DIY tips from Chris Farr: No. 3 How to Remove Wallpaper Using A Wallpaper Steamer

Once upon a time, most homes had wallpaper, Often in older properties, the wallpaper was changed every few years, as the fashions changed. Although it became less popular, it is now coming back in fashion. So whether you are painting the wall or hanging new wallpaper, it’s always best to start with a stripped wall.

Wallpaper removal can be a very tedious and overwhelming task, but you can save a lot of time and energy by using a professional wallpaper steamer. For removing multiple layers or paper that has been painted over, only a professional steamer will be up to the task. You can hire a professional unit for only £10 a day or £20 a week from Ultraquick Hire.

Before starting the job, protect the floors and surrounding area. 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 skirting boards, mouldings and other fittings with masking tape.

Score the surface of the wallpaper with a scoring tool. Roll this 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 holes in the wall that will have to be patched later.

Wear protective gloves when doing wallpaper removal and when working with the wallpaper steamer.

Follow the operating instruction of the steamer and using a scraper tool, work from the floor up. Finish off with a wet sponge to ensure all the small bits of paper and glue are removed.

Now you’re ready to paper or paint your walls again.

Chris Farr is manager at the Maidenhead Tool Hire Shop

Tel : 01628 638242 Email : chris@ultraquickhire.co.uk

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