Wallpaper and Wallcoverings - types of wallpaper-going to remove

Hi all,
Newbie here! This site ROCKS! I've read about 1000 threads in this forum trying to get all my ducks in a row before i remove the wallpaper from the dining room. The house is OLD, but it's new for me!
Anywho.. in my readings i keep coming across the term VINYL wallpaper. I inspected the wallpaper to be removed and i cannot tell if it is vinyl or not. it looks like paper and it's very thin based on the seems that i found.. It also looks like the walls underneath were never primed :wall: so i know i'm in for it.
So to clarify my question
1. How can i determine what type of wallpaper i have? and does it really matter?
( i already have my tiger and the tools to remove the paper irregardless)

also, I just want to make sure i have my repair steps in order (it's inevitable lol)
remove paper/glue etc.
If tearing of drywall happens use gardz then spackle? or use joint compund? to fill in the imperfections.
Sand with a damp sponge, let dry and Gardz again?, then paint?

If i'm off on anything please let me know as this is my very first time ever doing anything remotely close to this.

Thanks in advance for all your help!

Welcome to the forums!

Vinyl wallpaper has a shinier surface and is easier to clean. You definetely have to score the paper [or remove the face - easier said than done] so the moisture can reach the adhesive. Your 'tiger' works well for this.

Spackling can only be used for minor repairs, joint compound is preferred. Wet sponge sanding works well but does take a little skill - dry sanding does a better job but it is dusty!!!

Sounds like you have a good grasp as to how to handle this job - not a fun job, but bragging rites over a job well done are priceless :D

I would start this job like the hundreds of times before. Buy DIF concentrate and use a garden pump sprayer. Follow the directions on the gallon container of DIF and be generous. Hot/warm water and spray all around the room three times pumping the sprayer to keep a mist. Use drop clothes to absorb the water and don't let the water run down beyond the baseboard to much. Then try to strip starting from the bottom. 45 minutes is the maximum time you need to see what you have going. Keep all doors and windows closed. You want a steam room. See if it will peel off. If not I would then score with the paper tiger. Truth be told I rarely use the paper tiger. But is needed sometimes.

Thanks for your replies!
The paper is sort-of shiney so i'm thinking it might be vinyl-yay! i guess lol :D

I got the Tiger - check
I got the DIF - check

Just a silly question.. is there a difference if i start peeling from the top or bottom? Is there a reason for this?

No big difference but if you stop at the top - gravity will bring the liquid down, to further loosen the lower parts :D

The bottom of the paper loosens first with the water running down and heat rising. Also the angle is better controlled stripping from the bottom, more likely to get a full strip off in one move. A minor tip but don't they all count? :)