How to Remove Old Wallpaper Without Damaging the Walls

Step-by-step wallpaper removal for UK homes, covering scoring, soaking, steaming, vinyl and painted paper, and how to leave walls ready for decorating.

Stripping wallpaper is often the least enjoyable part of redecorating, and it is where walls are most easily damaged. A patient, methodical approach saves a lot of repair work afterwards.

Work out what you are dealing with

Before you start, find a corner or an edge near a switch plate and lift a little paper.

• Peelable or strippable paper. Pulls away in full sheets, leaving a backing layer. Common with modern vinyls.
• Standard printed paper. Needs wetting and scraping.
• Painted-over paper. Water struggles to penetrate; it needs scoring or steaming.
• Multiple layers. Common in older homes, and slower to remove.

It also helps to know the wall beneath. Modern plasterboard is easily damaged by too much water, while older lime or sand plaster is more tolerant. If the building is pre-1980s, glance at lead paint in older homes before scraping any layers of paint.

What you need

• Scraper, ideally a wide, flexible one
• Scoring tool
• Bucket, sponge and warm water with a little washing-up liquid or a stripping solution
• Steam stripper, if hiring or buying one
• Dust sheets, masking tape and bin bags
• Gloves, eye protection and dust mask

Switch off electricity to the room's sockets at the consumer unit if you are using lots of water around them, and cover the sockets with tape.

Step by step

1. Protect the room. Sheet the floor, tape skirting boards and cover furniture. Wet paper is heavy and slippery.
2. Peel the top layer. For strippable paper, lift at a seam and pull slowly at a low angle.
3. Score if necessary. For vinyl or painted paper, score the surface lightly so water can reach the paste. Take care not to gouge plaster.
4. Soak. Apply warm water liberally with a sponge or sprayer. Leave it for the time recommended, usually 10 to 20 minutes, and re-wet as needed.
5. Scrape. Work upwards with the scraper held at a shallow angle. Let the water do the work rather than forcing it.
6. Steam for stubborn areas. Hold the steamer plate against the paper for a short time, then scrape immediately.
7. Clear residue. Wash down the wall to remove paste. Leftover paste can interfere with paint and cause mould.
8. Let the wall dry. Allow at least a day, longer in cold or damp rooms.

Common problems

Gouges and torn plaster

Fill small damage with filler, then sand once dry. See filling and sanding walls.

Paper that will not come away

Try more scoring, a longer soak, or steam. If it is a stubborn painted-over layer on poor plaster, a decorator may suggest leaving it and lining over it instead, provided it is firmly stuck.

Crumbling plaster

If plaster comes away with the paper, stop and assess. It may need patching, or reskimming in worse cases.

Damp or mould revealed

Do not paint over it. See damp and mould before painting.

After stripping

Once clean and dry, bare plaster needs sealing. Use a size if papering again, or a mist coat or primer if painting. See mist coating. Patches may need spot priming.

How long does it take?

A room can take a day or more for one person, depending on layers and wall condition. Time is often underestimated in quotes. If you hire a decorator, ask whether stripping is included and how many days it adds. In a Compito request, mention the number of layers and send photos so providers can quote realistically.

Tools and techniques compared

Start with the gentlest method that works. Steam and chemicals are for when water alone does not penetrate.

Rooms with extra challenges

Kitchens and bathrooms

Steam and grease can bake paper onto the walls. Wash with warm water and a degreaser first, then soak and scrape. Allow longer drying time because moisture lingers.

Stairs and tall walls

Use a platform or stable steps rather than leaning from a ladder, and work in sections. Protect the stairs and keep a clear route.

Woodchip and textured paper

Often painted over, so it needs scoring and plenty of soaking. Expect a longer, messier job.

Walls with several layers

Each layer needs its own soak. Plan for the work to take considerably longer, and be ready for repairs afterwards.

Disposal and clean-up

Collect scraps in strong bin bags as you go, since wet paper is heavy and clings to everything. Wipe skirting boards and floors immediately. Wash the wall with warm water and a sponge to remove paste, and rinse until the surface feels smooth, not tacky.

Dealing with safety

• Switch off power to nearby sockets if you will be using a lot of water, and keep water away from fittings. Anything electrical beyond switching off, such as moving or replacing fittings, should be left to a registered electrician.
• Wear gloves, eye protection and a dust mask for scraping.
• Open windows for ventilation when steaming.
• If you suspect old paint underneath, avoid dry scraping and read the guidance on lead paint first.

Is it worth paying someone?

Stripping several rooms is time-consuming and tiring, and rates for professional work vary by region and condition. For large areas, ceilings or difficult walls, a decorator may be quicker, and it is worth asking whether stripping is priced separately.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to remove wallpaper before painting?

Not always. Well-adhered paper in good condition can sometimes be painted, but joins and texture may show. Stripping gives the best base.

Is steaming safe for plasterboard?

Used briefly, yes, but prolonged steam or too much water can soften the paper face of plasterboard. Keep sessions short and avoid saturating one area.

Can I put lining paper over old wallpaper?

Only if the old paper is firmly attached and smooth. Loose or blistered paper will cause problems.

How long should I leave water on wallpaper?

Often 10 to 20 minutes, re-wetting as needed. Painted or vinyl papers must be scored first, otherwise water simply runs off. Do not let the wall become saturated.

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