Wallpaper and Wallcoverings - Removing wallpaper
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Mrs. Mary
03-07-04, 12:08 PM
We are now attempting removing our current wallpaper. The problem is where we added paper to continue existing paper 6 yrs. ago, it was easy to remove as the wall was prepaired first. The rest of walls it looks like was papered over bare sheet rock, we are using DIF and struggling, all is not being removed and parts are stripping sheet rock. Is there another process or would a steamer help not to strip sheet rock and make for a better removal? Almost all of our house is wallpaper!
prowallguy
03-07-04, 03:16 PM
The best method for removal is to soak, soak, and soak some more. If soaking is removing the drywall facing, a steamer will too (and only remove 2 sq ft at a time). If its tearing the walls up, you may opt to seal over the paper, float it smooth with joint compound, and create a new wall surface.
jbsauls
07-30-04, 05:43 AM
I have used dif before and it works fine on certain paper. I have found that a solution of 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water works better. I just removed an entire room of wallpaper from unprepared plaster walls. The vinegar also removes the glue, but you have to keep spraying and wiping.
boston hangman
08-06-04, 10:11 AM
Hi Mary
I am a professional paperhanger with over 25 years in the trade , you do have a problem ,I have tried removing wallpaper from unprimed sheetrock . This is about as bad as it gets , but it is fixable as a previous post suggested you could soak,soak,soak or if that is causing more problems ,I have had some luck with the gels DIF makes one it sits on the paper and loosens it slowly.You need patience with this stuff , if the paper does finally come off you will need to seal the torn sheetrock. There are a few products on the market some easier to find than others. Zinnser makes one called Gardz, Roman professional has one called liquid drywall repair and there is a company in California called Scotch paints I believe that sells one called Draw-tite. They are all good I like the Gardz as one of the easier ones to find and use. after you apply the drywall sealer you will need to skim walls , I do not recommend joint compound it is easy , but it is a set up for failure very weak (soft) when dry and dusty , I recommend a powder dry mix product such as "Dura bond" or an equivalent.
Lots of info , hope I don't overwhelm you. Good luck.
Mark
p.s. if the paper won't come off wait til it dries then pull any loose paper off and use the drywall repair sealer to seal it in ,Directions are on can.
I am a professional paperhanger with over 25 years in the trade , you do have a problem ,I have tried removing wallpaper from unprimed sheetrock . This is about as bad as it gets , but it is fixable as a previous post suggested you could soak,soak,soak or if that is causing more problems ,I have had some luck with the gels DIF makes one it sits on the paper and loosens it slowly.You need patience with this stuff , if the paper does finally come off you will need to seal the torn sheetrock. There are a few products on the market some easier to find than others. Zinnser makes one called Gardz, Roman professional has one called liquid drywall repair and there is a company in California called Scotch paints I believe that sells one called Draw-tite. They are all good I like the Gardz as one of the easier ones to find and use. after you apply the drywall sealer you will need to skim walls , I do not recommend joint compound it is easy , but it is a set up for failure very weak (soft) when dry and dusty , I recommend a powder dry mix product such as "Dura bond" or an equivalent.
Lots of info , hope I don't overwhelm you. Good luck.
Mark
p.s. if the paper won't come off wait til it dries then pull any loose paper off and use the drywall repair sealer to seal it in ,Directions are on can.