Best Wallpaper Remover

Welcome to the 111th Metamorphosis Monday!

Guess what this is.

 

It’s the last of the wallpaper!

 

The evil wallpaper is GONE, GONE, GONE!

 

Thanks to this stuff…Safe and Simple. You’ll find their website HERE and in case you’re wondering, I’m not being compensated in any way for recommending this product.  I’m just sharing the good stuff, when and where I find it.

A couple of folks asked how I found this product. Well, here’s the story. After trying Dif, another product that Home Depot sells (forgotten the name now) fabric softener, vinegar, and finally a steamer, I had pretty much given up. So I called a professional wallpaper remover. She came to my home and gave me an estimate…$200 to remove the paper from one wall and from the area around the double window. I had already removed it (semi-destroying the wall) from one wall and the 4th wall has a mural on it.

That seemed a bit high to me, especially after I saw how easily she was able to remove a section. Before she gave me her estimate, she tested an area, I guess so she could see if she wanted to take on this job. She took a sprayer like this one below and added hot water from the tap to the sprayer. The wallpaper remover she was using was already in her container. She didn’t bring the bottle inside so I had no idea what was in her sprayer.

She sprayed the solution from her sprayer onto the wall, waited about 2-3 minutes and started just shaving it right off the wall like there was nothing to it. I was dumbfounded! After weeks of trying to find some product to get this insane paper off the wall, I couldn’t believe how easily it was coming down for her. Of course, you know I asked, “What in the world do you have in that sprayer?” She quickly stated it was a product available ONLY to the trade and that she got it out of California. She added that it was very expensive and costs $50 a gallon. During her visit, Max came into the room and sniffed the sprayer. She told me that there was no need to worry since it was safe and non-toxic.

Before she left, I asked how soon she could remove it for me. She said she’d give me a call sometime “next week” and then we could set up a time. As you know, patience isn’t my middle name.

After she left, I became more curious about what she had used and I seriously wondered if it were really only available to the trade. Good ole Google came to my rescue. I LOVE Google…best thing ever! I started googling phrases like “best wallpaper remover available only to trade in California.” Within about 2 minutes I found a website that was supposed to be just for contractors…which was odd since anyone could read it.

One guy was raving about this product called, Safe and Simple. To make a long story, short, I clicked on the link he provided and discovered that Safe and Simple was in California, was around $50 a gallon with shipping (you don’t need a gallon) and is safe and non-toxic. I felt sure I had found the product and it turned out, I had.

BTW, you DON’T need a gallon. One 16 oz bottle will strip the walls of 4 rooms measuring 12′ x 24′ and it only costs $7.50, plus shipping. The only person who would buy it by the gallon would be a professional wallpaper stripper. Also, it ISN’T just for sale “only to the trade.” Anyone can buy it. So that’s how I found Safe and Simple…and it does work!

Because my walls were apparently never primed prior to the installation of the paper, the backing of the wallpaper had become one with the walls. This is how the walls looked after using the other products I tried (see pic below.) The biggest hole/damage came from when I used the steamer. The steamer softened the wall, so when I scraped, big sections of wallboard came off. I did have success in some places with the steamer, but it dripped badly and ran out of steam every 20 minutes or so. Then you had to unplug it and wait 20 minutes to refill it. UGH. It was taking forever.

Before I ever started, I bought this tool which is designed especially for scraping off wallpaper. I found it too sharp to use…too easy to gouge the wall.

So I used this instead. I’m not sure what this is called. I have a larger one that still has a label on it and it’s called a “joint knife.” For the sake of this post, let’s just call this a scraper. 🙂

The technique I found that worked the best was to press down in the center of the scraper with 2-3 fingers. If I scraped without doing that, I tended to gouge the edge of the scrapper into the wall. But if I pressed down in the center with the fingers of my left hand while I scrapped with my right hand, I didn’t have that problem near as much. I guess it kept the center pressed against the wall and stabilized the scrapper so I didn’t tend to tilt it and gouge the wall.

I have two more tips to share:

1. If you are right handed like I am, try to scrape from right to left. You will have a lot more control that way and gouge the wall a lot less. Use your left hand to press down in the center of the scraper…that worked best for me. Do the opposite if you are left handed. I found scraping horizontally worked better than going vertical.

