Introduction
Removing wallpaper is one of those jobs that ranges from surprisingly easy to nightmarishly tedious, depending on the type of wallpaper and how it was applied. NYC apartments — especially pre-war units — often have multiple layers of wallpaper applied over decades, sometimes directly to old plaster. The key is patience and the right approach for your specific situation. This guide covers the most effective methods for tackling wallpaper removal without destroying the wall beneath it.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Step 1 Test and Identify Your Wallpaper Type
Start by trying to peel a corner of the wallpaper. If it pulls away cleanly from the wall, you have strippable wallpaper — the easiest type. If only the top decorative layer peels off leaving a paper backing, it is peelable and you will need to remove the backing separately. If nothing budges, it is traditional pasted wallpaper that requires soaking. In many older NYC apartments, you may find vinyl-coated wallpaper from the 1970s-80s, which requires scoring before any solution can penetrate.
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Step 2 Prepare the Room and Walls
Turn off power to the room at the breaker panel — you will be using water near outlets and switches. Cover the floor with drop cloths, taping plastic sheeting along the baseboards to catch the wet mess. Remove all outlet covers and switch plates. Cover exposed electrical boxes with painter's tape. Have a large garbage bag or bin nearby because wet wallpaper is heavy and messy. Lay down extra towels along the base of walls to absorb water runoff. Open windows for ventilation.
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Step 3 Score and Apply Removal Solution
For non-strippable wallpaper, use a scoring tool to create tiny perforations across the entire surface — this allows the removal solution to penetrate behind the paper. Work in circular motions with light pressure to avoid gouging the wall. Mix a wallpaper removal solution according to directions, or make your own with equal parts hot water and white vinegar. Apply generously with a pump sprayer or sponge, working in sections about four feet wide. Let it soak for 15 minutes.
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Step 4 Strip the Wallpaper
Start at a seam or corner and slide a wide putty knife or wallpaper scraper under the paper at a low angle. The paper should come off in sheets or large strips if it has soaked long enough. Work from bottom to top. If the paper resists, apply more solution and wait another 10 minutes. For stubborn spots, a wallpaper steamer can be rented from most hardware stores and works wonders on multiple layers. Be gentle on plaster walls — they are softer than drywall and gouge more easily.
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Step 5 Remove Adhesive Residue
After all paper is removed, adhesive residue will remain on the walls. Apply the removal solution again and scrub with a sponge or nylon scrub pad. Change your water frequently — dirty water just redistributes the adhesive. For stubborn adhesive, a product like DIF gel applied directly and left to soak for 15 minutes works well. Run your hand over the wall when dry — it should feel smooth with no tacky spots. Any remaining adhesive will cause paint to bubble and peel, so be thorough with this step.
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Step 6 Repair and Prepare for Paint
Once walls are clean and dry — wait at least 24 hours — inspect for damage. Wallpaper removal often reveals gouges, nail holes, and plaster imperfections that were hidden. Fill all damage with spackle or joint compound and sand smooth once dry. Prime the entire wall surface with a high-quality primer to seal the wall and create a uniform base for paint. In NYC pre-war apartments, this is especially important as old plaster absorbs paint unevenly without proper priming.
When to Call a Professional
Call HandyMen NYC if you have multiple layers of wallpaper, if the wallpaper was applied directly to unprimed drywall or old plaster, or if removal is causing significant wall damage. In many NYC co-ops and pre-war buildings, wallpaper may be covering plaster that needs professional repair once exposed. Our team has the right steamers and techniques to minimize wall damage and can handle the full process — removal, repair, and repainting — in a single visit for most rooms.
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