Are you thinking about giving your home a refresh for 2023?

One of the easiest ways to do that is by removing old wallpaper and applying new wallpaper. But if you've never done it before, the process can seem a bit daunting.

But never fear! We're here to help.

In this blog post, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about removing wallpaper and adding new wallpaper, from tools and supplies to tips and tricks. By the end, you'll be ready to transform your space into something truly special.

LET'S TAKE A LOOK AT THE TOOLS AND SUPPLIES YOU'LL NEED:

• A putty knife or wallpaper-scoring tool
• A spray bottle filled with warm water
• A sponge
• Wallpaper-removing solution
• A scraper
• A bucket or bowl for the solution
• Heavy-duty rubbish bags or plastic sheeting to protect surfaces
• Safety Glasses/Goggles
• Ladders/Steps
• Gloves
• Wallpaper Steamer (can be hired in some locations)
• Wallpaper-hanging brush &/or roller
• Scissors or knife

1. PREPARE YOUR SPACE

Before you begin, make sure to clear anything from your walls that may get in the way of the job. This includes furniture, artwork/fixings and any other items that could interfere with your progress.

Also, be sure to cover nearby surfaces such as skirting boards and floors with heavy-duty rubbish bags or plastic sheeting to protect them from any water or wallpaper adhesive.

Once your space is clear and protected, it's time to start removing the wallpaper.

2. BEGIN REMOVING ANY LOOSE WALLPAPER

Once you have your tools and supplies, it's time to start removing the old wallpaper. Start by using a putty knife or wallpaper-scoring tool to make score lines/small holes in the paper. 

This will help loosen it from the wall and make it easier to remove.

3. USE A SOLUTION TO HELP REMOVE THE WALLPAPER

Once you have the paper scored, it's time to add a solution that will help break down the adhesive.

You can use a commercial wallpaper-removal solution for this.

4. SCRAPE AND PEEL OFF THE REMAINING WALLPAPER

Once the wallpaper is saturated with solution, it's time to scrape and peel off what remains. 

A wallpaper steamer makes this part quicker - Starting at the bottom of the wall, hold the steamer up to the wallpaper for around 10 seconds, until the paper appears damp. Take care not to over-steam the plasterboard underneath. 

Use your putty knife or scraper to gently remove any chunks that are still stuck to the wall. 

Once you have removed all of the wallpaper, you can use a sponge and warm water to wipe down the walls and remove any remaining adhesive.

5. SMOOTH AND PRIME THE WALLS

Once all of the wallpaper has been removed, it's time to smooth and prime your walls. 

Use sandpaper or a putty knife to remove any remaining bumps or lumps. Then, apply a primer to help seal the walls and prepare them for applying new wallpaper.

6. APPLY THE NEW WALLPAPER

*Make sure all the rolls have the same batch number printed on the label.

Make sure to clean your walls thoroughly before getting started. Next, decide which type of wallpaper you'd like to use (vinyl-coated paper or fabric-backed vinyl, both of which are easy to hang.)

Refer to the paper hanging instructions for any pattern offset instructions and allow extra paper per roll for this (you may need to buy an extra roll)

Measure the wall area you'll be covering and buy enough wallpaper to cover that space. You may also need to purchase a wallpaper-hanging brush or roller and paste if you don't already have them.

Once your supplies are ready, apply the paste or adhesive to the back of the wallpaper. Let it sit for a few minutes until it's tacky, then hang your wallpaper on the wall, smoothing out any air bubbles as you go.

Decide where you want to start and draw a vertical line on your wall with either a plumb line or spirit level as a guide.

If you’re starting from a corner, measure the wallpaper width and then allow enough wrap over to cover any inconsistencies in the wall corner (Once applied, the excess can be cut off with sharp scissors or a knife.)

That's all there is to it! You've now successfully removed old wallpaper and applied new wallpaper in your home.

We hope this guide has given you all the information you need to take on the task of refreshing your home for 2023. Good luck and have fun!