Taking woodchip paper off the walls

[violaine]

I am considering stripping the woodchip paper off the walls in my room. Can anyone give me any advice about how to go about doing this in the most efficient way?

[ipek]

Having used the traditional bucket of water and sponge for years, I used a steam stripper last time and it was absolutely brilliant at soaking the paper before stripping it off with the trowel. Far less messy and quicker than the bucket method, although you do need to be careful with the steam jet (it can give you a nasty burn).
However, if the woodchip paper is painted over with several layers of acrylic paint, you may need to scratch the surface of the paper first to allow the water to penetrate to the glue, whichever method you use. They do a tool for this in the DIY shops (sort of triangle with rotating wheels at each corner) or you can use the point of the paper-stripping tool to score through the paper.
Either way it's gonna be messy as the 'chips' then come off the backing paper - so make sure you put plenty of protection down on the flooring before you start - this also makes it easier to clear up the debris after stripping the walls, anyway.
Be patient - let the water soak in properly before you start with the stripping tool otherwise you land up taking chucks out of the wall. Also, be prepared for some aching muscles afterwards, it's still hard work!!
Good Luck.