Wallpaper and Wallcoverings - wallpaper removal from unprimed drywall

Is there an effective way to remove wallpaper that was adhered directly to drywall without the use of a primer. So far we've tryed chemical solutions and steam, but they saturate the drywall as well. In the end, we end up removing pieces of drywall along with the wallpaper! Eventually we want to paint this surface.
Thanks!!

Have you tried using a paper tiger to score the wallpaper before you put on the stripper. Also, you may not be giving the stripper or steam time enough to work. If you still damage the drywall, don't worry - just use some drywall mud to smooth it out. Its not that bad a job. Good luck and be sure to prime before you paint.

I agree with mr. boatwright that more heat and a paper tiger might help, however, the paper from the drywall is still likely to come off, at least partially. If you do go ahead and remove the paper and the wall looks bad, this is one time it would make sense to try and find an experienced drywall finisher to help you smooth out the wall. It's possible to do it yourself, however, I have done more than the average diy person and it is still an art to get it good. Especially on a large wall surface where your inexperience will show. If you have ever seen a plaster wall and reallize that no sandpaper was used (just an expert with a trowel) you'll appreciate the skill that these people have developed. Finishing wood floors is another example. You can do it, but a good professional will make you look like a kid with his/her first set of wooden blocks!! Good luck!

Take a spray bottle mixed with brown vinegar and hot water. 1/4 brown vinegar and 3/4 hot water. Spray it on the wallpaper that is stuck on and wait for a few minutes. Then use a 3" flat paint scraper and just scrape the paper gently off. This works great!

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by lynnh:
Is there an effective way to remove wallpaper that was adhered directly to drywall without the use of a primer. So far we've tryed chemical solutions and steam, but they saturate the drywall as well. In the end, we end up removing pieces of drywall along with the wallpaper! Eventually we want to paint this surface.
Thanks!!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I have a question for CPhilip. Will your mixture of brown vinegar and water work for removing a wallpaper boarder from a painted surface without harming the boarder paper? We have tried steam but that doesn't seem to do the trick.

This happened to me and although we patched with drywall compound, it never came out perfectly smooth. If you want to paint, I suggest using some sort of faux finish, it will help to disguise the impefections in the wall.