2. Also, I noticed the professional who gave me an estimate, took the paper off in long strokes, going all the way across the width of the paper. I have a tendency to do little scrapes, kind of sputtering my way across the wall…not good. So, try to push the scraper in one long fluid scrape. The wallpaper will pile up/build up on the scraper so you may have to stop and wipe it off. Once the paper builds up, it doesn’t work as well, so stop, wipe it off and continue with long strokes. Even with Safe and Simple, I still had to SCRAPE the paper off the walls. But at least it came off. YAY!

Now for some fun stuff:

Whoever it was that suggested I use a bamboo protector under my chair…you were right! I tried a sisal rug and after a while, the chair was just flattening the rug. So I put the rug back into the upstairs family room and bought a Anji Mountain Bamboo Chairmat. I love it! I lucked out because I found one in a color that is pretty much identical in color to my hardwood flooring. They also had it in a darker color for darker stained floors. The best price I’ve found for these mats is on Amazon here: Anji Mountain Bamboo Chairmat

I wasn’t thrilled with the cushion I had for my chair…it wasn’t thick enough. I found this fun cushion at Pier 1 and it was 20% off, making it right at $20. I love the colors. I don’t want this office to be too serious or too officey-like. You can see a distance shot of this cushion in the pic above.

It has these little beads hanging from the ties. I’m not sure if I’ll leave those, I may cut them off where they attach to the ties. For now, I’ve left them there.

 

Here’s a little close-up of the cushion. If I end up putting drapes in here, I may have one custom made to match the drapes…but for now, this one sits very comfortably.

So, those are the changes that have been going on around here lately. If you haven’t seen the “Before” posts about this room, click HERE, HERE , HERE and HERE. So that’s it for my Met Monday! Can’t wait to see yours!

 

Metamorphosis Monday:
If you are participating in Metamorphosis Monday: Please be sure to add your permalink below, and not your general blog address. To get your permalink, click on your post name, then just copy and paste the address that shows up in the address bar at the top, into the “url” box for the picture linky. You’ll also need to put your e-mail address in, but don’t worry, it will not be visible to anyone.

If you’d like to include the MM button in your post, just copy and paste the Met Monday button to your computer or grab the html code from underneath the MM logo under the “Join a Blog Party” header at the top of this blog.

Please include a link in your MM post back to the host blog, Between Naps on the Porch. Why is this important? When you include a link back to BNOTP, it ensures your regular readers/visitors will find the other awesome “Before and Afters” linked for this Metamorphosis Monday. If everyone links back, this maximizes the visits for all participants.

Please DO NOT type in all caps…it spreads the links waaaay out. Thanks!


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Comments

  1. Handy Man, Crafty Woman says

    wow, AMEN to the wallpaper being gone!! it looks so great! Thanks for hosting this blog party every week.

  2. laxsupermom says

    Yay for the end of the wallpaper! Love the new seat cushion! What a nice touch of unexpected fun for the office! Thanks for hosting this party each week. It's always neat to see what everyone else is up to.

  3. Jennifer says

    I love that cushion! The fabric is so fun! Enjoying keeping up with your remodel. Boy, wallpaper is a {beep} to remove, huh?
    Jen
    Scissors & Spatulas

  4. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    Yaaay for finishing the wallpaper, Susan! Love the cushion…so cute! I am sure Max loves teh little ties! Happy week!…hugs…Debbie

  5. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    I'm so glad you found a good wallpaper stripper and finally were able to get it all off of the wall! Love the cushion!

  6. Matt and Leah says

    I'm so sorry Susan! I accidentally linked up the wrong project. If you could go ahead and delete my shamrock bunting link up I would appreciate it! Thanks so much 🙂

  7. Susan:
    Congratulations on what is becoming your beautiful workspace and also for being one ingenious, enterprising woman! High five! I agree, when I read that comment about the bamboo mat, I was like…well yeah…that was brilliant, cause the other options were going to do just what you found out. Awesome! Enjoy your new evolving space!
    Hugs, Lisa

  8. Carolyn @ Adrift on the Lake says

    I was sure hoping to see more of your office! Kudos on finding the "secret formula" she was using.

    I love google, too. Last week, I looked up "sew your own napkins" in hopes of finding a site I had come across a few weeks ago. Instead, google brought up how to sew your own *sanitary* napkins. LOL! I did read all about it…

  9. Beeutiful by Design says

    Amen to the wallpaper fini!! Makes you think twice before hanging wallpaper doesn't it? Our old house had wallpaper glued to horse hair plaster walls. Yuck! Thanks for hosting and have a great week! Jennifer

  10. Susan, I'll say Amen to this. 😉
    Looking great, and I know you are happy to be one more step to completion. Yea!!!
    Love the new cushion! ~ Sarah

  11. Pam @ Our Adventures in Home Improvement says

    Susan, your office is looking GREAT! You are so smart to have googled the wallpaper remover and NOT hire the 'professional'.

