How to Get Old Wallpaper Off the Walls and Then Paint Them

Spread a piece of plastic sheeting over the floor beneath your papered wall. Mix one cup of vinegar with nine cups of hot water in a bucket. Stir these ingredients together. Apply the warm solution to your papered wall by dabbing it onto the wall with a soft sponge, wetting the entire surface of the papered wall. Let the solution remain on the wall for about 30 minutes.

Press your fingernail between the paper along the edge of the wall or along a joint. Gently peel up the edge of the paper, working your fingers under a corner section. Peel the damp paper back slowly to avoid tearing. Peel off as much of the paper as possible. Spread more vinegar and water solution over the stubborn areas of wallpaper. Let the solution soak in for 30 minutes. Scrape away the remaining paper with a rubber wallpaper scraper. Wash off all traces of stubborn glue with your sponge and vinegar solution. Let the wall dry completely.

Prime the bare wall surface with an interior paint primer. Use a roller with a smooth nap to provide even coverage on the flat wall surface. Let the primer dry for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer.

Paint the first coat of colored paint over the dry primer. Use a small paintbrush to apply the paint to the corners and edges of the wall. Let the first coat of paint dry and apply the second coat to create an even and smooth appearance over the surface of your finished wall.