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  4. Home Decorating: Wallpaper Removal

Interiors & Decorating

Inspiration and advice on interior design, decorating styles, colour schemes and home aesthetics.

Interiors & Decorating

Home Decorating: Wallpaper Removal

When it comes to home decorating, wallpaper removal can be a laborious task. And risky, too. Whether you are a seasoned pro or are dabbling in DIY for the first time, wallpaper removal is likely to go one of two ways. The success of the process depends on a range of factors including the technique and tools that you use, but the biggest factor is what type of surface you are removing your wallpaper from. Stripping wallpaper from drywall is challenging, but stripping walls that have been papered straight on plaster can be disastrous. Here’s what you need to know before you start.

When it comes to home decorating, wallpaper removal can be a laborious task. And risky, too. Whether you are a seasoned pro or are dabbling in DIY for the first time, wallpaper removal is likely to go one of two ways. The success of the process depends on a range of factors including the technique and tools that you use, but the biggest factor is what type of surface you are removing your wallpaper from. Stripping wallpaper from drywall is challenging, but stripping walls that have been papered straight on plaster can be disastrous. Here’s what you need to know before you start.

Review your options

Before you get kitted out and start attacking the wallpaper, consider whether the job is essential. This will very much depend on the type of wallpaper that you want to get rid of, and what you want to replace it with. If you want to paper or paint over wallpaper that is in good condition, just not to your taste, you may be better off using a lining paper and papering or painting on top of it to avoid the risks associated with wallpaper stripping. However, if your current paper is textured or in bad condition, you will probably need to remove it in order to get a good finish. If you live in an older home or you suspect that previous owners may have papered straight onto plaster, it may be worth getting a professional painter and decorator to help you.

Get the kit

As tempting as it may be to start scraping away immediately, as with all DIY projects, it pays to plan properly and make sure that you have everything you need. Essentially, wallpaper is similar to the sticky labels you find on jars, so the best way to remove it is by applying water and heat. Applying a chemical solution which you spray on the wallpaper to dissolve the adhesives can work adequately for smaller rooms, but for larger areas, it is worth investing in a proper wallpaper steamer, which you can rent or buy from most DIY shops. To steam your wallpaper, you will need:

  • A wallpaper steamer and spare steaming pad
  • Putty knife
  • Orbital scorer
  • Plastic sheeting
  • Access to clean water

Prep your area

Before you can get onto the “fun” bit, it is very helpful if you spend some time prepping – any time prepping will save you twice as much time clearing up. Clear the room as much as you can; wallpaper removal is a surprisingly messy job! Anything that can’t be moved out should be moved to the middle of the room and covered up. Disconnect the electricity to avoid the risks associated with water or steam seeping into the sockets.

Once your area is prepared, you are ready to strip! Follow us on Facebook or Twitter or head straight to next week’s instalment, which fills you in on the do's and don’ts of wallpaper stripping to help you get a great finish.

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Looking for more interiors & decorating advice?

Find clear, practical answers to common interiors & decorating questions, helping homeowners understand everyday issues, know what checks they can carry out safely, and when it is best to contact a qualified professional.

  • What is the difference between a painter and a decorator?

    A painter focuses on applying paint - walls, ceilings, woodwork. A decorator does all of that but also handles wallpaper, specialist finishes, surface prep, and can advise on colours and materials. Many professionals do both and call themselves painters and decorators. For a straightforward repaint, a painter is fine. If you want wallpaper, something specialist, or someone to help you make decisions about the finish, go with a decorator.

  • How many coats of paint does a professional decorator apply?

    For most walls, it's a primer or mist coat, then two topcoats. New plaster, bare surfaces, or a big colour change might need more preparation or extra coats. Cutting corners on coats or using cheap paint are the most common ways to get a finish that looks fine at first and starts showing its age within a year. A trusted decorator always prepares the surface properly and won't rush between coats.

  • How do I prepare my home before a decorator arrives?

    Move furniture away from the walls and take down pictures, mirrors, and anything fixed to the walls. If you can strip old wallpaper yourself beforehand, it'll save time on site. Make sure every part of the room is accessible and well-lit. Talk through surface prep with the decorator in advance - a good one will tell you exactly what they need before they can start.

  • How do I know if my walls need replastering before decorating?

    If there are significant cracks, areas that sound hollow when you tap them, persistent damp, or large patches that are flaking or badly uneven - replastering first will give a much better result. Decorating over problem plaster looks fine initially but every imperfection tends to show through, especially with modern matt paints. A decorator can assess whether full replastering or careful preparation and skim coating will get you where you want to be.

  • What are the most popular interior design styles right now?

    There's been a pretty clear shift away from the all-grey, everything-neutral look of the 2010s. Warmer tones are dominating - clay, terracotta, stone, off-white - with natural materials like linen, rattan, and solid timber replacing high-gloss finishes. Biophilic design (plants, natural light, organic shapes) has gone from trend to standard practice. There's also a real appetite for spaces that feel personal and collected rather than showroom-ready - bold wallpaper, layered textiles, and period features being celebrated rather than painted over.

  • How long does a full home decorating project typically take?

    A single room in good condition typically takes a professional two to three days. A full house - particularly an older property that needs a little more care beforehand - can take several weeks. The part that often catches people off guard is the preparation: stripping wallpaper, filling, sanding, and priming all take a good amount of time, and doing them properly really does make all the difference to the finished result.

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