To remove chip paper, which is commonly known as woodchip wallpaper, the key is to thoroughly soak it. This process allows the water to penetrate the paper and effectively break down the adhesive attaching it to the wall.
Understanding Woodchip Wallpaper Removal
Woodchip wallpaper is notoriously tough to remove due to its textured surface and strong adhesive. Simple peeling is often ineffective and can damage the wall beneath. The most reliable method involves applying moisture to soften both the paper and the glue.
The Core Technique: Soaking
The fundamental step, as highlighted by experts, is to ensure the paper is completely saturated.
- Soaking Method:
- Apply warm water, often mixed with a wallpaper stripper solution.
- Use a large sponge, roller, or spray bottle.
- Apply generously, starting from the top of the wall and working downwards.
- Allow the water to soak in for a period (usually 10-20 minutes) to fully penetrate the paper and dissolve the adhesive.
- You may need to reapply water if areas dry out.
Tools for Efficient Removal
While soaking is essential, certain tools can significantly speed up the process:
- Wallpaper Stripper Solution: Adding a dedicated wallpaper stripper liquid to the warm water helps break down the adhesive more effectively than water alone.
- Perforating Tool: A wallpaper scorer or perforator creates small holes in the paper, allowing the soaking solution to penetrate more easily, especially through multiple layers or painted surfaces.
- Scrapers: Use a broad scraping tool with a sharp blade to gently lift and remove the softened paper from the wall. Work carefully to avoid gouging the plaster.
- Wallpaper Steamer/Stripper: As mentioned by Speedy, wallpaper strippers are available for hire. These machines use steam to heat and saturate the paper and adhesive, making removal much quicker and easier, particularly for stubborn or multi-layered wallpaper.
Step-by-Step Removal Process
Here’s a general breakdown of the process:
- Preparation: Protect floors and furniture with dust sheets. Turn off power to electrical outlets on the walls you are working on.
- Perforate (Optional but Recommended): Use a scoring tool to make small holes across the wallpaper surface.
- Apply Soaking Solution: Thoroughly wet the wallpaper with warm water mixed with wallpaper stripper using a sponge, roller, or sprayer. Alternatively, use a wallpaper steamer according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Allow to Soak: Let the solution or steam penetrate for the recommended time (typically 10-20 minutes). Ensure the paper remains wet.
- Scrape: Begin gently scraping the loosened wallpaper from the wall using a scraper. Work in sections.
- Re-soak if Necessary: If areas are difficult to remove, reapply the soaking solution or steam and wait a few more minutes before trying again.
- Clean the Wall: Once all the paper is removed, wash the wall with clean water to remove any remaining adhesive residue.
Comparison of Methods
| Method | Pros | Cons | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soaking (Water/Solution) | Cost-effective, relatively simple | Can be time-consuming, requires manual scraping | Effective for single layers, requires thoroughness |
| Steam Stripper | Fast, highly effective for tough paper/glue | Higher cost (hire/purchase), requires care | Very effective, penetrates multiple layers quickly |
Removing woodchip wallpaper requires patience and thoroughness, primarily relying on adequate soaking to break down the adhesive.
