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Wallpaper Removal Made Simple: A Pro’s Step-by-Step Guide

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Steps to Remove Wallpaper from Walls | Birla Opus Paints

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Removing wallpaper can feel intimidating, especially if you’re dealing with stubborn glue, multiple layers, or ageing walls. But once you understand the right methods and use tools for removal, the task becomes surprisingly manageable. 

 

Learning how to remove wallpaper easily can save you time, effort and prevent unnecessary wall damage. Let’s get into it.

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

  1. Introduction
  2. Understanding Wallpaper Removal
  3. Essential Tools for Wallpaper Removal
  4. Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Wallpaper Easily
  5. Aftercare: Preparing Walls for Painting or New Wallpaper
  6. A Clean Start for Your Space
  7. Explore the Next Steps
  8. FAQs

 

 

Understanding Wallpaper Removal

 

Removing wallpaper is much more than tugging at a loose corner and hoping the entire sheet comes off in one go. Most wallpapers adhere tightly with glue, paste, or pressure-sensitive adhesive, so you’ll need to loosen those layers before the actual peeling starts. The trick to removing wallpaper without damage lies in understanding what you’re working with.

 

Different wallpaper types require different approaches:

 

  • Vinyl wallpaper is water-resistant, making it harder for moisture to penetrate. It usually needs scoring or steaming.
  • Traditional paper wallpaper absorbs water easily and tends to peel faster.
  • Textured wallpaper may have raised patterns that trap adhesive, requiring more thorough soaking.
  • Peel-and-stick wallpaper is the simplest to remove but may still leave behind adhesive patches.
  • Fabric-backed or heavy-duty wallpaper often needs steaming and multiple rounds of soaking.

 

Before you learn how to remove wallpaper from a wall, take a few minutes to identify the type you’re dealing with. This helps you choose the right tools, solutions, and techniques, ultimately saving you hours of frustration. With the right prep and the best tools for wallpaper removal, even thick, stubborn wallpaper peels off with far less effort.

 

 

Essential Tools for Wallpaper Removal

 

Having the correct tools makes all the difference between a smooth process and a tedious one. Here are the must-haves for anyone learning how to remove wallpaper easily:

 

  • Wallpaper scraper or putty knife: Ideal for lifting edges, scraping residue, and gently loosening panels.
  • Scoring tool: Helps perforate thick or vinyl wallpaper so water or remover can seep in.
  • Spray bottle or sponge: Allows controlled application of warm water or wallpaper removal solution.
  • Wallpaper steamer (optional but very effective): Especially useful for layered or glue-heavy wallpapers.
  • Bucket and gloves: Keep your hands protected and make cleaning easier.
  • Drop cloths or plastic sheets: Protect floors, skirting boards, and furniture from drips, glue, and debris.

 

Investing in some or all of these keeps the process clean, controlled, and safe. Many DIY beginners make the mistake of using knives or overly sharp tools, but these can cause gouges or dents on plaster walls. A scraper and scoring tool is essential for removing wallpaper without damage.

 

 

 

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Wallpaper Easily

 

Below is the ultimate wallpaper removal guide that homeowners, decorators, and professionals can rely on. Follow these steps closely for the safest and the easiest results.

 

 

Step 1: Prepare the Room

 

Good preparation leads to cleaner, faster work. 

 

  • Start by clearing the room as much as possible. 
  • Move furniture away from the walls or cover it securely with drop cloths to protect it from moisture, glue, and dust. 
  • Lay down plastic sheets or old newspapers on the floor so you don’t have to deal with messy drips later. 
  • Turn off the power to all electrical outlets and carefully remove switch plates and socket covers to prevent water from seeping into electrical points when you begin spraying the walls.

 

 

Step 2: Score the Wallpaper

 

Once the room is prepared, lightly score the wallpaper using a wallpaper scoring tool. This creates tiny perforations across the surface, allowing water or wallpaper removal solution to penetrate the paper and reach the adhesive underneath. 

 

You don’t want to press too hard at this stage, as deep pressure can cause dents or scratches on the plaster. Scoring is particularly important when dealing with vinyl or washable wallpapers, which are designed to resist moisture.

 

 

Step 3: Apply Water or Wallpaper Removal Solution

 

After scoring, apply warm water or your chosen wallpaper removal solution thoroughly over the entire surface.

