I want to remove some old wallpaper, then apply an orange peel texture to the wall. Do I need to remove all the wallpaper glue and prime the wall before applying the texture? -Nancy

Hi Nancy,

I would definitely remove the wallpaper adhesive before applying orange peel texture to the wall, since any glue that remains on the wall will yellow and eventually could bleed through the texture if it’s not removed first.

Priming the wall is also important, but it should be done after the orange peel texture has been applied and has dried. If you’re concerned about the old wall surface bleeding through, use a stain blocking primer when you prime the wall.

The biggest challenge, of course, will be removing all the wallpaper and adhesive. Here’s the wallpaper removal formula we use, courtesy of our friend Brian Santos, The Wall Wizard.

Start by preparing the wallpaper for removal by perforating the paper with a PaperTiger scoring tool, or by cutting horizontally through the wallpaper every few inches using a sharp utility knife.

To remove the wallpaper, mix in a 5-gallon bucket:

  • 3 gallons of hot water
  • 22 oz. of DIF wallpaper remover concentrate
  • 1/4 cup of liquid fabric softener
  • 1 cup of white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons of baking soda

Stir the mixture, then apply it to the wall using a pump-up garden sprayer. After thoroughly soaking the wallpaper, cover the wall with a layer of thin (0.7 mil) plastic, using a wallpaper brush to press the plastic onto the wall.

Let the wallpaper remover soak on the wall for at least three hours, overnight would be even better. The mixture will dissolve almost all the adhesive, allowing you to peel away the wallpaper with virtually no effort!

Good luck with your project,

Danny

Further Information

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

Learn More