What were you thinking? That wallpaper covered with a purple version of what seems to be paisley sperm was once cool. Now it's justÂ…regrettable! Definitely time for a change! To remove that old wallpaper, follow these tips:

1. As much as is practical, cover the floor and furniture with drop cloths, old sheets or discarded blankets. It's a good idea to move the furniture into the center of the room to make it easier to cover.

2. Start in any corner and try to peel the wallpaper off with your hands. Use a putty knife or a wallpaper scraper (you would actually BUY such a thing!). Pray that your wallpaper is the easy-peeling kind!

3. If the paper doesn't peel off or if peeling the paper leaves behind its backing, it's time to get out the serious tools - razor blades. Be really careful not to cut into the drywall underneath.

4. The next step is to wet the wall paper. You can use plain water, a commercial wall paper remover (wimp!) or water mixed with dishwashing liquid. Apply the water with a paint roller, squirt gun (Now THAT sounds like fun!) or a sponge. Just keep wetting the wall until the glue behinds the wallpaper begins to loosen.

5. If you have money to burn, you can rent a wallpaper steamer.

6. Try to peel the paper again using your hands, a putty knife or a scraper (a spatula or pancake turner works as well!).

7. Use a large sponge or scouring pad to clean any remaining glue from the wall. You want to have the wall stripped down to the original painted or primed wall.

8. If there is glue remaining, let the wall dry. Then use coarse sandpaper to sand off any remaining glue or backing.

Shazaam! You have a blank palette again! Now, I have always loved red. How about you?!?

Copyright © 2003, Pamela Cole Harris