Wallpaper and Wallcoverings - Did I ruin my drywall?
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Mom2Z
10-06-03, 08:06 PM
I just bought a home that has a small half bath. The previous owners apparently tried to peel off the wallpaper but what didn't come off easily they just left on and painted over. In an attempt to remove the paper I tried scoring it with a razor as someone here at DYI recommended but I think I may have cut too deep.
The paper peeled away relatively easily but it revealed a brown wall underneath.
1) Does that mean I removed the top layer of drywall? It is definitely not part of the wallpaper backing.
2) Is there another way besides scoring the wall with a razor that I can try?
3) Can one of those round scoring tools and soapy water or a detergent of some sort work on <i>painted</i> wallpaper?
Any advice is appreciated.
Thanks,
Cath
The paper peeled away relatively easily but it revealed a brown wall underneath.
1) Does that mean I removed the top layer of drywall? It is definitely not part of the wallpaper backing.
2) Is there another way besides scoring the wall with a razor that I can try?
3) Can one of those round scoring tools and soapy water or a detergent of some sort work on <i>painted</i> wallpaper?
Any advice is appreciated.
Thanks,
Cath
Wallpaper
10-06-03, 08:23 PM
1. Yes.
2. You can use a Paper Tiger. This is a tool that your roll over the wall surface that will "prick" little holes into the wallpaper surface. You have to use a light touch with this and let the tool do the work. You can also use some 60 grit sandpaper to scratch the wallpaper with. You can find this in the floor refinishing section of your favorite hardware/home improvement store. Once again, don't be too heavy handed with this stuff!
3. It sure can.
When anyone gives the advice to score or cut wallpaper with a razor during the removal process, you have to visualize what you are going to actually be doing. Scoring with a razor will create a cut in the surface layer of the wallpaper. How thick is the surface layer? It is as thick a piece of notebook paper, or for the scientifically inclined, around 3-5 mils. Now....visualize how much pressure you will have to use with a razor to penetrate this amount of thickness. Razors are very important in the removal process mainly to "get a start" under the layer so you can peel it up, hopefully in big, huge pieces. Don't forsake your razor.....you will still need to use it.
I wish you the best!
2. You can use a Paper Tiger. This is a tool that your roll over the wall surface that will "prick" little holes into the wallpaper surface. You have to use a light touch with this and let the tool do the work. You can also use some 60 grit sandpaper to scratch the wallpaper with. You can find this in the floor refinishing section of your favorite hardware/home improvement store. Once again, don't be too heavy handed with this stuff!
3. It sure can.
When anyone gives the advice to score or cut wallpaper with a razor during the removal process, you have to visualize what you are going to actually be doing. Scoring with a razor will create a cut in the surface layer of the wallpaper. How thick is the surface layer? It is as thick a piece of notebook paper, or for the scientifically inclined, around 3-5 mils. Now....visualize how much pressure you will have to use with a razor to penetrate this amount of thickness. Razors are very important in the removal process mainly to "get a start" under the layer so you can peel it up, hopefully in big, huge pieces. Don't forsake your razor.....you will still need to use it.
I wish you the best!