apply it carefully to prevent damaging your walls. Apply a small amount using a cotton swab or pad, then gently scrape or wipe the adhesive away.

The fastest way to remove wallpaper is usually to spray the paper with a mixture of hot water and either vinegar or dish soap, let it soak in, and then scrape off the wallpaper using a putty knife. Unfortunately, this process can easily damage your walls if you spray too much or scrape too aggressively. Your best bet is to call in a professional wallpaper remover who knows how much to wet the walls and how much pressure to apply when scraping the paper off. They might also use steamers and other tools to speed up the process.

It is possible to remove wallpaper yourself, but it’s typically better to leave the work to a professional. Some types of wallpaper can prove to be a real challenge to remove, and the process is labor intensive regardless, so most homeowners prefer to save themselves time and frustration by hiring a pro. Professional wallpaper companies have special tools like steamers and the experience to use them effectively without damaging the drywall behind it, which can get damaged if it gets too wet. Hiring a pro gets the job done quickly and minimizes the wall prep you’ll need to do afterward.

It’s best to remove wallpaper rather than paint over it. You should only paint over wallpaper if removing it would damage the wall, the surface is relatively smooth, or there are minimal problem areas—such as slight peeling and lifted seams—that you can fix easily. Painting over wallpaper can save time, but it can create more problems if the wallpaper is in poor condition and you don’t properly prep the area for painting. Depending on the state of the wallpaper, color, and textures could show through, and moisture from the paint could loosen the adhesive, causing unsightly bubbling.