Removing wallpaper that has been painted over can be more challenging than removing ordinary wallpaper because the paint creates a barrier that prevents water and wallpaper remover from reaching the adhesive. Learning how to remove wallpaper that has been painted over requires patience, proper tools, and a combination of scoring, moisture, heat, and careful scraping.
With the right approach, you can remove multiple layers without unnecessarily damaging the wall underneath. This guide explains how to identify the wallpaper, prepare the room, soften the adhesive, remove stubborn sections, and prepare the wall for a smooth new finish.
Items to Buy
- Wallpaper scoring tool
- Wallpaper scraper
- Putty knife
- Wallpaper steamer
- Wallpaper removal solution
- Warm water
- Spray bottle
- Sponge
- Bucket
- Utility knife
- Sandpaper
- Joint compound
- Drop cloths
- Painter’s tape
- Plastic sheeting
- Rubber gloves
- Safety glasses
- Dust mask
- Cleaning cloths
- Ladder
Why Painted-Over Wallpaper Is Difficult to Remove
Painted-over wallpaper can be difficult to remove because the paint forms a relatively impermeable layer over the wallpaper surface. This prevents water or wallpaper-removal solution from penetrating the paper and softening the adhesive underneath.
Older wallpaper may also have several layers of paint, primer, wallpaper, and adhesive. In some cases, the wallpaper may have been installed directly over drywall or plaster without proper preparation.
Trying to pull everything away aggressively can damage the wall surface. A slower approach usually produces better results and reduces the amount of wall repair needed afterward.
How to Identify Wallpaper Under Paint
Before beginning, inspect the wall carefully.
Look for seams, bubbles, raised edges, or repeating patterns beneath the paint. You may also notice wallpaper around corners, outlets, trim, or areas where the paint has cracked.
A small test area can help determine what you’re dealing with.
Cut or score a small section and carefully lift the coating with a putty knife. If you discover a paper layer underneath, you likely have painted-over wallpaper.
Knowing whether you’re dealing with one wallpaper layer or several can help you choose the appropriate removal method.
Prepare the Room Before Removing Wallpaper
Wallpaper removal can create significant moisture, debris, and dust.
Move furniture away from the walls and remove wall decorations. Cover floors with drop cloths and protect furniture that cannot be removed.
Turn off electricity to outlets and switches in the immediate work area if you’re going to use significant amounts of water or steam. Remove outlet and switch covers when appropriate, following electrical safety precautions.
Open windows and doors to improve ventilation.
Good preparation makes the removal process safer and makes cleanup much easier.
How to Remove Wallpaper That Has Been Painted Over Step by Step Guide
Step 1: Test the Wallpaper
Start by testing a small, inconspicuous area.
Use a utility knife or wallpaper scoring tool to create a small opening in the painted surface. Insert a putty knife underneath the coating and gently lift.
Determine whether the paint and wallpaper separate together or whether the paint comes off while the wallpaper remains attached.
This test helps you understand how strongly the layers are bonded.
If the wallpaper is firmly attached, avoid trying to rip it away immediately. You may need to score the surface before applying moisture or steam.
Step 2: Score the Painted Surface
Use a wallpaper scoring tool to create small perforations throughout the painted wallpaper.
Move the tool across the surface using light, controlled pressure. The objective is to penetrate the paint and wallpaper without deeply gouging the wall beneath.
Pay particular attention to areas where the paint is thick or glossy.
Scoring creates pathways that allow water or wallpaper-removal solution to reach the adhesive layer.
Avoid pressing excessively hard, especially if the wall is drywall.
Step 3: Apply Wallpaper Removal Solution
Mix a commercial wallpaper removal solution according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Apply it to the scored surface using a spray bottle, sponge, or other recommended applicator.
Work in manageable sections rather than soaking the entire wall at once.
Allow the solution to sit for the recommended amount of time. The moisture needs time to travel through the perforations and soften the adhesive.
If the surface remains resistant, another application may be necessary.
Step 4: Use Warm Water When Appropriate
If a commercial remover isn’t necessary, warm water can sometimes help soften the wallpaper adhesive after the painted surface has been properly scored.
Apply warm water with a sponge or spray bottle.
Avoid saturating drywall because excessive moisture can soften the gypsum core or damage the paper facing.
Give the water several minutes to penetrate before attempting removal.
Test the surface frequently rather than assuming that more water will produce better results.
Step 5: Start Scraping Carefully
Once the adhesive has softened, begin lifting the wallpaper with a wide putty knife or wallpaper scraper.
