It can be a tedious and messy job to remove wallpaper. But the right tools will make it easier.

Consider these things when you are looking for tools and materials to help remove wallpaper:

• Wallpaper material (the covering): Vinyl wallpapers require a wallpaper scorer. This will allow you to remove the vinyl from your wall and let steam or a solution soak in. Wallpaper remover won't need to be scored if it is paper or other fibrous material.



• Chemicals vs. Heat: Wallpaper removers contain chemicals that can break down wallpaper glue. This makes it much easier to remove. You can also use a wallpaper steamer to heat it.

• Safety: Protect your eyes and skin from wallpaper removal solutions. When steaming wallpaper, you should wear safety gloves and long sleeves. Never touch the steamer's plates.

Because it is less likely to cause damage to the wall, flexibility and thinness are essential qualities in a scraper. A thinner blade is more effective at removing wallpaper than a thicker one.

Best Concentrated Wallpaper Removal Solution

The Piranha Concentrate Wallpaper Remover covers large areas. The concentrated formula makes five gallons of wallpaper-removal solution from one 32-ounce container. Once mixed with water, it will cover approximately 75 square feet. According to the company's spec sheet, it will cover approximately 75 square feet of wallpaper. This makes it an affordable choice.

Best Putty Knife

Putty knives are simple to use and can slide behind wallpaper backing while you remove them from the wall. Anvil Flexible Putty Knife has a thin, flexible blade that makes it less likely to make gouges in walls.

There are many sizes available. You can choose between a 6-inch blade (which professionals prefer) or a 3-inch blade. This isn't too small to be able to scrape all day, but it isn't too wide that it feels overwhelming large for beginners.

The Best Putty Knife for Tight Spots

A large putty knife will not work if there is a small area on the side of a door or under a cabinet. A 1.5-inch Flexible Putty Knife features a flexible blade that won't damage the wall and a smaller edge that can be used to remove wallpaper backing and glue from tricky areas.

Best Wallpaper Scraper

Wallpaper scraping tools are sharper than ordinary putty knives and have longer handles. WP Chomp Wallpaper Scraping Tools comes with a sharpenable, replaceable blade. The angle of the blade makes it easier to scrape wallpaper and less likely to cause damage to walls.

Best Wallpaper Scorer

If your wallpaper is sticking to the back after you soak it, it's time to call a wallpaper scorer.

WP Chomp Wallpaper Scorer has two rotating scoring wheels made of stainless steel and a pivoting arm that pokes holes in wallpaper while you are running it along the wall. These holes allow the wallpaper removal solution to reach the backing. It is easy to move the tool around the wall using the pivoting arm without having to worry about it being held at a specific angle.