Wallpaper removal is one of the most underestimated jobs in home renovation. What looks like an afternoon project often turns into several days of work — especially in older Toronto homes where multiple layers of wallpaper were applied over decades. Getting the walls ready to paint after removal requires patience and the right approach at each stage.
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The first step is understanding how many layers of wallpaper are present and what substrate is underneath. Peel back a corner in an inconspicuous spot.
- One layer, drywall beneath — the easiest scenario. Wet the paper, wait, scrape.
- Multiple layers — common in older Toronto homes. Each layer slows the work and increases the risk of damaging the surface beneath.
- Plaster walls — more forgiving than drywall during removal. Plaster is harder to damage when scraping, but repairs are more specialised if damage does occur.
- Fabric-backed vinyl wallpaper — the face often peels dry, leaving a backing layer that must be wetted and scraped.
The removal process, step by step
- Protect floors and outlets. Lay heavy canvas drop cloths. Turn off power to any outlets on walls being worked on. Water and electricity is an obvious hazard.
- Score the surface. Use a scoring tool (a Paper Tiger or similar) to perforate the wallpaper surface. This allows the wetting solution to penetrate the adhesive layer. Do not press hard — deep scoring gouges the drywall.
- Apply wetting solution. Mix warm water with a wallpaper removal concentrate (available at any hardware store) or a fabric softener solution. Apply with a large sponge or pump sprayer. Work in sections of about 1–2 square metres and let the solution soak for 5–10 minutes before scraping.
- Scrape carefully. Use a wide, flexible plastic or metal scraper held at a low angle. Never dig in at a steep angle — it gouges drywall instantly. Keep the surface wet as you work.
- Remove adhesive residue. After scraping, wash walls with a TSP (trisodium phosphate) solution to remove remaining adhesive. This step is critical — any adhesive left on the wall will cause paint to peel or blister.
- Allow to dry completely. Drywall needs 24–48 hours to dry thoroughly before any repairs or painting begins. Rushing this causes bubbling.
Repairing the wall before painting
Even careful removal often leaves some surface damage, particularly on drywall that was not properly sealed before the wallpaper was hung. Torn paper facing, gouges, and dents all need to be addressed before painting.
| Damage type | Repair method |
|---|---|
| Torn drywall paper facing | Apply drywall primer (PVA) first to seal, then skim coat with joint compound |
| Small gouges and dents | Fill with spackling or joint compound, sand smooth |
| Large damaged areas | Full skim coat over the entire wall surface |
| Adhesive residue remaining | TSP wash, allow to dry, then prime with oil-based primer |
The right primer is critical
After wallpaper removal, the wall surface is unusually porous and uneven. A standard latex primer is often not enough. Use a PVA drywall primer or an oil-based primer on walls where the facing has been damaged — these seal the surface properly and prevent paint from being absorbed unevenly, which shows as blotchy sheen in the finish coat.
Skip the primer and you will see the repair lines through the paint within weeks.
When to call a professional
DIY wallpaper removal is feasible in a newer home with a single layer of modern, strippable wallpaper. In older Toronto homes — particularly those built before 1970 — the combination of multiple layers, old adhesives, and plaster or improperly-primed drywall makes professional removal a much smarter investment. The repair work that follows bad removal can cost more than hiring someone to do it right from the start.
If you need wallpaper removed and walls prepared for painting, submit a free quote request and include photos of the walls and a rough estimate of how many rooms are involved. We serve Toronto and the GTA.