How do I Remove a Wallpaper Backing?

Removing wallpaper is a time-consuming task. Even after you have removed the face of the wallpaper, the backing often remains stuck to the walls. It is necessary to remove the backing so the paint, new wallpaper or other wall covering will properly adhere to the walls. Use the right products and methods to remove wallpaper backing quickly and effectively.

Spray bottle
Fabric softener
4- or 6-inch plastic putty knife
Trisodium phosphate
Rags

Instructions

- 1
  Fill a spray bottle with equal parts hot water and fabric softener. Shake up the bottle to mix the ingredients.
- 2
  Spray the solution onto the wall that has backing. Let it soak on the wall for about 10 minutes. If the entire wall is covered with backing, work in sections of about 4 by 4 feet so the solution does not dry before you can get the backing off.
- 3
  Scrape the backing from the wall with a 4- or 6-inch plastic putty knife. Apply more fabric softener solution and continue scraping until all the backing is off.
- 4
  Wash the walls with a mixture of 1 cup of trisodium phosphate and 1 gallon of hot water. This will remove any remaining glue or residue.

Natural Way to Remove Wallpaper

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