How to Remove Wallpaper: Every Method Explained

Short answer: The removal method depends on your wallpaper type. Peel and stick wallpaper pulls off by hand. Non-woven paste-the-wall wallpaper dry-strips from the corner. Traditional pasted wallpaper needs soaking with warm water or a wallpaper stripper solution before scraping. In all cases, working slowly and pulling at a 45-degree angle protects your walls.

Whether you are refreshing a room, preparing for a new wallpaper design, or restoring walls before moving out of a rental, removing wallpaper does not need to be the dreaded task it once was. Modern wallpapers — particularly peel and stick and non-woven paste-the-wall varieties — are designed with removal in mind.

This guide covers every wallpaper type and removal method, including tips for protecting your walls and repairing any damage afterward.

Before You Begin: Identify Your Wallpaper Type

The single most important step in wallpaper removal is knowing what you are working with. The removal method varies significantly by type.

Wallpaper Type	How to Identify	Removal Method	Difficulty
Peel and stick	Self-adhesive backing, no paste used during application	Dry peel by hand	Very easy
Non-woven paste-the-wall	Thick, fabric-like backing. Paste was applied to wall, not paper	Dry strip from corner	Easy
Traditional pasted	Paper backing. Paste was applied to the paper before hanging	Soak and scrape	Moderate
Vinyl	Plastic/wipeable surface layer over paper backing	Peel vinyl layer, soak backing, scrape	Moderate to hard
Painted-over wallpaper	Paint visible on surface, edges painted over	Score, soak, and scrape	Hard

If you are unsure of the type, test a corner. Gently lift the edge of the wallpaper at a bottom corner. If it peels away cleanly, you likely have peel and stick or non-woven. If it tears or resists, it is probably traditional pasted or vinyl.

Prepare the Room

Wallpaper removal can be messy, particularly when water or steam is involved. Take ten minutes to prepare.

• Move furniture away from the walls or cover with drop sheets.
• Lay plastic sheeting or old towels along the base of the wall to catch water and paper scraps.
• Turn off power at the switchboard to any outlets or switches on the wall you are working on. Water and electricity do not mix.
• Have a rubbish bag or bin nearby for stripped wallpaper.
• Gather your tools: broad scraper or putty knife, spray bottle, sponge, bucket of warm water, and (if needed) wallpaper stripper solution or steamer.

Method 1: Removing Peel and Stick Wallpaper

Peel and stick wallpaper is designed for clean removal. If the walls were properly primed before application, this process takes minutes.

1. Start at a bottom corner. Gently lift the edge with your fingernail or a plastic scraper. Avoid metal tools that can gouge the wall.
2. Pull slowly at a 45-degree angle. A slow, consistent pull gives the adhesive time to release cleanly. Pulling too fast can tear the paper or leave adhesive residue.
3. Work upward. Peel the entire panel from bottom to top, maintaining the 45-degree angle throughout.
4. Remove residue if any. On properly primed walls, peel and stick wallpaper leaves no residue. If some adhesive remains, wipe with a cloth dampened with warm water or a small amount of rubbing alcohol.

Tip for stubborn peel and stick: If the wallpaper resists peeling (common in warm rooms where the adhesive has softened and bonded more aggressively), use a hairdryer on low heat to gently warm the adhesive. This softens it and makes removal easier.

Method 2: Removing Non-Woven Paste-the-Wall Wallpaper

Non-woven (also called vlies or fleece-backed) wallpaper is the modern standard for paste-the-wall application. One of its key advantages is that it dry-strips — meaning you can pull it off without water or steam.

1. Find a seam or corner. Gently lift the edge of a panel where it meets the next panel, or at an external corner.
2. Pull slowly and steadily. Non-woven wallpaper is strong and typically comes away in full sheets rather than tearing into fragments. Pull at a 45-degree angle, working from bottom to top.
3. Remove the full panel. You should be able to remove entire panels in one piece. If the wallpaper was applied over unprimed walls, it may resist more — apply warm water with a sponge and wait five minutes before trying again.
4. Wipe down the wall. Remove any remaining paste with a damp sponge and warm water.

Method 3: Removing Traditional Pasted Wallpaper — Soak and Scrape

Traditional wallpaper where paste was applied to the paper requires moisture to reactivate and dissolve the adhesive. This is where removal gets more involved.

Using warm water and wallpaper stripper solution:

1. Mix your solution. Add wallpaper stripper concentrate to warm water according to the product directions. Alternatively, mix one part white vinegar to three parts warm water.
2. Apply generously. Using a spray bottle, paint roller, or large sponge, saturate the wallpaper with the solution. The paper needs to be thoroughly wet — not just damp.
3. Wait 10-15 minutes. Allow the solution to penetrate and dissolve the adhesive. You will know it is working when the paper starts to bubble or sag slightly.
4. Scrape with a broad knife. Starting at a seam or corner, slide your scraper under the paper at a shallow angle. Keep the blade flat against the wall to avoid gouging. Work in sections.
5. Re-wet stubborn areas. If sections dry out before you reach them, apply more solution and wait again.
6. Remove backing layer. Some traditional wallpapers have a decorative layer that peels off first, leaving a paper backing on the wall. Soak this backing layer again and scrape it away.

Using a wallpaper steamer:

Steamers are the heavy-duty option for stubborn wallpapers, multiple layers, or large areas.

1. Fill the steamer with water and allow it to heat up (typically 10-15 minutes).
2. Hold the steam plate against the wallpaper for 20-30 seconds. You will see the paper begin to darken and soften.
3. Move the plate and scrape. Hold the steam plate on the next section while you scrape the section you just steamed. This assembly-line approach is efficient.
4. Work from the bottom up. Steam rises, so starting at the bottom means the steam helps soften the paper above your current working area.