Hold the scraper at a shallow angle and work underneath the loosened wallpaper.
Pull the material away slowly rather than tearing it aggressively.
If a section refuses to move, stop scraping and apply additional remover or moisture. Forcing a stubborn area can pull away the drywall’s paper surface.
Work in small sections until the majority of the wallpaper has been removed.
Step 6: Use Steam on Stubborn Areas
A wallpaper steamer can be useful when painted-over wallpaper remains firmly attached.
Hold the steamer against a small section according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Allow the steam to soften the adhesive before carefully lifting the wallpaper with a scraper.
Move gradually across the wall.
Do not hold steam against one area for too long because excessive heat and moisture can damage drywall or soften plaster surfaces.
Use extra caution around electrical outlets, switches, trim, and other areas where moisture could create a hazard.
Step 7: Remove Remaining Paper and Adhesive
After the main wallpaper layer is removed, inspect the wall for remaining paper backing and adhesive residue.
Apply additional wallpaper remover or warm water to stubborn areas and allow it to soften the residue.
Use a scraper gently to remove loose material.
For thin adhesive residue, a damp sponge may be more effective than aggressive scraping.
Continue until the wall feels relatively smooth to the touch.
Step 8: Wash the Wall
Once the wallpaper and adhesive have been removed, wash the wall with clean water and a sponge.
This removes remaining wallpaper-removal solution and adhesive residue.
Change the water frequently so that you don’t spread softened adhesive across the wall.
Avoid excessive moisture on drywall.
After washing, allow the wall to dry completely before sanding or repairing it.
Step 9: Repair and Sand the Wall
Wallpaper removal can reveal small dents, scratches, torn drywall paper, or uneven areas.
Apply joint compound to damaged sections and allow it to dry according to the product instructions.
Sand repaired areas with fine-grit sandpaper until they are smooth and level with the surrounding wall.
Remove sanding dust with a clean, dry cloth.
If the drywall paper has been significantly damaged, seal the exposed areas with an appropriate primer before applying joint compound or paint.
Step 10: Prime the Wall Before Painting
Once the wall is clean, dry, smooth, and repaired, apply a suitable primer.
Primer helps create a consistent surface and can seal repaired areas or remaining discoloration.
Allow the primer to dry completely before applying your new wall paint.
Inspect the wall under good lighting. If you can still see ridges, seams, or damaged areas, make additional repairs before painting.
Taking time at this stage can make a major difference in the appearance of the finished wall.
How to Remove Multiple Layers of Painted Wallpaper
Some older walls contain several layers of wallpaper covered by multiple coats of paint.
In this situation, avoid trying to remove everything at once.
Start by penetrating the outer painted layer. Once the surface has been scored, work through the layers gradually using moisture or steam.
You may discover that one wallpaper layer separates easily while another remains strongly bonded.
Remove the easiest layer first, then repeat the process for the remaining material.
Patience is especially important when multiple layers are present because aggressive scraping can cause significant wall damage.
How to Remove Wallpaper Without Damaging Drywall
Drywall requires extra care because its paper facing can tear easily.
Avoid digging the scraper directly into the wall. Keep the blade relatively flat and allow moisture or steam to do most of the work.
If the wallpaper will not release, don’t increase scraping pressure immediately. Reapply remover and give the adhesive more time to soften.
Small areas of damaged drywall paper can often be repaired with appropriate primer and joint compound.
However, extensive damage may require more substantial drywall repair before painting.
How to Remove Wallpaper From Plaster Walls
Plaster walls are generally more resistant to moisture and scraping than drywall, but they can still be damaged by excessive force.
Score the painted wallpaper carefully and use a wallpaper remover or steamer to soften the adhesive.
Keep the scraper controlled and avoid striking or gouging the plaster.
Older plaster may contain cracks or weak areas, so inspect the wall as you work.
If you discover significant structural cracks or loose plaster, repair those issues before installing new wall coverings or paint.
When Should You Use a Wallpaper Steamer?
A steamer can be particularly helpful when traditional soaking methods aren’t penetrating the painted surface effectively.
It works by introducing heat and moisture that can soften wallpaper adhesive.
Steam is often useful for stubborn sections, but it should be used carefully.
Too much heat or moisture can damage drywall, loosen paint that you intended to keep, or create problems around electrical components.
Follow the steamer manufacturer’s instructions and work in small sections.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Scraping Too Aggressively
Using excessive force can damage drywall or plaster.
