The stage most people skip, why old adhesive stops anything else sticking, and the dry-hand test that tells you when a wall is genuinely clean
Wash the wall with warm water and sugar soap, or a weak solution of wallpaper stripper, working in sections and changing the water as soon as it turns cloudy. Rinse with clean water and let it dry. Then run a dry hand over it. Anywhere still tacky, shiny or slippery has glue on it and needs another wash.
This is the stage people skip because the wall looks finished. It is also the stage that decides whether the next wallpaper stays up.
Why it has to come off
Old wallpaper adhesive is water-soluble and dries to a hard, glassy film. Three things follow:
New paste will not bond to it. You get lengths lifting within a fortnight, with the paste still on the back of the paper.
Paint will not sit on it either. It causes patchy sheen, crazing and peeling, so this matters just as much if you are painting instead.
It reactivates. Put wet paste onto old glue and it softens, so the whole wall becomes a slippery layer that nothing grips.
How to do it
Let the stripped wall dry first, or you will just be moving wet paste around.
Mix warm water with sugar soap, following the pack, or a weak wallpaper stripper solution.
Work in sections of about a square metre with a sponge or cloth, not too wet.
Let it soften for a minute, then wipe with a moderate amount of pressure.
Change the water often, as soon as it goes cloudy, which will be sooner than you expect. Washing with glue-laden water simply spreads it.
Use a broad scraper on thicker deposits, held flat, while the area is still damp.
Rinse the whole wall with clean water and a clean cloth.
Let it dry completely.
The dry-hand test
Once the wall is fully dry, run a dry palm slowly across it.
Tacky means glue.
Shiny or slick patches in raking light mean glue.
Squeaky and uniform means clean.
The whole wall should feel the same everywhere. Uneven patches are exactly where the next paper will lift.
Stubborn residue
Wet it and leave it longer. Most stubborn glue is glue that has not been given time to dissolve.
Use a stronger stripper solution rather than more scrubbing.
Try a plastic scraper held flat, so you do not gouge the plaster.
Avoid abrasives. Sanding glue tends to burnish it into the wall rather than remove it.
Then make good
Fill gouges, torn plasterboard and old fixing holes; sand flush.
Let the wall dry thoroughly, because a wall that has been soaked or steamed holds more moisture than it looks. A steamed wall needs several days.
Seal patchy, chalky or repaired areas with a mist coat of watered-down matt emulsion.
Do I have to remove wallpaper glue before hanging new paper?
Yes. New paste will not bond to old adhesive, and the paper will lift.
Do I have to remove it before painting?
Yes. Paint over old glue crazes, peels and dries to a patchy sheen.
What is the best thing to remove wallpaper glue?
Warm water with sugar soap, or a weak wallpaper stripper solution. Time does more than pressure.
How do I know when all the glue is off?
Let the wall dry and run a dry hand over it. Tacky or shiny areas still have glue.
Can I sand it off?
No. Sanding burnishes it into the surface. Wash it off wet.
How long should the wall dry afterwards?
At least a day or two, and longer if the wall was steamed or heavily soaked.
Fabulous wallpaper and excellent customer service. This Bronte wallpaper has given my kitchen a new lease of life. Will definitely buy from here again.
This beautiful wallpaper is in my foyer and it sets off the tone of the whole house. In the neighboring dining room I’ve hung Thibaut Iggy wallpaper and the two rooms blend seamlessly.
Excellent!
First Class wallpaper, easy application, the print is exceptional, new it would be ideal for my coffee corner of my new kitchen , arrived well packaged and on time , would highly recommend
This paper was so easy to install! I have used all three types of paper and will never go back to anything but paste the wall. The patterns were correct and easy to Mark and to match and the colors were as true as my samples. This company has been great to deal with and will use them again in the future.
Love this wallpaper! Second time purchasing a Claret & Key wallpaper. The quality is outstanding! The paper is thick and goes on so easily, works great for those new to wallpapering or DIY. The colors are super bright and amazing. They are my go-to wallpaper company now!
I love the quality of this paper, it was easy to cut and correct where I had made mistakes. Its high end vintage style is timeless in my daughter’s bedroom. I love it and will use this brand again!! Thank you so much 🤍🤍
Looks beautiful in my dining room and in a cabinet that I brought in during the remodel. The service was great and came quickly. The paper was easy to install. The only thing I am noticing is that it is pulling up in places. It might be the textured wall that is causing the issues. A high quality paper and I would definitely order again.
Only started with one wall and I’ve decided to do my entire room. It is so stunning and cozy. It made my bedroom look like it’s from a different planet. I bought two more rolls for the room. I am so excited to get those when they arrive !
Love the wall paper. Easy to hang, and I love the fact that you can change the background colours, which for me makes it bespoke. I have recommended to a friend.
Absolutely gorgeous and high quality wallpaper. We got samples from multiple brands and I could tell just by the feel of this one how high quality it is.
The print is a total Florida vibe. It feels vintage, tropical, very old Florida. The 'summer' color way feels bright but isn't overwhelming. Truly love this wallpaper.
Ordered 2 rolls, managed in one roll. Quickest and easiest wallpaper I’ve put up. Hardly any wastage due to repeating pattern. Got a refund for the roll I didn’t use within a few days of returning also. When returning I emailed C&K for instructions and was given promptly and clearly. Would recommend and would buy again.
I've never worked with peel & stick wallpaper before. It was a little tricky to get use to, but I got the hang of it & the process went smoothly! It's sticking great, weeks later, no peeling anywhere! I absolutely love how this print transformed my dining room!
