Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - Re doing bathroom walls and have some questions about it

Right now it has wood paneling from floor up 4' with painted over wall paper with Sheetrock behind everything. Thinking about doing a texture on it if that is safe in a bathroom but should I remove wallpaper or leave it on as it's not peeling off? It has been on the wall for about 25-30 years.

I notice that most do remove the wall paper but since its not peeling could I just fill in any bad areas, sand (the paint was sprayed on and has drips and runs in it and spots) and clean and just re-texture over it or is that just asking for trouble down the road.

Also what is best for texture the wall with? I have seen using sheetrock mud and texture paint. Both seems pretty straight foward but since this is a bathroom are they both safe? thanks

The type of texture you use in a bath rm isn't near as important as the paint you put over it!

It is always best to remove the paper but sometimes that is easier said than done. If you are convinced it is better to leave the paper, you can texture over it, then prime and paint with a latex enamel. If the paper ever looses it's bond with the wall - it will take the texture with it!

While paneling can be primed and painted, I wouldn't recomend applying texture to it.

Thanks for the reply. Will remove paneling and "try " to remove the wall paper.

The wall paper is painted and if I do happen to leave it on and texture over it would it matter if I used sheetrock mud or textured paint? Thought I read some where not to use sheetrock mud over painted walls. thanks

Hi recountryman

here is a good "how to" about stripping wallpaper
Wallpaper Stripping Method by Rebecca Schunck (http://www.wallpaperinstaller.com/wallpaper_stripping.html)

^^^Thanks for the link.

One last question, After everything is removed (wall paper and paneling) I have no idea if the sheetrock behind it will be painted or not. Either way should I put a coat of some type of a sealer/primer on it prior to the mud?

Possibly, it depends on what shape the wall is in. Joint compound can be applied over paint although glossy surfaces should be sanded first. If there is any torn drywall paper - it should be primed prior to the repairs with j/c.

ok thanks! Now just got to wait another week till I'm off work to start on it.

I always prime after mudding and sanding, as anything you put on before might just get sanded off. Good luck!

While the repairs should always be primed after they are done, there are times when primer is neccesary prior to making the repair. If the substrate is chalky/dusty and the contamiment can't be removed, a primer that is capable of penetrating the chalk/dust and binding it is needed so the repair will last. When you have torn sheetrock [exposing the gypsum] a solvent based primer is needed to keep the nmoisture in latex paint or joint compound from causing further damage.

Good point-- always good to learn a few things here!

Well thanks to all for the advice here. I finally got it done (well 95%). Still got to install new crown moldings overhead, hang up all the hangers and what nots plus clean paint droppings in a few places on the vinyl floor.

It was a hell of a way to spend my week off work but it was fun...