If you own an older RV and want to give it a fresh, modern look, one of the first tasks you might need to tackle is removing the old wallpaper border. If you plan to paint the walls, you’ll definitely need to remove the wallpaper border before painting. Keep reading to find out what worked for me when I removed the wallpaper border on our 1996 Mallard 5th wheel travel trailer.
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Materials Needed:
- Utility knife
- Heat gun
- Lacquer thinner
- Chemical resistant gloves
- Scraper
- Microfiber cloth
- Sandpaper
- Orbital sander
Remove the “beautiful” wallpaper border
- Using the heat gun, heat the wallpaper strip for a few seconds. Then using the utility knife, get under the wallpaper in a corner. Then start slowly peeling and heating whenever needed. If you peel too fast without heating it will leave more of the sticky residue, that you will have to remove later on. So take your time and be patient.
- Next, apply lacquer thinner to the remaining sticky residue. Allow it to soak for a few minutes to soften the adhesive.
- Use the scraper to scrap most of the sticky residue off.
- Dampen the microfiber rag with lacquer thinner and scrub in a circular motion to remove any remaining stubborn adhesive.
- Once the area is fully cleaned from the sticky residue. Sand the area down using 320 grit sandpaper with an orbital sander. Running your hand on that area will help you to determine if it’s fully clean. It should not be sticky at all.
- You now have a clean canvas to start painting the walls.
Conclusion:
Removing wallpaper from an older RV can be a rewarding DIY project that breathes new life into your mobile home. Follow this step-by-step guide to safely remove the old wallpaper and prepare your RV for a fresh and exciting renovation. With some patience and the right materials, you can create a modern and inviting space that’s perfect for your adventures on the road. Happy renovating!
