Using a heat gun to remove wallpaper?

[rudebhoy]

I've got 2 rooms to strip this week, before they get plastered and painted. Was going to buy or hire a steamer, but remembered I've got a heat gun in the garage, used to strip paint previously.

Could I use the heat gun instead, or is that a stupid idea?

 

[Don Barzini]

I put this into Chat GPT for you. This was its reply:

It's not a stupid idea at all — a heat gun can be used to remove wallpaper, but there are pros and cons compared to a dedicated wallpaper steamer. Here's what you should know:

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Heat Gun Pros​

• You already own it – no need to hire or buy.
• Works well on small areas or stubborn adhesive patches.
• Can be faster than a steamer on certain types of vinyl or painted-over wallpaper.

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Heat Gun Cons (and cautions)​

• Fire hazard – heat guns get much hotter than steamers (some over 500°C), so there's a risk of:
  • Scorching the plaster or wallpaper.
  • Starting a fire if left unattended or used near dry material (e.g. old wood).
• Harder to control – can overheat glue, making it tacky instead of soft.
• Can damage walls – especially on old or plasterboard walls; risks softening or cracking the surface.
• No moisture – unlike steam, which helps soften paste and lift paper, a heat gun just warms it.

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Best Practice (if you go with the heat gun)​

• Work in small sections, maybe 1–2 feet at a time.
• Use a metal scraper or putty knife, ideally with a rounded edge to avoid gouging.
• Keep the gun moving, don’t linger in one spot.
• Test on a small area first to see how it reacts.
• Consider spraying water on the wallpaper first to soften it (especially the top layer), then use the heat gun on stubborn parts.

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Verdict​

• For full rooms, a steamer is safer, more effective, and faster, especially on traditional pasted wallpaper.
• A heat gun is OK for patch jobs, small areas, or if you’re careful and already know how the wall/adhesive behaves.

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Tip: If you’re doing two whole rooms and want to save time and frustration, hiring a wallpaper steamer (£15–20 for a day or two) might be a better call. Use your heat gun just for detail work or corners.​

 

[jim8flog]

I am questioning the 'get plastered'

Do you expect plaster to come off with the paper which can happen with steamers.

You can buy cheaper steamers for around £25-30

Remember if you are stripping a vinyl covered paper to score it first so the steam penetrates to the glue layer easily

 

[Deleted member 21784]

My mate always told me never to bother with a steamer

Just bucket of warm water , use a sponge to wet the paper.. slap the water on and then just peal it.. same again on the bottom and should scrape off

He used to do for a living

 

[jim8flog]

My mate always told me never to bother with a steamer

Just bucket of warm water , use a sponge to wet the paper.. slap the water on and then just peal it.. same again on the bottom and should scrape off

He used to do for a living

I originally bought mine to remove a textured wood chip painted finish (who does/did that in a bathroom?). All done and I have never used it since but reckoned the other tools it came with would be good for other jobs such a degreasing the oven.

 

[Tashyboy]

Having shifted more wallpaper than I care to remember. ( Don’t get me started on bloody woodchip).
A steamer is the way forward by a country mile.
Did my son’s bungalow last year. Every room, and the was layers of paper going back to the 60’s. It was fantastic

 

[KenL]

My mate always told me never to bother with a steamer

Just bucket of warm water , use a sponge to wet the paper.. slap the water on and then just peal it.. same again on the bottom and should scrape off

He used to do for a living

That sounds messy and hard work to me.

 

[Bunkermagnet]

A steamer yes, but be careful that it’s not applied for too long. It can left plaster of applied for too long or the plaster isn’t totally secure.