 

  • A spray bottle works best for even coverage, but a sponge can also help in soaking tricky sections. 
  • Ensure the wall becomes uniformly damp and leave the solution to absorb for around 5-15 minutes, depending on the wallpaper type and age. This soaking period is essential because it softens the adhesive, making the paper much easier to peel away. 
  • If the wallpaper seems stubborn or still feels dry, simply repeat the application until the paste loosens properly.

 

 

Step 4: Peel the Wallpaper

 

When the adhesive has softened, begin peeling the wallpaper starting from a loose corner or seam.

 

  • Use a scraper or putty knife to gently lift the edge, keeping your movements slow and controlled so you don’t accidentally gouge the wall. 
  • Pull the wallpaper back at a steady angle, so larger sections come off cleanly. 
  • One of the best professional wallpaper removal tips is never to force stubborn patches. Simply re-soak the area and let the moisture do the work, which helps prevent unnecessary wall damage.

 

 

Step 5: Remove Residual Adhesive

 

Once all the wallpaper is off, you will likely find patches of glue still clinging to the wall. This leftover adhesive needs to be removed completely to ensure a clean, smooth surface.

 

  • Dampen a sponge with warm water or apply a specialised adhesive remover, then gently scrub the wall in circular motions. 
  • The heat and moisture help loosen the sticky residue, so it wipes away more easily.

 

 

Step 6: Clean and Dry Walls

 

Finish the process by wiping the entire surface with a clean, damp cloth to remove dust, loosened glue, and any solution left behind. This final clean leaves the wall fresh and ready for the next stage of your makeover. Allow the wall to dry fully for several hours or overnight, with good ventilation to prevent moisture from being trapped beneath new paint or wallpaper.

 

Our Recommendation: Complete your makeover with our curated wallpaper collection. Explore a wide range of stunning designs to suit every style and space.

 

 

 

 

Aftercare: Preparing Walls for Painting or a New Wallpaper

 

After the wallpaper is fully removed and the walls have dried, appropriate aftercare is essential to ensure your new finish looks smooth, even, and long-lasting. Skipping these steps can lead to bubbling, patchiness, or poor adhesion, so it’s worth taking a little extra time now to prep the surface correctly.

 

Here’s what to do next:

 

  1. Remove any remaining glue or paste. Even a thin layer of adhesive can interfere with paint or fresh wallpaper. Re-wet the area and use a sponge or scraper to ensure the wall is completely free of stickiness or residue.
  2. Apply filler or spackle where needed. For dents, tiny holes, or uneven spots, use a good-quality wall filler. Smooth it using a putty knife and allow it to dry fully before moving to the next step.
  3. Sand the walls lightly. Once the filler dries, lightly sand the repaired areas and any rough patches using fine-grit sandpaper. This creates a smooth, even surface that helps paint glide on effortlessly and prevents new wallpaper from showing bumps underneath.
  4. Prime the walls if painting. A primer improves paint adhesion and helps cover any patched areas, ensuring a uniform, professional-looking result. It also seals the surface, especially useful if the walls were previously exposed to a lot of moisture during removal.

 

With these aftercare steps completed, your walls will be perfectly prepared for their next transformation, whether that’s a fresh coat of paint or a brand-new wallpaper design.

 

Our Recommendation: For a flawless base every time, try Birla Opus One Pro Smooth Primer. It offers superior smoothness, excellent coverage, and an eco-friendly, low-VOC formula.

 

 

A Clean Start for Your Space

 

Stripping wallpaper is one of those deceptively simple jobs that can completely change how a room feels. Once the old patterns are gone and the walls are clean again, the space instantly feels lighter, fresher, and ready for something new. 

 

Taking the time to remove wallpaper means you’re laying the groundwork for a transformation that will actually last. Whether your next step is a minimalist paint colour or a bold new wallpaper design, you now have a clear, well-prepared canvas to build on.

 

 

Explore The Next Steps

 

Pick Your Colours – Explore the Birla Opus Colour Catalogue and find the perfect shade for your space.

Visualise Your Walls – Try the Birla Opus Visualiser and see how different paints look in real time.

Browse Paint Products – From interiors to exteriors, textures to wood and metal, discover our complete range.

Book Painting Services – Get expert end-to-end painting solutions from Birla Opus professionals.


