How to Remove Wallpaper

Whether you're refreshing a room or prepping for new paper, removing old wallpaper is straightforward once you know which type you're dealing with.

First, find out what you've got

Pick at a corner with a scraper and lift.

If the paper peels away dry, in one layer — you likely have a modern strippable or peelable paper. Lucky you; this is the easy case.
If it tears into small bits and clings — it'll need soaking to release the paste.

The easy case — strippable paper

Lift a corner with a scraper.
Pull gently and steadily at an angle. It should come away in large pieces.
Wash any remaining paste residue off the wall with warm soapy water and let it dry.

The soaking method — for stubborn paper

You'll need: a sponge or garden sprayer, warm water (a little washing-up liquid helps), a scraper, and patience. A scoring tool helps on water-resistant papers — it makes tiny holes so water can reach the paste.

If the surface is water-resistant, gently score it all over with a scoring tool. Don't gouge the wall.
Wet the wallpaper generously with warm water and let it soak in for a few minutes.
Re-wet if needed — the paste needs time to soften.
Slide your scraper under the paper at a low angle and lift it away. Keep the scraper flat so you don't dig into the wall.
Work in sections, re-wetting as you go.

A faster option — a steamer

A wallpaper steamer (hire one cheaply) speeds up tough jobs. Hold the plate to the paper for a few seconds to loosen the paste, then scrape. Keep it moving so you don't scorch the wall, and wear gloves — steam is hot.

Finish the wall properly

Once all the paper and paste are off:

Wash the wall down to remove every trace of old paste (new paper won't stick over old paste).
Let it dry fully.
Fill, sand and prep — see Prepping Your Walls — ready for your new wallpaper.