How to use a steam wallpaper stripper

When decorating, preparation is key, and if you have a wallpapered wall that you want to redecorate, part of the preparation may include removing the wallpaper.

Wallpaper removal is often a tedious, time-consuming task. Thankfully, steam wallpaper strippers offer a quick, easy and mess-free alternative to the laborious process of removing wallpaper with a sponge, warm water and scraper.

Here we’re sharing some tips on using a wallpaper stripper and ensuring you stay safe whilst doing so.

Benefits of using a wallpaper stripper

Manually removing wallpaper from surfaces can be tedious and difficult at times. Thankfully there are multiple benefits of using a wallpaper stripper tool, including: 

• Clean removal of different materials, not just wallpaper, from surfaces including vinyl, foil, flock, woodchip, paint, layered paper, painted wallpaper, and hessian

• Achieve professional, clean results by removing old finishes without causing any damage to your wall or plaster

• Save time compared to manual removal by working quickly and efficiently with the steamer taking on the bulk of the hard work for you

Preparation before using a wallpaper stripper

As wallpaper strippers often utilise steam to remove the wallpaper and its adhesive, it is important that you stay safe by making some preparations before you use the machine.

Before using the wallpaper stripper, read the manual carefully, and make yourself aware of location of the on/of switch, so you can quickly turn the machine off if necessary. Do not try to over reach with the steam plate and be wary that, during use, steam will re-condense and collect in the bottom of the plate, so take care not to spill this boiling water over yourself or others. It is also important to wear goggles and protective clothing when operating the stripper, to avoid injury to the eyes and other burns. Take care not to let the hot plate touch skin and be careful when removing wallpaper, as the steam plate will have heated it.

Step-by-step guide on how to use a wallpaper stripper

Once you've taken the necessary steps to prepare, and you're wearing your goggles, it's time to get to work on removing that old wallpaper:

• Fill the water tank to the maximum level with clean, hot water. Do not fill the tank above the indicated maximum level and do not mix water with any additives.

• When plugged in and turned on, the steam plate should take around 30 minutes to warm up. When the steam plate is ready to use it will start to emit jets of steam. 

• Whilst the steam plate is warming, it can be a good idea to score the wallpaper to allow the steam to better loosen the adhesive and help the paper removal process

• Working from left to right on the wallpaper, hold the plate in place on a patch of paper for around 15 seconds (depending on the thickness and density of the wallpaper.) That patch should then be loosened sufficiently to be scraped away using a scraper.  Then move on to another patch. 

• When the stripper runs out of water, the steam will stop flowing from the steam plate. Once this occurs, turn the machine off immediately and allow it to cool before opening up the tank to refill.

Common mistakes to avoid when using a wallpaper stripper

• Not scoring the wallpaper - taking the time to score the wallpaper before using the wallpaper steam stripper will quicken the process by helping steam to better penetrate the adhesive

• Not taking safety precautions - always be sure to wear PPE including goggles and protect surrounding surfaces to reduce any possible steam damage 

• Over-steaming an area - holding the steamer in one spot on the wall could potentially lead to damage

• Getting an incorrectly sized wallpaper stripper - there steam strippers available of various sizes available, with larger water tanks and steam plates, as well as longer hoses if you have a larger surface area to cover, perhaps in a larger building or industrial environment.

Getting rid of wallpaper waste

When stripping wallpaper, it is likely you will end up with a lot of waste product from the wall. Booking a skip hire alongside your wallpaper steamer can help you to easily remove waste wallpaper so you can get on with decorating, rather than heading to the tip.

Hire a professional wallpaper stripper

We have steam wallpaper strippers available for hire across the UK. Simply choose when you need one, and one of our suppliers will delivery direct to your home or work site, then collect at the end of your hire period. Removing wallpaper has never been simpler!