How to Remove Wallpaper with the DIF Method

Perforate the wall., Spray DIF on the wall - LIBERALLY!, Allow the solution to soak in for about 15 minutes., Immediately before you begin scraping, spray the area again, this will allow the paper & glue to remain moist. , Scrape the wallpaper off...

10 Steps 1 min read Medium

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Perforate the wall.

    It is important that you do not "score" the wall, as this will damage the wall and cause the paper to come off in small strips.

    Specialized tools are available at your local hardware store.

    Look for tools which have spur-like wheels on them.

    These tools will perforate the wall with thousands of little dots, so that the DIF can soak in.

    Make sure you do a thorough job of perforating the wall.

    You'll notice that areas with less perforation are harder to remove
  2. Step 2: Spray DIF on the wall - LIBERALLY!

    It is recommended that you do not simply spray the whole wall down, as you'll waste the solution.

    The solution will dry before you get to it.

    Instead, spray the area you're going to be working with. , If you attempt to remove the paper before it is given a chance to work, you'll be wasting your time fighting with the wallpaper. ,, You can use a regular scraper, a putty knife, pocket knife, or a specialized tool for this.

    Home Depot sells a special wallpaper scraping tool that helps prevent gouging the wall.

    I highly recommend it. ,, This will be quick
    - just spray the DIF and scrape again.
  3. Step 3: Allow the solution to soak in for about 15 minutes.

  4. Step 4: Immediately before you begin scraping

  5. Step 5: spray the area again

  6. Step 6: this will allow the paper & glue to remain moist.

  7. Step 7: Scrape the wallpaper off the wall.

  8. Step 8: You must make sure that you get not only the wallpaper itself but also the backing paper as well.

  9. Step 9: Once you have the paper off

  10. Step 10: repeat the entire process again to remove as much glue as possible.

Detailed Guide

It is important that you do not "score" the wall, as this will damage the wall and cause the paper to come off in small strips.

Specialized tools are available at your local hardware store.

Look for tools which have spur-like wheels on them.

These tools will perforate the wall with thousands of little dots, so that the DIF can soak in.

Make sure you do a thorough job of perforating the wall.

You'll notice that areas with less perforation are harder to remove

It is recommended that you do not simply spray the whole wall down, as you'll waste the solution.

The solution will dry before you get to it.

Instead, spray the area you're going to be working with. , If you attempt to remove the paper before it is given a chance to work, you'll be wasting your time fighting with the wallpaper. ,, You can use a regular scraper, a putty knife, pocket knife, or a specialized tool for this.

Home Depot sells a special wallpaper scraping tool that helps prevent gouging the wall.

I highly recommend it. ,, This will be quick
- just spray the DIF and scrape again.

About the Author

E

Elizabeth Morgan

Experienced content creator specializing in pet care guides and tutorials.

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