Free Guide to Changing Wallpaper at Home

Understanding Wallpaper Types and Materials

Wallpaper comes in many different varieties, and understanding what you're working with is the first step to changing it successfully. The most common type is vinyl wallpaper, which makes up about 60% of the residential wallpaper market. Vinyl wallpaper has a plastic coating on top, making it durable and moisture-resistant. This type works well in kitchens and bathrooms because it can handle humidity and is easy to wipe clean. Non-woven wallpaper is another popular option that's becoming more common in homes. It's made from natural and synthetic fibers bonded together, and it's known for being easier to remove than older paper wallpapers.

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Traditional paper wallpaper is thinner and less durable than vinyl or non-woven options, but some people prefer it for bedrooms and living rooms where moisture isn't a concern. Grasscloth wallpaper, made from plant fibers, adds texture and natural warmth to a room but requires careful handling during installation. Flocked wallpaper has a velvety or fuzzy surface and can be damaged by excessive moisture or rubbing. Metallic wallpapers contain real or faux metal finishes that reflect light, creating visual interest in a space.

The backing of wallpaper also matters. Some wallpapers have pre-pasted backings, meaning adhesive is already applied and you just need to activate it with water. Others require you to apply adhesive separately during installation. Knowing your wallpaper type helps you choose the right removal method and prevents damage. For instance, if you have vinyl wallpaper, you can use a steamer during removal, but this might damage delicate paper wallpaper. Check the original packaging or manufacturer's instructions if you're unsure which type covers your walls.

Practical Takeaway: Before removing your current wallpaper or installing new wallpaper, identify what type you have. Look at the packaging if it's still available, or check a small inconspicuous area by gently lifting an edge. Knowing whether you have vinyl, non-woven, paper, or specialty wallpaper will determine which tools and techniques work best for your project.

Preparing Your Walls for Wallpaper Removal

Proper wall preparation is crucial for a successful wallpaper change. The first step is to clear the room of furniture, hang drop cloths or plastic sheeting on the floor to catch debris and water, and turn off electricity to outlets and light switches if you'll be working near them. Wallpaper removal can be messy, and protecting your floors and fixtures prevents damage and makes cleanup easier. Remove outlet covers and light switch plates before you start, and set them aside in a safe place.

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Next, you'll want to assess how well the wallpaper is adhered to your walls. Try gently lifting a corner of the wallpaper starting from the bottom of a wall. If it peels away easily, you may be able to remove it with minimal water or steam. If it doesn't budge, it's more firmly attached and will need moisture and patience to remove. Test a small section before committing to your removal method across the entire room.

For wallpaper that's stubborn, several moisture methods work well. Scoring the wallpaper surface with a scoring tool creates tiny perforations that allow water or steam to penetrate the backing. A scoring tool looks like a small handheld device with multiple sharp points and costs between $10 and $25. After scoring, you can apply hot water mixed with fabric softener or a commercial wallpaper removal solution. Mix one part fabric softener with one part water in a spray bottle, or use products specifically designed for wallpaper removal. Let the solution soak into the wall for about 15 to 20 minutes before scraping.

A wallpaper steamer is another effective tool that uses hot steam to soften the adhesive. Steamers range from about $35 for basic models to over $100 for more powerful versions. Hold the steamer plate against the wall for 30 to 60 seconds, then scrape the softened wallpaper away with a putty knife or scraper. Work in sections and reapply steam as needed. The combination of moisture and gentle scraping removes most wallpaper within a few hours, depending on room size and wallpaper age.

Practical Takeaway: Before removing wallpaper, score it with a scoring tool to help moisture penetrate. Choose between three removal methods: hand-scraping after applying water and fabric softener, using a commercial removal solution, or renting a wallpaper steamer. Test your chosen method on a small area first to see how quickly the wallpaper responds, then proceed with full removal once you understand how it will behave.

Cleaning and Repairing Walls After Removal

Once you've removed the old wallpaper, your walls likely need cleaning and repair before you can hang new wallpaper or paint. Residual adhesive often remains on the walls even after careful removal. To clean it, wipe the walls with a damp sponge or cloth and warm water. For stubborn adhesive spots, use a commercial adhesive remover or create a solution of equal parts water and vinegar. Spray or wipe this solution on the remaining adhesive, wait a few minutes, and then wipe it away. Some adhesive may require multiple applications.

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After cleaning, inspect your walls for damage. Small holes, dents, and gouges are common after wallpaper removal, especially if the drywall surface came away with the wallpaper. For small holes under half an inch, spackling compound works well. Apply the compound with a putty knife, slightly overfilling the hole, then sand it smooth once it's dry. For larger damage, you may need drywall patching compound or mesh tape for holes larger than an inch. These materials come in ready-to-use tubs and cost between $5 and $15.

Check the walls for moisture damage, stains, or mold. If you find mold, address it before hanging new wallpaper. Mix one part bleach with ten parts water and clean the affected area thoroughly. For water stains or marks, apply a stain-blocking primer before hanging wallpaper. This prevents stains from showing through to your new wallpaper. If walls are severely damaged or uneven, you may want to skim coat them with drywall compound to create a smooth, even surface.

Sand all repaired areas once they're completely dry. Use 120-grit sandpaper for the first pass, then 220-grit for a final smooth finish. Wipe away all dust with a damp cloth and let walls dry completely. Dust remaining on walls prevents new wallpaper from adhering properly. For the smoothest finish, apply a primer to the entire wall before hanging new wallpaper. Primer also helps new wallpaper stick better and prevents old stains from showing through.

Practical Takeaway: Clean walls thoroughly after wallpaper removal using warm water and vinegar solution for stubborn adhesive. Fill holes and damage with spackling compound or patching compound depending on hole size. Sand everything smooth, wipe away dust completely, and apply primer to the entire wall. A clean, smooth, primed surface is essential for new wallpaper to adhere properly and look professional.

Measuring and Planning Your New Wallpaper Installation

Before purchasing new wallpaper, you need to measure your room accurately to determine how much material you need. Measure the height of your walls from floor to ceiling, and the perimeter of the room by measuring the length and width of each wall and adding them together. Write these measurements down. Most wallpaper is sold in rolls, and each roll covers a specific square footage. Standard rolls cover about 35 to 45 square feet depending on the wallpaper type and manufacturer.

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To calculate how much wallpaper you need, multiply the perimeter of your room by the wall height. For example, if your room is 12 feet by 14 feet, the perimeter is 52 feet. If your walls are 8 feet high, you need to cover 416 square feet. Divide this number by the coverage area of your wallpaper rolls. Using the example above with rolls that cover 45 square feet, you would need about 9 rolls. Most experts recommend buying one to two extra rolls to account for mistakes, pattern matching, and future repairs.

Consider pattern repeats when measuring. Wallpaper with large repeating patterns requires more material because you need to match the