Caution: Steamers produce very hot steam. Wear gloves, keep the steam plate away from your face, and be careful of drips. Do not over-steam plasterboard, as excessive moisture can damage the paper surface of the board.

Method 4: Removing Vinyl Wallpaper

Vinyl wallpaper has a waterproof surface layer that prevents water from penetrating to the adhesive. Removal is a two-stage process.

1. Peel the vinyl layer. Lift a corner of the wallpaper and pull. The vinyl surface layer often peels away from the paper backing relatively easily.
2. Soak and scrape the backing. With the vinyl layer removed, the paper backing is exposed. Treat it the same as traditional wallpaper — soak with warm water and stripper solution, wait, then scrape.

If the vinyl layer will not peel cleanly, score it with a wallpaper scoring tool (a small handheld device with tiny wheels that perforate the surface). This allows water or steam to penetrate through the vinyl to the adhesive beneath.

Removing Painted-Over Wallpaper

Painted-over wallpaper is the most challenging removal scenario. The paint seals the wallpaper surface, preventing water penetration, and the paint at the edges bonds the wallpaper even more firmly to the wall.

1. Score the surface thoroughly with a wallpaper scoring tool. Create a dense pattern of perforations.
2. Apply hot water with stripper solution and allow 15-20 minutes to penetrate.
3. Steam stubborn sections. A steamer is almost always necessary for painted-over wallpaper.
4. Scrape carefully. The combination of paint and paper can be thick and difficult to manage. Work in small sections.

Wall Repair After Wallpaper Removal

Even careful removal may leave minor wall damage. Here is how to restore your walls to a smooth, ready-to-decorate finish.

• Remove all adhesive residue. Wash the entire wall with warm water and a sponge. Any remaining paste will interfere with paint adhesion or cause problems with new wallpaper.
• Fill gouges and lifted areas. Apply lightweight filler to any scraper marks, torn paper, or damaged plasterboard. Allow to dry fully.
• Sand smooth. Use 120-grit sandpaper to smooth filled areas and create an even surface.
• Prime before decorating. Whether you plan to paint or re-wallpaper, prime the walls first. This is especially important after wallpaper removal, as the wall surface may absorb unevenly.

Rental Property Tips

If you are renting, wallpaper removal requires extra care to protect your bond.

• Use peel and stick wallpaper on primed walls. This combination allows for the cleanest possible removal. Olive et Oriel peel and stick wallpaper is designed specifically for this purpose.
• Prime before you apply. Even if the walls are already painted, a coat of wallpaper primer makes removal dramatically easier and protects the paint underneath.
• Take photos before and after. Document the wall condition before applying wallpaper and after removal, in case of any bond disputes.
• Test in a hidden area first. Before committing to a full wall, apply a small piece behind a door or in a wardrobe. Remove it after 48 hours to confirm it comes away cleanly.
• Keep touch-up paint. Ask your landlord or property manager for the wall paint colour, or take a chip to the paint shop for matching. Having touch-up paint on hand covers any minor marks from removal.

Samples and pricing: Order a wallpaper sample for $4.99 AUD to test the material and colour in your space before committing. Full wallpaper panels are priced based on your custom wall dimensions — Pricing is calculated based on your custom wall dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest way to remove wallpaper?

The easiest wallpapers to remove are peel and stick and non-woven paste-the-wall types, which can both be dry-stripped by peeling slowly from a corner. No water, steam, or chemicals are required. If your wallpaper was applied over properly primed walls, removal is straightforward regardless of type.

How do you remove wallpaper without damaging the wall?

Work slowly and pull at a consistent 45-degree angle. Never yank or rip wallpaper quickly, as this tears the paper surface of plasterboard. Use a broad scraper held flat against the wall rather than digging in at an angle. If resistance is high, apply more water or steam to soften the adhesive before continuing.

Do I need a steamer to remove wallpaper?

Not always. Steamers are most useful for traditional pasted wallpapers and vinyl wallpapers that resist water penetration. Peel and stick and non-woven paste-the-wall wallpaper typically do not require a steamer.

How do you remove wallpaper paste residue?

Wipe the wall with a sponge and warm water to dissolve and remove residual paste. For stubborn residue, mix a tablespoon of white vinegar per litre of warm water, or use a commercial wallpaper adhesive remover. Allow the solution to soak for five minutes before wiping clean.

Can I paint over wallpaper instead of removing it?

Painting over wallpaper is possible but not recommended. The seams, texture, and any bubbles will show through paint. Moisture from paint can also reactivate the adhesive, causing bubbling and peeling. Removing the wallpaper first always produces a better result.

How long does it take to remove wallpaper?

Peel and stick wallpaper takes 15-30 minutes per wall. Non-woven paste-the-wall takes 30-60 minutes per wall. Traditional pasted wallpaper takes 1-3 hours per wall depending on how many layers exist and whether the walls were primed before application.

How do I remove wallpaper in a rental property?

If you applied peel and stick wallpaper to properly primed walls, removal should be clean and damage-free. Pull slowly at a 45-degree angle and wipe any residue with warm water. Always check your lease and take before-and-after photos.

Can I wallpaper over existing wallpaper?

It is possible but not ideal. Wallpapering over existing paper risks bubbling, peeling, and a lumpy finish. For the best result, remove the old wallpaper first. Read our wallpaper installation guide for full details on preparing walls for new wallpaper.

Ready for your next wallpaper project? Browse our full range of peel and stick wallpaper, or learn how to measure your room for your next installation. Need help with textured walls? Our guide to wallpapering over textured walls covers everything you need to know.