How to Remove Old Wallpaper: A Complete Guide for Your Home Makeover

When it comes to refreshing your home interior, wallpaper remains one of the most effective and stylish solutions. But before you can enjoy the beauty of a modern design, the question arises: how do you remove old wallpaper without damaging your walls? This is one of the most searched topics online, and for good reason. Many homeowners want to upgrade to embossed wallpaper—a sophisticated, textured wallcovering that brings both elegance and durability.
At Adawall, we specialize in creating luxury embossed wallpapers that combine innovation, design, and functionality. If you are planning to transform your walls, understanding both the removal process and the advantages of embossed wallpaper is essential.
Step 1: Preparing to Remove Old Wallpaper
The first step is proper preparation. Clear the room as much as possible, protect your floors with plastic sheets, and gather essential tools such as a scraper, sponge, bucket, and warm water. Many online resources, including popular sites like Home Depot DIY guides and This Old House, recommend using a wallpaper scoring tool to create small holes in the old wallpaper. This allows water or wallpaper remover to penetrate the adhesive layer.
Step 2: Removing the Old Wallpaper
There are different methods to remove wallpaper depending on whether it is peel-and-stick, vinyl-coated, or traditional. For traditional wallpaper:
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Mix warm water with a small amount of dish soap or vinegar.
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Apply it to the wallpaper using a sponge or spray bottle.
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Allow it to soak for 10–15 minutes.
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Use a scraper to gently peel it away.
For stubborn glue, a commercial wallpaper remover can be very effective. Always work slowly to avoid damaging the drywall underneath.
Step 3: Preparing Your Walls for Embossed Wallpaper
After removal, wash the walls to remove any adhesive residue. Let them dry completely before applying primer. This step is often overlooked, but it makes a significant difference when installing embossed wallpaper because textured designs adhere best to smooth, clean surfaces.
Why Choose Embossed Wallpaper?
One of the biggest interior design trends in the U.S. is embossed wallpaper—also known as textured wallpaper, raised pattern wallpaper, or 3D wallpaper. Compared to flat wallpapers, embossed options offer several advantages:
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Adds Texture and Dimension: The raised design creates depth and a more dynamic look.
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Luxurious Appeal: Embossed wallpapers mimic the feel of fabric or hand-crafted finishes, elevating any room.
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Durability: High-quality embossed wallpapers, like those produced by Adawall, are designed to last for years.
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Imperfection Coverage: Textured patterns can conceal small wall flaws, unlike smooth wallpapers.
Competitor brands such as York Wallcoverings and Brewster Home Fashions also promote textured wallpapers, but Adawall stands out by combining European design expertise with advanced production technology, ensuring a perfect balance of beauty and functionality.
Where Can Embossed Wallpaper Be Used?
Many homeowners think embossed wallpaper only works for formal living rooms, but in reality, it suits almost any interior:
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Living Rooms: Add sophistication with damask or floral embossed patterns.
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Bedrooms: Create a calm, elegant retreat with soft textures.
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Dining Areas: Enhance atmosphere with luxury 3D wallcoverings.
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Hallways & Entryways: Make a strong first impression with raised designs.
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Feature Walls: Use embossed wallpaper on one wall to highlight architectural details.
Why Choose Adawall?
With decades of experience in wallpaper manufacturing, Adawall delivers premium-quality embossed wallpapers designed for the international market. Our collections blend timeless style with innovative finishes, making us a trusted choice for homeowners, designers, and contractors.
When you choose Adawall, you are not just buying wallpaper—you are investing in long-lasting beauty for your home.
Visit adawalls.com to explore our full range of collections and find inspiration for your next project.