Wallpaper Won't Come Off The Wall

What's happening?

Stubborn wallpaper is usually paper that water and steam cannot reach. Wickes says to score non-porous papers such as vinyl so the steam can get in, and Screwfix explains that a wallpaper scorer perforates the paper so steam or a liquid remover can reach the adhesive without damaging the plaster. Homebuilding names electric steam strippers as the tool for stubborn kinds, including woodchip, painted wallpaper and multiple layers. Steam is applied for only a short time: Wickes says up to 30 seconds with the plate on the paper, then scrape, and warns that excessive steam on a plasterboard wall can soften the plaster, so it may be better to scrape by hand. A chemical remover is the alternative for stubborn patches.

What usually causes it?

• Vinyl or painted wallpaper that blocks water and steam
• Several layers of paper, so the lower layers stay stuck
• Backing paper left on the wall after the face is peeled
• Paper not scored, so steam or remover cannot reach the adhesive
• Old adhesive that has set hard

Is it dangerous?

Low. Steamers get hot and wet, so protect sockets and switches, wear gloves and goggles, and turn off electricity to the room if water or steam might reach sockets. Chemical removers can be caustic.

Can I fix it myself?

Score the paper lightly without digging into the wall, then use a steamer in short bursts of up to 30 seconds, scraping as you go. Use a chemical remover on stubborn patches, following its label, and protect floors and sockets. On plasterboard, steam sparingly, because it can soften the plaster. Wash the wall with soapy water afterwards and let it dry before filling or painting. If plaster starts to come away, stop.

When should you call a painter and decorator?

Call a painter and decorator if there are many layers, the paper is painted vinyl, or the plaster is softening or crumbling under the paper. If plaster is coming away, a plasterer may need to repair or skim the wall before it is decorated.

What will the painter and decorator actually do?

• Identify the paper type and the number of layers
• Score and steam or treat with a stripper, working in short sections
• Remove the backing paper and old adhesive and wash the wall
• Check the plaster is sound and fill or repair it
• Prepare the wall for lining paper, a mist coat or paint

Who fixes this

• Wallpaper stripping
• Painting preparation

Questions people ask

Sources & References

1. Screwfix: how to remove wallpaper
2. Wickes: how to use a wallpaper steamer
3. Homebuilding: how to remove wallpaper