How long does it take to strip wallpaper?

Question

I've got three bedrooms with old wallpaper, some of it layered. How long should I budget to strip everything before the decorator can come and skim?

Dave · Accepted Answer

I would say about a day each bedroom..try and remove the top layer then use a brush of spray bottle to wet the lining paper underneath

Mark · Answer

Depends on the paper.

Anywhere between half a day to a full day per room.

Painted lining paper is more stubborn and takes longer. 
If stripping the ceiling this also adds time as ceilings invovle steps.

Mark · Answer

Stripping wallpaper can be an arduous process particularly with layered paper.
I can suggest two methods that will both protect the underlying substrate and minimise damage.

First option: Use warm soapy water and a sponge to gently soak the wall areas. You can also lightly scour the wall surface with the edge of your scraper or use a Stanley knife to gently cut the surface of the wallpaper layers being careful to only cut as deep as the wallpaper and not through to the substrate. Work from bottom to top to allow maximum soaking as you proceed. Use this process as many times (usually 3-4 times) and keep gently soaking the wall areas. Do not be tempted to be to liberal with the soaking process as you may have excess water creeping under the floor damaging carpets, vinyl floors etc. Also be careful when soaking and scraping around any electrical fittings avoiding over soaking and potential harm to yourself.

Second option: Hire a steam stripper and follow the instructions .

Liam · Answer

Stripping wallpaper in a 3-bedroom home can vary quite a bit depending on the condition of the walls and the type of wallpaper, but here’s a realistic guide:

For a **standard 3-bedroom house (walls only, not ceilings)**:

* **Per room:** around **4–8 hours**
* **Whole house (3 bedrooms + hallway/living areas):** typically **2–4 days** for one person

### What affects the time:

* **Type of wallpaper**
  Vinyl or multiple layers = much slower
  Old paper or poorly applied = easier and faster
* **Wall condition**
  If glue is stubborn or walls get damaged, it slows things down
* **Removal method**
  Using a **steamer** speeds things up compared to just soaking/scraping
* **Room size & obstacles**
  Built-in furniture, radiators, and corners add time

### Rough scenarios:

* **Best case (easy peel):** 1–2 days total
* **Average job:** 2–3 days
* **Tough job (multiple layers, old adhesive):** 4–5 days

### Pro vs DIY:

* A **professional team** can often finish in **1–2 days**
* A DIY job (solo) usually stretches longer, especially if it’s your first time

If you want, tell me the wall condition or type of wallpaper and I can give a tighter estimate.

Ben · Answer

At least a day per room .

And to use right equipment . Otherwise can be hard work .

Ways to do this 
Scrapper - spray bottle with wallpaper remover

Mix with water .

Spray it on first then wait 10 minutes and start   scrapping .

Steaming hand held steamers .

Soaking with a sponge be careful of no sockets or anything. Then using scaapper thanks Ben

Justine · Answer

1–2 days with a team
2–4 days for one person
Layered wallpaper and older adhesive can slow things down, so it’s best to allow a bit of extra time to get it properly removed and the walls cleaned, ready for skimming.
We always make sure surfaces are fully stripped and prepped to a high standard before the decorator comes in.

Mark · Answer

Easy way to remove wallpaper, if it’s really hard to remove , perhaps use a steam wallpaper removal tank and heat the wall surface which will help soften the adhesive.  If that proves to be not much help perhaps buy a wallpaper scarifier to assist. It will help and  assist in scraping and scratching  perforations  the paper to help the  steam to penetrate the surface.
Once the steam get into the paper it will come off so much easier.  Scarifier around 6-7 £ to buy.
Be patient and give steamer a bit of time to penetrate the wallpaper.  But keep moving the steamer around slowly so as not to lift the plaster underneath get too hot and blow it off the wall. Heat move and scrape and repeat till it comes off easily.  Cheers Mark P

Awwal · Answer

About two weeks because there could be another layer of paper underneath the visible papers

Glenn · Answer

With a steamer, it would probably take one full day.

Rob · Answer

I would agree with DM paintings answer remove as much of the face of the paper then wet the backing paper with brush or spray bottle let the water soak into paper then scrape for multiple layers repeat the 
 depending on layers and room size allow half to one day for each room

How long does it take to strip wallpaper?

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