How to Remove Wallpaper Without Damaging Walls
By Designer Home Interiors - Designer Paint & Wallpaper | Lick | Published: 2026-10-21
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to remove wallpaper safely without damaging your walls. Follow our step-by-step guide for a clean, smooth surface ready for repainting or new wallpaper.
Quick answer
To remove wallpaper without damaging walls, use a scoring tool, apply a warm water and vinegar solution or a commercial wallpaper remover, let it soak, then gently peel the paper off with a wide putty knife. Work slowly and keep the wall damp to avoid tearing the drywall or plaster.
Why wall damage happens and how to avoid it
Most wall damage during wallpaper removal comes from rushing. Pulling dry paper off the wall can tear the drywall paper facing, create gouges, or loosen joint compound. The key is to soften the wallpaper adhesive so the paper releases without force. Always test a small inconspicuous area first to see how your wall reacts.
Choosing the right removal method for your wallpaper type
Vinyl-coated wallpapers are water-resistant, so they need scoring or steaming to let moisture reach the adhesive. Paper-based wallpapers often respond well to a simple warm-water soak. If you have a paste-the-wall wallpaper like Keepers Cottage 01, the adhesive is on the wall rather than the paper, which can make removal slightly easier because the paper itself may strip away more cleanly. Always check the wallpaper's backing — if it's a non-woven material like Damask 01, it may peel off in full sheets when dry.
Step-by-step wallpaper removal process
- Step 1: Prepare the room and protect surfaces: Remove furniture or cover it with drop cloths. Tape plastic sheeting over electrical outlets and switch plates. Lay a tarp on the floor to catch drips and debris. Common mistake: Not covering outlets can lead to water damage or electrical hazards.
- Step 2: Score the wallpaper (if needed): Use a wallpaper scorer (a tool with small spikes on a roller) to create tiny perforations in the paper. This lets water or remover reach the adhesive. Skip this step if your wallpaper is already peeling or is a strippable non-woven type. Common mistake: Scoring too aggressively can gouge the wall surface — use light pressure.
- Step 3: Apply the removal solution: Mix equal parts warm water and white vinegar, or use a commercial wallpaper remover following the label directions. Apply generously with a sponge, spray bottle, or paint roller. Let it soak for 15–20 minutes. Reapply if the paper starts to dry out. Checkpoint: Test a small area first — if the paper doesn't loosen after 20 minutes, reapply and wait another 10 minutes.
- Step 4: Peel the wallpaper: Starting at a seam or corner, gently lift the wallpaper with a wide putty knife or a wallpaper scraper. Pull the paper at a low angle (almost parallel to the wall) to avoid gouging. If it resists, apply more solution and wait. Common mistake: Pulling upward instead of outward can rip the drywall paper.
- Step 5: Remove adhesive residue: After the paper is off, wash the wall with warm water and a mild detergent or a dedicated adhesive remover. Use a sponge or soft cloth. Rinse with clean water and let the wall dry completely before painting or hanging new wallpaper. Checkpoint: Residual adhesive will cause paint to bubble or new wallpaper to fail — wipe until the wall feels smooth.
Wallpaper that makes removal easier
- Keepers Cottage 01: Keepers Cottage 01 is a vintage floral wallpaper with a paste-the-wall application. Paste-the-wall wallpaper can often be removed by gently peeling from a corner, reducing the need for harsh chemicals or excessive scraping.
Keepers Cottage 01 - Damask 01: Damask 01 is printed on fine grade Toll Coated Non-Woven paper. Non-woven wallpapers are designed to be strippable — they can be removed dry in full sheets, minimizing wall damage and cleanup time.
Damask 01
