Wallpaper stripper buying guide

Whether you have classic, vinyl-coated or woven wallpaper, if you've used a water-based adhesive to hang it, it can be removed using a wallpaper stripper. But to ensure that you pick a wallpaper stripper that is straightforward and pleasant to use, you'll need to weigh up several technical characteristics:

• wattage;

• tank capacity and material;

• steam power;

• hose length and quality; 

• steam plate size and design;

• additional features (e.g. a scorer).

Wallpaper strippers can be used to remove wallpaper quickly and efficiently. These tools can tackle about 1 m² per minute making them a real time saver. What's more, wallpaper strippers don't require any chemicals so they are environmentally friendly and safe to use around the home. Equipped with a steam plate, these tools use heat and moisture to remove wallpaper.

Before you settle on a particular model, be sure to check the power output. It is possible to find low-end wallpaper strippers but they don't always do a very good job and they don't tend to last long. In order to get a decent result, you will need a power output of 2000 watts (W) minimum. The more powerful the machine, the quicker it will be to use and the better the results will be.

If you want to avoid having to wait for your wallpaper stripper to heat up too often, it is strongly recommended to go for a model with a tank capacity of at least four litres – anything smaller than that should be avoided. The larger the tank, the longer you'll be able to use the tool before having to top up. A wallpaper stripper with a tank capacity of four to seven litres will last about 70 to 90 minutes. 

Most wallpaper strippers are equipped with a plastic tank with the exception of professional models which usually feature a very large stainless steel tank. It's a good idea to pick a model with castors to make the machine easier to move around.

Steam power refers to the quantity of steam released by the wallpaper stripper per minute. The greater the steam power, the more effective the machine. For basic, non-intensive use, you'll need around 50 to 80 grams / minute. For professional use, you'll need a model with able to offer 100 g / min or more.

Steam power is proportional to the power output of the machine: the higher the wattage, the better the steam power. It is usually possible to adjust the amount of steam released to match the thickness of your wallpaper.

It's important to check the length of the hose to ensure you can work comfortably and reach the highest parts of the room without having to move the tank. You'll therefore need a hose measuring at least 2 metres in length.

If you have particularly high ceilings, go for a longer hose (e.g. four metres).

You should also check the quality of the hose. It must be strong and flexible as it will be bent and stretched as you work.

Usually rectangular in shape, steam plates come in a variety of sizes depending on the model. The larger the steam plate, the more surface you can cover. If you have several rooms to renovate, choose a wallpaper stripper with a large steam plate.

Be sure to check that the handle of the steam plate is comfortable to use. Ideally, it should be coated with rubber or silicone for easy grip.

Before you attempt to strip wallpaper, it is recommended that you score it to allow the steam to penetrate the paper.

Some wallpaper strippers – usually professional models – are fitted with a built-in wallpaper scorer.

These two-in-one tools make stripping wallpaper a breeze!