    I love the bamboo rug.

    Pam

  12. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

    AMEN!!! Your office is looking great, and I know firsthand how good it feels to have the wallpaper GONE. BIG relief, huh? I love the bamboo rug idea; it's just what I need. Where did you find it?

  13. The Polka Dot Closet says

    YOU ARE JUST A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE! I would have investigated also, I have been there with wallpaper like that! The rug under the chair is a great laternative to the plastic pad! I have linked up and would like to thank you for hosting this wonderful party!

    Carol

  14. Thelittlebrownhouse.us says

    What a nightmare that wallpaper removal was! Good for you for tracking down the remover! And I absolutely love the chair pad – it really adds a pop to the room!

  15. Brambleberry Cottage says

    Susan, I know after all you've gone through to get that paper off the walls, you are thrilled to FINALLY have it done! Hmmm, wonder what that wallpaper hanger is going to think, when she finds out you were able to complete the task without her? 😉

    Thanks for hosting. I would love to have you join me for "Funny Faux Pas Follies". Just click on the picture in my sidebar for details.

    Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage
    http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

  16. Amy of WhisperWood Cottage and Junkologie says

    Loving each step of the makeover, Susan! I've featured your office makeover in today's post…
    http://www.whisperwoodcottage.com/2011/03/15-inspiring-office-studio-study-craft.html

    Amy

  17. Yay! You finally got the wallpaper off. Thanks for the info for the remover, I might need it someday. Love the chair pad, pretty colors!…Christine

  18. Wow, thank goodness you were able to tackle and complete the removal of the wallpaper! That is SO not fun! Your office is coming together beautifully … thanks for taking us along on your adventure! And, thanks for hosting. I'm off to mingle. Becca

    http://www.adventuresindecorating1.blogspot.com

  19. Brayton Homestead Interiors says

    office is looking great= awesome tip -yet I am the only one left who likes wallpaper. the room looks terrific- and that cushion- love!

    Karen

  20. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Hi Susan,
    The bamboo floor mat came from Office Max and was $69.99…well worth it. They also have it in a darker wood color.

  21. txmom2jami says

    My husband has done a lot of sheetrock work over the years – that joint knife is what you use to spread joint compound between sheets of sheetrock when you tape and float the walls. Just thought you'd like to know! 😉

  22. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Karen, I still love wallpaper, but when it's applied wrong, it's a nightmare to remove. The walls should have been primed. All the wallpaper I have put up, I have primed the walls first. I don't know why the woman I paid to hang the paper in this room didn't prime the walls. 🙁 Anyway, it's not near this awful to get down if they are primed. So, I would still use wallpaper, I love it! I'd just make sure the walls were primed first.

  23. Congratulations to the winner…great giveaway!
    Your office is going to be GREAT!!!

  24. Heaven's Walk - says

    AMEN, Susan! Yay! Thanks for the wonderful research work and for sharing it with us! Your tips were great and so appreciated. I can hardly wait to see what you're up to net in here! 🙂

    xoxo laurie

  25. Amen, Sister Susan! So glad you finally found something to take off that wallpaper. I've never heard of a bamboo floor mat but it looks wonderful and your little new cushion is adorable!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

  26. Jess @ Frugal with a Flourish says

    It is really looking fantastic! You can really see how much work you are putting into it! And that cushion is adorable! Thanks for hosting!

  27. Susan, your office is looking wonderful! I'm linking up again as I've updated my triplet's bedroom to a more grown up look! Thanks so much for hosting! This is always so much fun! xo

  28. So glad Susan that you are at this point and the wallpaper is gone. I worried about you getting hand problems with all your work stripping that paper. Your office redo has been very interesting and I can see how much you are going to enjoy using this room. I like all your selections.

  29. Thanks SO much for the tip on the wallpaper remover. What a nightmare. The wallpaper in our home was put up on unprimed walls also, so I feel your pain. Love that cushion, and I bet Max LOVES those beads! Kat

  30. The DIY Spot says

    So glad to hear that you got the last of the wall paper off. What an ordeal! Love the colorful chair cushion.

