How to Remove Wallpaper with Wickes

In this video, you will learn how to effectively strip wallpaper back to the original plaster to ensure a flawless surface for your next project. We will detail the three essential steps to success:

1. Manual Preparation and Scoring
2. Soaking and Softening
3. The Stripping and Cleaning Process

While painting over wallpaper might seem like a quick fix, the best finish is always obtained by stripping the paper back. Taking the time to do this now prevents peeling and uneven textures later, giving you a professional result that lasts.

Below you can find the step-by-step guide for for removing wallpaper:

Score, Soak & Strip:

1. Put on a pair of gloves and lightly score the paper with a Stanley knife being careful not to damage the underlying plaster.
2. Soak the paper using a sponge and hot water. Let the paper soak for 5 minutes.
3. Work your stripping knife into the scores and scrape the paper off the plaster wall behind.

Chemical Stripper:

1. Ensure you're wearing goggles, a dust mask, gloves, protective clothing when using chemical stripper.
2. Soak the wallpaper in chemical stripper by following the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Allow time for the chemical to soak before stripping the wallpaper.

Steam Stripper:

If you’re working on a large area, steam stripping is the best method. If you’re stripping an area higher up the wall apply the steam from up a step ladder to avoid hot water running down your arm and take extra care around woodwork, switches, sockets and fittings.

1. Fill the stripper's tank with water, switch it on and hold the plate against the area of wallpaper you’re trying to strip.
2. Once the steam has penetrated the paper - which usually takes 15 seconds, strip the paper using a stripping knife. If any areas aren't stripping easily, re-steam them and try again but don’t let the steamer run low on water as this could damage the machine.

Once the paper is removed, clean the area using sugar soap.

Find all the information and advice you need for your painting project by visiting our Ideas & Advice section: spklr.io/6003BcjjW

For more painting tips and techniques, head over to our painting and decorating how-to guides: spklr.io/6001BcjeD

Watch more helpful DIY videos from Wickes below

Shop Wallpaper here: spklr.io/6007BvYbl
Shop a Wallpaper Stream Stripper here: spklr.io/6002BvYl8

Watch more videos from our Painting, Decorating & Finishing list and learn how to wallpaper a room, fit coving, or paint interior woodwork!

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youtu.be/2q4GmPzQUK8
youtu.be/911StYlz1vM

Subscribe to the Wickes YouTube channel here: youtube.com/user/wickesvideo

For more tips and general advice on how to do it yourself from Wickes, you can visit:

Wickes Website: wickes.co.uk/
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