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How to Remove Wallpaper From a Plaster Wall

By SF Gate Contributor Updated October 18, 2021

Removing wallpaper from plastered walls isn’t much different from removing wallpaper from drywall. Both take time and effort, unless you have peelable wallpaper. Though less common on plaster walls because it’s a modern type of wallpaper, peelable wallpaper is easier to remove, though you may still encounter stubborn spots. The main thing to watch out for with plaster is the condition of the walls beneath the wallpaper. Plastered walls may be damaged or crumbling. In the past, wallpaper would be used to cover imperfections in plaster. Once the wallpaper’s removed, you may be facing significant repair work on the plaster itself.

Using Wallpaper Remover

  • Take Proper Safety Precautions
  • Attach plastic sheeting to baseboards with painter’s tape. This will protect the baseboards and floor from falling wet wallpaper.
  • Score the Paper
  • Score the wallpaper with a scoring tool, instructs Roman. Be careful not to be too aggressive and damage the plaster underneath. The goal is to rough up the wallpaper enough so that the wallpaper remover can seep underneath it and loosen it from the wall.
  • Prepare the Wallpaper Remover
  • Dilute 5 ounces of wallpaper remover in a gallon of water and fill a spray bottle with this mixture. Spray the walls with wallpaper remover. Be sure to wear chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection.
  • Scrape Away the Wallpaper
  • Scrape the wallpaper off with a 3- or 4-inch scraper blade. Respray the remaining wallpaper with remover and repeat. Be careful not to gouge the plaster with the edge of the scraper blade.
  • Apply the Wallpaper Remover
  • Spray the walls with wallpaper remover once all the wallpaper is gone and scrape away any residual glue.
  • Rinse the Walls
  • Rinse the walls with clean water, wiping down with a sponge to remove the last of the glue residue.
  • Wait for the Walls to Dry
  • Allow the walls to dry 24 to 48 hours. Repair any cracks, holes or crumbling sections of plaster before painting or wallpapering again.

Using a Steamer

  • Take Proper Safety Precautions
  • Protect the floor and baseboards with plastic sheeting.
  • Score the Wallpaper
  • Score the wallpaper with a scoring tool.
  • Obtain a Steamer
  • Rent a steamer. Be sure you understand how to operate it before leaving the rental store and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. You’ll be working with hot steam. It’s a safe process if you exercise caution.
  • Prepare the Steamer
  • Fill the reservoir with water and turn the machine on. Do not pour water into the reservoir while the machine is running. Wait for the water to boil.
  • Apply the Steam and Scrape
  • Place the steam pad on the wallpaper for about 30 seconds. Move the pad and begin to scrape the paper, instructs Tips Bulletin. Repeat the steam-and-scrape process until finished. Be careful not to apply too much steam and damage the plaster.

Using Peelable Wallpaper

  • Test the Wallpaper
  • Test the wallpaper to see if it is peelable. Start at a corner and begin peeling the wallpaper back. If it removes easily, you have peelable wallpaper.
  • Peel Away the Wallpaper
  • Continue by grabbing the corners at the bottom of the wall and peeling the wallpaper off. You may need to use a putty knife to get under the wallpaper.
  • Scrape Away Any Remaining Wallpaper
  • Remove stubborn sections with a razor knife held perpendicular to the wall, pulling the paper off with your fingers. Be careful not to gouge the plaster or cut yourself with the razor knife. Wet the wall to remove any remaining backing on the wallpaper.

Tip

No matter which method you use, you’ll need to remove all switch and outlet plates, wall hangings, nails and sconces.