Score, soak with remover solution, and scrape

Perforate the wallpaper with a scoring tool, saturate it with a remover solution to dissolve the adhesive, then scrape it away section by section. Works on nearly all wallpaper types.

Steps

1. Protect floors with drop cloths and turn off power to nearby outlets.
2. Score the wallpaper with a Paper Tiger scoring tool using moderate, circular motions. Do not gouge the drywall.
3. Apply warm solution generously to a 4x4-foot section using a pump sprayer or paint roller. Options: commercial wallpaper remover, warm water with fabric softener, or equal parts warm water and white vinegar.
4. Let it soak 10–15 minutes, reapplying if it dries.
5. Slide a wide scraper under the paper at a shallow angle and push to peel it away.
6. Repeat section by section, then wash walls with clean warm water to remove all residue.

Tips

• A garden pump sprayer covers walls faster and more evenly than a spray bottle
• Hotter water is more effective—heat alone helps soften adhesive
• Score thoroughly but gently; the goal is small holes in the paper, not scratches in the wall
• Work small sections so the solution does not dry before you scrape