Walls & drywall

Wallpaper won't come off wall

Stubborn wallpaper is usually old, painted-over, or applied without a strippable backing, which means it needs to be scored and soaked rather than just pulled.

Difficulty
Moderate
Time
2–6 hours depending on room size
DIY cost
$20–$40
Pro cost
$300–$800

Symptoms

  • Wallpaper tears into small pieces instead of peeling in strips
  • Backing paper stays stuck even after the top layer comes off
  • Paper resists water or steam

Likely causes

  • CommonNon-strippable wallpaper typeSome wallpapers are designed to stay bonded and need scoring and solvent to remove.
  • CommonPaper painted over after hangingPaint seals the surface, blocking water or steamer penetration.
  • PossibleMultiple layers of old wallpaperLayers applied over each other are more work to fully remove.

What to do

  1. Score the wallpaper surface lightly with a scoring tool so liquid can penetrate.
  2. Apply a wallpaper removal solution or a hot water and vinegar mix generously.
  3. Let it soak for the time recommended on the product, usually 15–20 minutes.
  4. Scrape gently with a wide putty knife, working from an edge or seam.
  5. Reapply solution to stubborn sections and let soak longer.
  6. Wash the wall with clean water to remove leftover adhesive residue.
  7. Let the wall dry fully before patching, priming, or repainting.

Tools and parts

  • Wallpaper scoring tool
  • Wide putty knife
  • Spray bottle
Wallpaper removal solutionSearch: “wallpaper stripper solution”

When to call a pro

Call a wallpaper removal service for large rooms or many painted-over layers, since it can be very labor-intensive.

Safety

Use caution

Scoring tools are sharp; use light pressure to avoid gouging the drywall underneath.

Related guides

Operator provides AI-generated troubleshooting information. It can be wrong. For safety-critical, electrical, gas, structural, medical, automotive safety, or other high-risk problems, consult a qualified professional.