Removing kids’ wallpaper can be a challenge, especially if it has been in place for several years. However, with the right tools and techniques, you can safely remove the wallpaper without damaging your walls or making a mess. The process doesn’t need to be overwhelming; by taking the time to follow a few simple steps, you can ensure a smooth removal process.
Prepare the room and gather tools:
Before you start removing the kids wallpaper, it’s important to prepare the room to avoid any mess or damage. Begin by removing all furniture from the room or covering it with drop cloths to protect it from water and wallpaper paste. Cover the floor with plastic sheeting or old newspapers to catch any debris. Gather the necessary tools, such as a wallpaper scraper, sponge, spray bottle, wallpaper stripper solution, and a bucket of warm water. Having everything on hand will make the process go much more smoothly.
Test the wallpaper:
Not all wallpapers are the same, and some may be more difficult to remove than others. Before diving in, it’s a good idea to test a small section of the wallpaper. Try to peel back a corner or edge to see how easily it comes off. Some wallpaper has a peel-and-stick backing that can be removed easily, while others may require a bit more effort. If the wallpaper is particularly stubborn, you may need to apply a wallpaper stripper solution or use a steamer to loosen the adhesive.
Apply water or a wallpaper stripper:
For non-peel-and-stick wallpapers, water or a wallpaper stripper solution will help break down the adhesive. Fill a spray bottle with warm water or wallpaper stripper and generously spray it onto the wallpaper. Let the solution sit for 10-15 minutes, allowing it to soak in and loosen the glue beneath. For stubborn wallpaper, you can also use a wallpaper steamer, which works by softening the adhesive, making it easier to peel away.
Peel the wallpaper:
After the wallpaper has had time to soak in the solution, start peeling it off slowly from one corner or edge. Use a wallpaper scraper to help lift the wallpaper off the wall. Be gentle to avoid damaging the wall surface. If the wallpaper comes off in small pieces, simply spray more water or stripper solution to continue loosening it. Work in sections, and be patient—sometimes it takes a bit of time to get the wallpaper to come off in large, clean pieces.