How to Remove Wallpaper and Apply Paint (Without the Headache)
Wallpaper might have been trendy at some point—but if you’re staring at floral patterns from the ’80s or peeling borders from the early 2000s, it’s probably time for a change. Good news: with a little patience (and elbow grease), you can remove that wallpaper and give your space a fresh, modern coat of paint.
Here’s your step-by-step guide to go from dated to dreamy—without destroying your walls in the process.
🧰 What You’ll Need:
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Drop cloths or plastic sheeting
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Painter’s tape
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Scoring tool
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Spray bottle or wallpaper removal solution
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Putty knife or wallpaper scraper
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Sponge or cloth
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Bucket of warm water
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Mild soap or adhesive remover
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Sandpaper (fine grit)
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Primer (preferably stain-blocking or oil-based)
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Paint and painting supplies (brushes, rollers, tray)
🧱 Step 1: Prep the Room
Protect your floors and furniture by covering them with plastic or drop cloths. Turn off power to outlets and light switches nearby and remove cover plates. Tape off any trim or moldings.
🧽 Step 2: Loosen the Wallpaper
You’ll need to get that wallpaper adhesive softened up before peeling it off.
Option 1: With Water
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Use a scoring tool to gently puncture the wallpaper so water can soak in.
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Fill a spray bottle or garden sprayer with hot water and spray generously over a small section (about 3×3 feet).
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Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to loosen the glue.
Option 2: With Wallpaper Remover
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Buy a commercial wallpaper remover and follow the label instructions.
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These are especially helpful for stubborn, older adhesives.
🔧 Step 3: Peel and Scrape
Once it’s soaked, use a putty knife or wallpaper scraper to gently lift and remove the paper. Start at a seam or corner and work slowly to avoid gouging the drywall.
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For tough spots, spray more water or solution and let it sit again.
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Be patient—some wallpaper comes off in sheets, others in tiny annoying pieces.
🧼 Step 4: Clean the Walls
After removing the paper, you’ll likely have leftover glue on the walls.
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Use a sponge and warm soapy water (or adhesive remover) to wash down the walls.
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Rinse with clean water and let everything dry completely before moving on.
🪵 Step 5: Sand and Patch (If Needed)
Check for damage or rough spots. Lightly sand any uneven areas, fill holes or dings with spackle, then sand smooth once dry.
Pro tip: Run your hand over the wall—if it feels gritty or sticky, it’s not ready yet.
🧱 Step 6: Prime the Walls
Before painting, apply a high-quality primer to:
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Seal in any leftover adhesive or stains
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Create an even surface for your paint to stick
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Prevent peeling or bubbling later
Oil-based or stain-blocking primers work best if you’re unsure how much glue is left behind.
🎨 Step 7: Paint!
Now comes the fun part! Once your primer is dry:
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Cut in along edges and corners with a brush
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Use a roller to fill in the larger areas
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Let dry, then apply a second coat if needed
Boom—you’ve just transformed your space.
Final Thoughts
Removing wallpaper and painting your walls takes time, but it’s so worth it. You’ll end up with a smooth, clean look that’s timeless and easy to maintain. Just remember: prep is everything.
Feeling overwhelmed? At SERVPRO of Burlington/Woburn, we don’t just handle disaster cleanup—we’re experts at wall restoration, painting, and home refreshes. Let us do the hard work so you can enjoy the results.
