How to Remove Wallpaper Using A Wallpaper Steamer

Wallpaper removal can be a very tedious and overwhelming task, but you can save a lot of time and energy by using a wallpaper steamer. If you attempt wallpaper removal in a large room without using a wallpaper steamer, it could take hours to remove.

If you suspect that the wallpaper is very old, the wallpaper removal is likely to be more difficult which makes a wallpaper steamer an ideal choice.

The wallpaper steamer is also a smart tool for painters and handy-man professionals who frequently complete wallpaper removal jobs. The wallpaper steamer speeds up the wallpaper removal process by heating up the glue beneath the surface, which loosens everything and makes it easier to scrape and remove.

Here's how you can go about using a wallpaper steamer to tackle your wallpaper removal project.

Wallpaper steamer
Scoring tool for wallpaper
Drop cloths
Gloves
Scraping tool

Instructions

- 1
  Rent a wallpaper steamer from your local hardware store or home improvement store. Renting a wallpaper steamer is obviously best if you only plan on using it for removing wallpaper for a one-time project around the house.
- 2
  Buy a handy wallpaper removal tool called the paper tiger, or a similar scoring tool for removing wallpaper. When removing wallpaper, this tool should be used to properly score the wall before using the wallpaper steamer.
- 3
  Protect the floors and surrounding area before you begin wallpaper removal. Small pieces of paper and glue particles will become messy when removing wallpaper. Use drop cloths to cover the floor and move furniture or other belongings out of the work area. You might want to protect baseboard or molding with tape.
- 4
  Score the surface of the wallpaper by rolling the paper tiger over the entire area of the wall in a circular motion. The tiny spikes on the bottom of this tool will create small holes that help the heat from the wallpaper steamer penetrate the glue underneath. Don't push down too hard when using this tool, otherwise it will create deeper holes in the wall that will have to be patched later.
- 5
  Connect the hose and the hot plate to the wallpaper steamer accordingly. Make sure everything is connected properly.
- 6
  Fill the tank of the wallpaper steamer with water. Be sure to follow the instructions according to the particular wallpaper steamer model you're using. Do not over fill the water tank.
- 7
  Place a cooking sheet or a similar metal object on the floor. You will need to use this to rest the wallpaper steamer on while you're finishing removing wallpaper pieces by hand. Do not rest the wallpaper steamer directly on carpeting, drop cloths or plastic.
- 8
  Plug in the wallpaper steamer to the nearest outlet.
- 9
  Allow the wallpaper steamer to begin heating up. You'll begin to see steam coming off of the hot plate.
- 10
  Wear protective gloves when doing wallpaper removal and when working with the wallpaper steamer.
- 11
  After you have allowed the wallpaper steamer to heat up a bit, press the hot plate flat against the wallpaper.
- 12
  Move the hot plate of the wallpaper steamer back and forth over the surface long enough to heat the glue.
- 13
  Rest the steamer against the protective metal object that you chose, when you've finished steaming a section. Begin the wallpaper removal by scraping the wall using a taping knife. Scrape off the glue and pieces of paper thoroughly. The wallpaper should come off a lot faster after it's been heated long enough, making the wallpaper removal less strenuous and less time consuming.

Techniques for Wallpaper Removal

How to Remove Wallpaper Glue Before Painting

Wallpaper