Let the remover, water, or steam soften the adhesive before scraping.
Skipping the Scoring Step
Painted wallpaper may prevent moisture from reaching the adhesive. Scoring creates openings that allow the remover to penetrate.
Using Too Much Water
Excessive moisture can damage drywall and create additional repair work.
Use enough moisture to soften the adhesive without saturating the wall.
Working Too Quickly
Some adhesives require several minutes to soften.
Give the removal solution enough time to work before attempting to scrape.
Ignoring Adhesive Residue
Even after wallpaper is removed, adhesive can remain on the wall.
Painting directly over significant residue can produce an uneven finish and adhesion problems.
Skipping Primer
Primer helps create a more uniform surface after wallpaper removal and repairs.
Skipping this step can make imperfections more visible beneath the new paint.
Tips for Faster Wallpaper Removal
Work in sections that are small enough to manage comfortably.
Score the surface before applying remover, and allow sufficient soaking time. Keep several scrapers available so you can switch between wide and narrow tools as needed.
For especially stubborn areas, a steamer can save considerable effort.
Remove wallpaper from the top downward when practical because loosened material can often be pulled away more easily as you work.
Keep your tools clean throughout the project. Adhesive buildup on a scraper can make removal less efficient.
How to Prepare the Wall After Wallpaper Removal
Removing the wallpaper is only part of the project.
Once the wall is bare, inspect it carefully for damaged drywall paper, nail holes, dents, cracks, and adhesive residue.
Clean the surface and allow it to dry completely.
Fill imperfections with joint compound or an appropriate wall repair product. Sand repaired areas smoothly and remove all dust.
Finally, apply primer before painting.
A properly prepared wall should feel smooth when you run your hand across it and should have no obvious wallpaper seams or adhesive patches.
Can You Paint Over Wallpaper Instead of Removing It?
In some situations, homeowners choose to paint directly over existing wallpaper.
However, painted-over wallpaper can create problems if the wallpaper is loose, bubbling, peeling, textured, or poorly bonded.
Painting over it may temporarily hide imperfections without solving the underlying issue.
If the wallpaper is firmly attached and in good condition, some painting systems may be compatible with it after proper preparation. However, removing the wallpaper is generally the more appropriate approach when the existing covering is damaged or unstable.
FAQs
Is it possible to remove wallpaper that has been painted over?
Yes. Painted-over wallpaper can usually be removed, although it often requires scoring the surface before using moisture, wallpaper remover, or steam.
What is the easiest way to remove painted-over wallpaper?
Start by testing the wall, score the painted surface, soften the adhesive with wallpaper remover or appropriate moisture, and scrape carefully.
Does vinegar remove painted-over wallpaper?
A vinegar-and-water solution may help with some wallpaper adhesives, but it may be less effective than a commercial wallpaper remover, especially when multiple layers of paint are present.
Will a steamer remove painted-over wallpaper?
A wallpaper steamer can help soften adhesive beneath scored wallpaper. Use it carefully to avoid excessive heat and moisture damage.
Can I use a razor blade to remove wallpaper?
A scraper or putty knife is generally safer for controlled wallpaper removal. A razor can easily gouge drywall or plaster if used improperly.
How do I remove wallpaper glue after taking down wallpaper?
Use warm water or a suitable wallpaper adhesive remover, then gently wipe or scrape the softened residue from the wall.
Can painted-over wallpaper damage drywall?
The wallpaper itself does not necessarily damage drywall, but aggressive removal can tear the drywall paper and create additional repairs.
Do I need to prime after removing wallpaper?
Priming is generally recommended after repairs and cleaning because it helps create a consistent surface for the new paint.
How long does wallpaper removal take?
The time varies depending on the size of the room, number of wallpaper layers, adhesive type, and how strongly the wallpaper is bonded. A small room may take several hours, while heavily layered walls can take much longer.
Should I hire a professional?
Consider professional help if the wallpaper is extremely difficult to remove, the wall has extensive damage, or you’re unsure how to safely handle steam, electrical components, or older wall materials.
Final Words
Learning how to remove wallpaper that has been painted over can save you from unnecessary wall damage and make your renovation project much more manageable. The key is to work patiently rather than relying on force.
Score the painted surface, soften the adhesive with an appropriate removal method, scrape carefully, clean away residue, repair damaged areas, and prime the wall before applying new paint. With careful preparation and the right tools, even stubborn painted-over wallpaper can often be removed successfully.