(ARA) – When most people undertake a painting project, it’s not the actual painting that they dread, it is the preparation. And when preparation means removing wallpaper, it’s particularly difficult. If your dated wallpaper bothers you, but you keep finding excuses to avoid the project, it’s time to take charge. Removing wallpaper doesn’t have to be difficult.

“There are a variety of tools that professionals use to help make painting jobs go faster,” comments Denis Tierney, a Product Manager at Wagner Spray Tech, an industry leader in painting technology. “Wallpaper was popular in the past but today much of it is old and people want to remove it without having a lot of hassle. With the right steps, it won’t be a job that you’ll loath.”

When it comes to stripping wallpaper, there are a variety of techniques, but some are easier than others. First, take a look at the wall you will be working with. Prepare the area by moving furniture from the room or at least moving it to the middle. Cover furniture and flooring at the bottom of the wall because the glue from the wallpaper is very sticky and can be difficult to remove once on fabric or carpet.

Using a steamer can be a huge time saver and is a popular wallpaper removal tool for professionals and interior designers alike. Steamers can be rented or purchased. Because they can be used for multiple tasks, such as cleaning tile, stove tops and other sanitizing purposes, it might be a great time to invest in one for your home.

For example, the new Wagner 905 Power Steamer is a pressurized system that removes wallpaper up to 20 percent faster than other steamers, saving you time. This steamer works without chemicals so you can be proud you aren’t putting additional waste into the environment or into the air you are breathing.

Start by scoring the wallpaper. Remember, you don’t want to damage the wall underneath so it is ideal to invest in a special scoring tool that properly perforates the wallpaper before steaming and stripping.

Next, apply steam to the wallpaper and slowly pull the paper to remove it from the wall. If your wallpaper is old, one swipe might be all you need for removal as older adhesives can be more susceptible to moisture. Newer wallpaper has better glue technology and might be more difficult and require additional scoring and steam application.

After you remove a piece of wallpaper, it is a good idea to take a damp, warm rag and gently wipe the area to remove excess glue that might remain on the wall. If the glue begins to harden, simply soften it with a quick swipe of your steamer.

Allow time for the wall to properly dry. Once dry, examine any dents or damages that have affected the wall while the wallpaper was applied or as it was being removed. This is the time to repair any damaged areas to ensure the best looking results. Use putty or plaster on any larger holes and consider priming the entire wall prior to painting. Once the wall is clean and smooth, you have a new canvas on which to paint your home’s personality.    AWC Staff