wall paper removal

Lets face it, some houses in Elkhart, IN are pretty old and probably still have the original wall paper up.  Are your walls covered in old, outdated wallpaper? Would you like to replace that wallpaper with a clean, fresh coat of paint? Here are some tips you can use to remove your wallpaper and update the look of your room.

First, determine what kind of wallpaper you have. Find a low corner of a wallpaper strip and with a putty knife, gently lift the corner up. If it comes away easily, it's strippable wallpaper. Strippable wallpaper is designed for easy removal; just pull slowly and evenly with both hands.

If only the top layer peels away, or if the wallpaper does not come off easily, you will need to strip the wallpaper. There are several options to try.

Home Remedy Solutions

For an easy, inexpensive wallpaper removal solution, mix vinegar in a one to one ratio with very hot water. Spray a section of wallpaper, let it soak for 5-10 minutes, then scrape away with a putty knife. If the solution did not soak through, try creating small holes in the wallpaper with sandpaper or a wallpaper scoring tool before spraying again.

Another option is to do the same process with fabric softener. Again, mix fabric softener one to one with hot water. Spray and let soak for a few minutes before attempting to pull off the wallpaper. Be sure to spray the wallpaper in sections so you can peel it off before the solution dries.

For tough jobs, you can buy a wallpaper stripping solution at a home improvement store. Follow the instructions on the label for mixing the concentrate with water and spraying on your wallpaper.

A wallpaper steamer can also be used to remove wallpaper. You may choose to rent or buy a steamer from a home improvement store. Prepare your walls by scoring or sanding the wallpaper so the steam can get through. Then follow the steamer instructions to steam the walls. Once the glue is loose, you can scrape the wallpaper away.

How much does it cost to remove wallpaper and paint a room?

If you remove wallpaper yourself, the process is very inexpensive. A container of wallpaper removal solution can be bought for around $20, and will be enough to take care of a large room. If you use vinegar or fabric softenener, the costs may be even less. Rental of a steamer depends on how long you need it, but runs about $30 per day.

If you prefer not to remove wallpaper yourself, a wallpaper removal service is a great option. We at Michiana Paint offer wallpaper removal as one of our many services. Prices vary depending on the size of the job, the type of walls your home has, and other factors. Please contact us for a personal estimate. Many people find that it is worth the cost to avoid the hassle and complications of removing wallpaper themselves.

Prices for painting vary depending on the size of the room as well. For a painting estimate, please contact Michiana Paint and we will be happy to serve your needs. We are anxious to serve you with our team of highly qualified professionals.