Removing wallpaper before painting - here's how to do it effectively

When you want to repaint or plaster walls, removing wallpaper before painting is a necessary first step. This is because paint adheres poorly to wallpaper and can bulge, come off or dry unevenly. You also often see seams, texture or air bubbles through the new paint layer. Many people try to paint over wallpaper, but you almost never get a smooth result. A nice, smooth wall starts by completely removing all the old wallpaper.

In this blog you will read how best to remove wallpaper, when it is better to steam, how to loosen fibreglass wallpaper and non-woven wallpaper, and how a powerful masking agent makes the job much faster.

Even if wallpaper still looks neat, it is not a good base for paint. These are the most common problems:

• Paint adheres poorly to wallpaper and may flake.
• Seams and texture remain visible under the paint.
• Wallpaper paste can dissolve due to moisture and cause air bubbles.
• Paint layers dry unevenly because the substrate is not stable.

For a permanently tight result, all old wallpaper should be removed.

There are several ways to loosen wallpaper and each method has its pros and cons. Steaming off works well with thick layers of wallpaper. The heat loosens the glue, but steaming for too long can damage the wall.

For thin paper wallpaper, you can use water. It is cheap and simple, but usually not strong enough for modern glue or multiple layers.

The quickest and most reliable method is a wallpaper softener. This penetrates deep into the adhesive layer, allowing you to pull off the wallpaper in large strips. Ideal for fibreglass wallpaper, strong adhesive and stubborn residues.

Using a professional degreaser really makes a difference. These are the main benefits, all with a direct impact on the end result.

1. Better paint adhesion: the degreaser removes all grease and dirt residues that you cannot get rid of with standard cleaning products. This makes paint adhere better, last longer and prevent flaking.

2. Safe for virtually any surface: suitable for walls, doors, window frames, wood and ceilings, without damaging material. As a result, you can use the same degreaser for virtually your entire paint job.

3. Concentrated and economical to use: the product is highly concentrated and can be diluted up to 1:50. A small capful is enough for a large wall, making it efficient and economical.

4. No ammonia smell or aggressive fumes: unlike ammonia or all-purpose cleaner, this product is safe to use and does not smell. Great for indoor areas such as kitchen, living room or bedroom.

5. Immediately paintable with light soiling: with normal soiling you don't even need to rinse, ideal for quick jobs.

Super Wallpaper Remover makes wallpaper removal much easier than with water or steam. The agent quickly penetrates the adhesive layer, loosening the wallpaper without using force. You pull off large strips at a time and need to scrape less. This works faster and prevents you from damaging the wall.

The product is suitable for all types of wallpaper, including firm variants such as fibreglass or fleece. Even stubborn glue residues dissolve quickly. The formula is safe for walls and ceilings and does not leave aggressive traces.

After removal, glue residues and dirt often remain. So degrease the wall with the Super Paint Degreaser and Cleaner. This helps new paint adhere better and prevents streaks or peeling off.
Want to know exactly how to degrease a wall properly? Then read our blog on degreasing walls here. Do you also touch up wood? Then take a look at this blog about wood degreasing for additional tips.