Wallpaper and Wallcoverings - wallpaper preparation

I am stripping the old wall paper from a room. Under the old wallpaper is a coating I am having trouble removing. I've tried several preparations including paint thinner which is only partially working. It seems to be a waterbased application maybe an old sealer over the wallboard. It is easier to use steelwool than a scrapper on it. The wallpaper remover preparations do not help in its removal. Any ideas? The coating is several decades old. Thanks.

Personally,I wouldnt attempt to strip it!!
If you don`t have an orbital sander then you can always hire one. This tool should have little bother in producing a smooth acceptable finish .

Unfortunately it shows through the paint I was planning to cover the wall with. As well the coating smells. I did sand a portion but it flaked off and where it didn't flake it is noticeable when painted over.

There are products available such as "peelaway" strippers.
You can apply the thick mixture to multi layered paint surfaces and when dry you simply peel the product away with the paint that`s underneath.
There are other methods to solve your problem such as filling out bad areas,rubbing down, then applying size and hanging heavy grade lining paper but It seems that you want rid of the existing paint,so i would suggest the first method. For product info check out this site:
http://www.peelaway.com/html/peelaway.htm



[Edited by toptosher on 02-11-01 at 04:17]

It's called clay based adhesive and can be removed with Dif wallpaper remover, HOT water, and a 6" putty knife. Wash the walls like you would your car, then after they're dry, seal the wall with a good primer prior to painting.