Opus Assurance – Enjoy superior painting backed by our commitment to quality with easy registration, hassle-free claims, free repainting (product + labour), and the freedom to choose your preferred contractor.

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If you have any questions about this Policy or other privacy concerns, you can also email us at legal.birlapaints@adityabirla.com

August 2023

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By agreeing to this privacy policy, you agree to receive promotional messages, offers, and updates from the Company via SMS, RCS (Rich communications message service), WhatsApp, etc.

GRASIM INDUSTRIES LIMITED, Birla Paints division

 

9th floor, Birla Centurion, Century Mills Compound, Pandurang Budhkar Marg, Worli, Mumbai– 400030, Maharashtra, India. 
 

Registered Office:
Birlagram, Nagda- 456 331 (M.P.) Tel: (07366) 246760-66, Fax: (07366) 244114, 246024, CIN: L17124MP1947PLC000410  
 

Allwood Contractor App Helpdesk 

Call: 1800 120 1234, Monday to Saturday, 09:30 am – 6:30 pm (Except Public Holidays).

Email: paints.custcare@adityabirla.com

Product Warranty

Terms and Conditions for product warranty registration of Birla Opus products



  1. The Warranty shall be effective from the date of purchase of the Product as per the tax invoice (“Warranty Start Date”), provided that painting work is fully complete, and the Consumer registers the Product for warranty.

  2. The Product must be registered within 15 days from the date of purchase by calling customer care at 18001201234 or registering on www.birlaopus.com and furnishing purchase details as required during the Warranty registration.

  3. The Warranty shall be valid for parameters and period as defined in the respective product warranty document (‘Warranty Period’) from the Warranty Start Date. 

  4. Upon settlement of any claim, Warranty of replaced Product will not start afresh, and will continue for the remainder of the Warranty Period from the Warranty Start Date.

  5. If there is a break/ lag in completing the painting work, the registration of the Warranty and Warranty Start Date will be determined by the Company at its sole discretion.

  6. The Company may appoint a person to examine and confirm the application of the Product as per the directions specified prior to registering the Warranty.

  7. For registering of Warranty, where quantity of Product purchase is equal to or more than 200 litres, please call our Helpline on 1800 120 1234 with requisite details. The registration of Warranty in such cases is subject to a satisfactory pre‐inspection at site by Company’s representative.

  8. For the warranty to be applicable:
    1. Minimum volume of the product required to be purchased needs to be met
    2. Birla Opus recommended system needs to be used
    3. Product coverage and application guidelines need to be adhered
       

For more details, please refer to respective  product specific warranty document and product information sheet.

  1. Consumer may raise a claim within 30 days of discovering issue(s) noticed on the affected areas based on Warranty Parameters/ scope

  2. The Consumer is required to notify the Company of the issue(s) noticed along with the invoice details, sample pictures and basis for Warranty invocation by contacting the customer care at 1800 120 1234. The Consumer shall provide such additional details as required by the Company and/or allow the Company to visit/inspect the painting site either in portion or entirety at the Company’s discretion.  

  3. In case where the Company decides that the Warranty is applicable on the issue(s) noticed on the affected areas, the Company shall bear the Replacements Costs as detailed in respective product warranty document to repair/ repaint the affected areas.

  4. Replacement Costs shall mean the cost of material and labour required to correct the affected portions, as determined by the Company.

  5. In case where the Company decides that Warranty is not applicable, the same shall be communicated to the Consumer.

  6. Warranty is applicable only to the affected area where the Product is used in accordance with application guidelines and not to the rest of the areas.

  7. In case the Consumer carries out repair works on the areas covered under the Warranty, the same shall be at their own risk and the Company’s Warranty on the Product shall not be valid on such repaired areas.

  8. The Warranty will cover only manufacturing defects of the Product and will not cover any defects arising out of factors not in control of the Company. For more details of exclusions, please refer to the warranty document of respective product. 

  9. Except expressly stated, the Company disclaims any liabilities whether in contract, tort or otherwise. The Company makes no warranty regarding merchantability or fitness of products for any particular purpose. 

  10. The Company shall not be held liable towards loss or damages of incidental, indirect or consequential nature or for any value more than the tax invoice value. 

  11. In case of any disputes, exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Mumbai shall apply. Governing laws shall be Laws of India.

  12. The facts and all matters concerning any Warranty/ claim/ dispute will always be kept confidential by both the Consumer and the Company.