Learn how to remove woodchip wallpaper without damaging your walls. This guide covers scraping, steaming, and product tips like Zinsser DIF, plus prepping for your next wallpaper install.
Ah, woodchip wallpaper, the stuff of DIY nightmares. Thick, bumpy, and often slathered in layer upon layer of old paint. But don’t worry, you can get it off. And no, you don’t need to torch your living room. Below, we’ll walk you through a few methods, share our favorite products, and offer a few hard-earned tips to help you survive the process with your sanity (mostly) intact.
Step 1: Choose Your Removal Method
There are three main ways to tackle woodchip wallpaper, and you may find yourself using a mix of all three.
Option 1: Scraping and Scoring
This is often the first step — especially if your wallpaper has been painted and is resistant to water or steam.
How it works:
Use a perforating tool to score the wallpaper and allow moisture to penetrate the adhesive. Then scrape gently with a putty knife or wallpaper scraper.
Tools for this method:
- Wallpaper scraper or putty knife
- Scoring tool or paper perforator
- Drop cloths
- Patience
Tip: Woodchip wallpaper is notorious for pulling off bits of old plaster. Go slowly and carefully to minimize wall damage.
Option 2: Steam It
Steaming softens the adhesive so the wallpaper can be peeled or scraped away — but it’s messy, time-consuming, and not always effective on heavily painted surfaces.
Tools for this method:
- Wallpaper steamer
- Drop cloths
- Wallpaper scraper
- Towels (for the mess)
Caution: Steamers drip — and water running into light switches or outlets can be dangerous. Also, painted woodchip may peel off in gooey, stringy layers that stick to everything, including your carpet.
Pro tip: Use a steamer as a follow-up after scoring for better results.
Option 3: Use Zinsser DIF Wallpaper Stripper
This chemical method is one of the most effective and least damaging approaches. It works especially well when steaming just isn’t cutting it.
How it works:
Mix Zinsser DIF Wallpaper Stripper Concentrate with very hot water (according to package instructions). Spray the mixture on the wall twice, allowing 15 minutes between soaks. Then scrape.
Tools for this method:
- Zinsser DIF Wallpaper Stripper Concentrate
- Very hot water
- Spray bottle
- Wallpaper scraper
- Drop cloths
Why we love it: It’s reliable, less aggressive than steaming, and won’t flood your electrical sockets.
After Removal: Getting Ready for New Wallpaper
Woodchip wallpaper isn’t always kind to your walls. If your plaster is older or already loose, some may come off with the paper. Don’t panic! Just fill any scratches or gouges with wall filler, let it dry, and sand smooth.
Before you install one of our removable wallpaper designs (we love that for you), make sure your walls are ready to go:
- Prime the walls with a wallpaper-safe primer.
- Paint your chosen base color.
- Wait 30 days after painting before installing your new wallpaper to ensure proper adhesion.
- Follow or How to Apply videos for a seamless wallpaper install
Removing woodchip wallpaper can be a test of patience. It’s slow, messy, and occasionally frustrating. But once it’s gone, you’ll be amazed how much fresher and smoother your space feels. And yes… woodchip wallpaper is still being sold. But now at least, you know exactly how to get rid of it.
Good luck — and may your scraper be ever sharp.