Score, Soak with Remover Solution, and Scrape

Perforate the wallpaper with a scoring tool, saturate it with a loosening solution, and scrape it away section by section.

How It Works

Scoring creates thousands of small perforations in the wallpaper surface that allow a liquid remover solution to pass through the paper (or vinyl coating) and reach the adhesive layer underneath. The solution — whether commercial remover, fabric softener, or vinegar — softens and dissolves the paste. Once the adhesive is weakened, a wide scraper lifts the paper off the wall in large strips. This is the most versatile and widely recommended method for removing standard wallpaper.

Instructions

1. Protect floors and nearby furniture with drop cloths. Turn off power to outlets and switches in the work area
2. Score the wallpaper thoroughly with a Paper Tiger scoring tool, applying moderate pressure in circular motions. Create perforations across the entire surface. Do not press so hard you gouge the drywall
3. Prepare a remover solution. Options include: commercial wallpaper remover concentrate mixed with warm water per label directions; warm water with 1/4 cup fabric softener per quart; or equal parts warm water and white vinegar
4. Apply the warm solution generously to a 4-by-4-foot section of scored wallpaper using a pump sprayer, sponge, or paint roller. Start at the top and work down
5. Let the solution soak for 10-15 minutes. Keep the section wet by reapplying if it starts to dry
6. Starting at a seam or loose edge, slide a wide putty knife or wallpaper scraper under the paper at a shallow angle (approximately 30 degrees) and push to peel the paper away
7. Work in manageable sections around the room: score, soak, and scrape each section before moving on
8. After all paper is removed, wash the walls thoroughly with clean warm water and a sponge to remove all adhesive residue
9. Let walls dry completely (24-48 hours) before priming or painting

Tips

• A garden pump sprayer covers walls faster and more evenly than a spray bottle
• The hotter the water, the more effective the solution — heat alone softens adhesive
• Score thoroughly but not aggressively — the goal is small holes in the paper, not scratches in the drywall
• Multiple applications of solution are better than one heavy application that drips everywhere
• Keep a second scraper handy for tight areas around outlets, switches, and trim
• If using commercial remover, follow the specific dilution ratio on the label

Common Mistakes

• Not scoring vinyl or coated wallpaper, which is waterproof and blocks the solution from reaching the adhesive
• Working too large an area at once, causing the solution to dry before you can scrape it
• Holding the scraper at too steep an angle, which gouges the drywall
• Not fully removing adhesive residue from the walls, which causes paint adhesion problems later
• Forgetting to turn off electrical circuits before applying liquid near outlets