The wallpaper perforator, which is also known as a spiked roller or perforating roller, is a typical and immensely useful tool for removing paper-based wallpapers. It is used in conjunction with, or prior to, the wallpaper spatula to ensure that soapy water can permeate the wallpaper layers more easily so that removing the wallpaper becomes less of an effort. The wallpaper perforator also gives you better access to the sublayers of painted-over or sealed wallpapers. Excursion: Removing paper-based wallpapers With regard to subsequent removal, there are two categories of paper-based wallpapers: "easy to remove" and "dry stripping". Dry stripping means that the top wallpaper layer (decorative layer) can be easily removed from the wall, usually without any support, while the bottom or carrier layer remains on the wall. The latter has to be removed by soaking it and scraping it off. Depending on the state it is in, the bottom layer might be left on the wall as lining. In specialist painting and decorating shops, DIY stores and on online marketplaces, the wallpaper perforator is available in two designs: straight and V-shaped. This difference relates to the specific shape of the roll.