  31. Mary Ellen says

    I did the wallpaper removal thing last year! What a mess! Know you are happy to have that part of the project done with!

    Love the cute chair cushion
    Thanks for the party!

  32. Super cute chair cushion! And I love the bargain price- $20 for anything at Pier 1 is a deal!!!
    Oh, I almost forgot, AMEN on the wallpaper success 🙂

  33. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    TXMOM…thanks for that info. I'm going to attempt to "fix" my walls so I'll be using it for it's intended purpose soon. I may find it way too much for me to handle, though. Maybe I'll put the $200 I saved on the wallpaper removal toward "fixing" the walls I damaged. 🙂

  34. Susan you sure deserve an AMEN!! The wallpaper is finally gone, can't wait to see the next step! Love that chair cushion with those cute ties. Thanks for hosting, Martina

  35. ~K @ VintageSkye says

    Thanks for hosting! What a load off to have the wallpaper done!!
    I entered my Farmhouse Whitewashed Concrete Eggs #167

  36. Tales From My Empty Nest says

    Thanks so much on the tips about the wallpaper removal. I have some paper that I want to take down, so I will definitely order some of the Safe & Simple. Love how your office is turning out! Great job! Love & blessings from NC!

  37. tales from an oc cottage says

    I think Max will enjoy that seat cushion too…especially those ties!!!

    m ^..^

  38. Kim @ Second Time Furniture says

    Love all the bright colors in the chair pad! The office is coming along great!

  39. Anonymous says

    Your site is so enjoyable. I wonder how many have told you they would like you to be their "Mom." (I lost mine this December). Now that would be a true Metamorphosis as I am in my 70's.

    You are very generous to share so much.
    Thank You

  40. gnee @ Singing With Birds says

    Your office is looking up and thanks for the wallpaper remover and tips. Thanks for hosting!

  41. Yes! Definitely an AMEN for/to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Hugs/blessings,
    Lana

  42. Happy Monday!
    WOW, your office is really beginning to transform. LOVE your office furniture and the chair pad…adorable!

    Thanks for hosting! XOXO ~Liz

  43. I swear I heard the hallelujah chorus when you pulled that last piece of wallpaper off! 🙂 It's gonna be fantastic, and I LOVE that cushion!

  44. I swear I heard the hallelujah chorus when you pulled that last piece of wallpaper off! 🙂 It's gonna be fantastic, and I LOVE that cushion!

  45. I agree – AMEN to the paper being gone. I can so relate. We just removed the wallpaper from our mudroom and it was a nightmare. I linked up the finished mudroom to your party this week. Hope you check it out. I love the new cushion for your chair and I love the tassels.

  46. Laura Ingalls Gunn says

    Amen and Hallelujah!

    I love the bamboo floor mat. Who knew?

    The colors in the seat cushion are fabulous. I see that it is beaded. My thinking is that the beads are small enough to not bother you when seated?

  47. CalypsoInTheCountry says

    Great that you were able to get the remover yourself! The room is looking beautiful! Can't wait to see the next step!
    Shelley

  48. Congratulations Susan! So glad that stuff is in the trash. You've earned a medal for perserverance.

    You office is going to be great.

  49. With Love.....Cynthia says

    Leave the beaded ties on. Your cat will love them!

  50. Hi Susan! Thank you for hosting today! And thank you for sharing the tip on the wallpaper removal solution! I have 3 bathrooms with wallpaper that I don't love but don't hate…knowing that I could easily remove it has gotten me thinking about some redecorating projects! Your cushion is so pretty!
    Best Wishes and Blessings,
    Amanda
    One Girl in Pink

  51. Thanks for that wonderful lead on the wallpaper removal stuff…..I dare say there will be a run on it and the company will be scratching their heads about why the surge in orders! You should get a kickback! :o) The office is coming together beautifully….thank you for sharing your journey! I've enjoyed watching each piece come together. Toni

  52. Simple "T" says

    Your office is looking super, the bamboo mat is something I will have to get AND the wall paper removal solution. Thanks ever so much for all your hard work finding this awesome solution. I have some paper in my dinning room waiting to be removed. I was dreading it as its STUCK on big time. I gather the walls were not primed either.

    Thanks loads!

  53. Life in Rehab says

    I love your office more and more every week, and thanks for the tip about wallpaper removal. That's on my list!

  54. LOL ~ I LOVE IT!! "The evil wallpaper is gone!"

    Looking good!
    😀 Lynda

  55. Nana Moon Shop says

    I could spend all day on this one post. Thanks so much for the link party and inspiration!
    ~Danylle

  56. Simone @ Doberman's by the Sea says

    Congrats on this major accomplishment! It's all uphill from here. Happy Monday.

  57. Jane @ Jane's Junk and Treasures says

    CUTE CUTE CUSHION!!!!

  58. martinealison says

    Le rendu est là! MAGNIFIQUE…
    Bisous

  59. Love the cushion colors! and great job on everything else, i'm enjoying the transformation.

  60. classic • casual • home says

    I could use that bamboo mat. Lovely office.
    Mary Ann

  61. That wastebasket full of wallpaper scraps really got to me! When we first moved into our house, EVERY room had some wallpaper of some kind. It is finally all gone. I like how you have photoed each step, not just before and after. Thanks.
    Pat

  62. saltbox treasures says

    Your blog is always so helpful. Thanks for sharing your projects with us and for hosting your wonderful blog parties. I am so glad to have a project to link up today!
    ~ Julie

  63. Vicki V @ blestnest.blogspot.com says

    Oh boy, can I relate to your wallpaper tales of woe! I wish I had seen this about 3 days ago. My paper is stuck directly to the unfinished sheet rock, and I have sections with quite bit of damage. Since we're going to texture the walls, though, I'm hoping we'll be okay. Stripping wallpaper is the absolute pits.

  64. What a great post! I've been there and done that. I used plain old water in a spray bottle and was surprised at how well it worked. But what a mess! I'll have to try that product you mentioned. You are right, the right pressure is important. I've got more to remove before we will be ready to texture and paint. Adorable chair cushion!

    xo
    Donna @ Comin' Home

  65. HOOORAY no more wallpaper!! That was quite a job that you did. I remember taking my wall paper down with my sister in law in my kitchen. If it wasn't for my sweet sister in law, I would probably still be there! The room is really taking shape, it will be beautiful.

  66. Barb@curlywillowdiy says

    Removing wallpaper is such a chore but so worth it when it's all done! Your room is really looking great. Thanks for hosting another great party. There is so much talent out there!
    Barb

  67. andrea of ffft says

    Ugh… don't even get me started about wallpaper removal…

    I have a thought for your drapes if you do them… it would be gorgeous to get a fabric similar to the base fabric of the cushion (even a solid if you can't find a comparable pattern. I would then bead (or find somebody who can) just a piece of that same pattern on one area of the drapes… maybe a border across the bottom or just an accent section… the beading is gorgeous! Love beaded anything…

  68. Marilyn Holeman says

    Congratulations, Susan! Good job! It's looking great.

  69. Farah Muzaffar says

    Hi Susan . its nice to see your office , love your chair very much so cute and happy looking chair…I linked up a project to your party…
    Hope you will enjoy your visit if you can spare a little bit to see some napkin folds at
    http://craftaworld.blogspot.com/
    Love
    Farah

  70. lulumusing says

    All things considered I bet you won't be using wallpaper again. I swore off it for years but recently fell in love with a pattern that ended up in the master bath.

  71. lulumusing says

    All things considered I bet you won't be using wallpaper again. I swore off it for years but recently fell in love with a pattern that ended up in the master bath.

  72. Susan, have you or anybody ever had over 400 linkies? It'll happen soon! I know it's not really important, but seems like a milestone!

  73. Susan your home office has come along just beautifully! Knowing you though, no doubt you'll be tweaking it to absolute perfection. 🙂 LOVE, LOVE your fabric choice for the chair cushion BTW.
    Regarding the wallpaper removal solution name, thank you so very much as I have ordered some.
    Footnote: For your Canadian readers they do ship to Canada. Search – safeandsimple.com On their website under the title of 'Feedback' ('Praise') I left a comment and notated that I wanted to order some for my personal use and received a reply from Management (Mike Sekich) the very same day. Now that's Customer Service! -Brenda-

  74. Thanks Susan for your information, I have emailed this to my granddaughter. I knew you would be the one to ask!!! Thanks, Liz Hamrick

  75. Where can yo find this wallpaper remover now? We’ve searched everywhere. It was the best product we’ve used and need it again

    • I haven’t contacted them in many years so I’m not sure if that product is still being made or if they are still in business. I hope they are. This was their phone number when I purchased their wallpaper remover many years ago: 800-648-8585 . If you find out that it’s still being made, please let me know. It’s the only thing that I’ve ever found that works.

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