taking down wallpaper, what works best?

[FUNKMAN]

I've done alot of painting and have put up wallpaper, but have never tried to remove wallpaper or take it down. I've heard of a few methods like using vinegar or steam.

Would anyone have any experience with this and possibly have some tips?

thanks

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[smiler grogan]

It depends on how old the paper is. If its been there for a long long time try soaking it with warm water. For the newer papers use a wallpaper remover, Dep brand works well ive used it. Theres a tool called the Tiger Shark that helps remove the paper. The only problem is that youll have to skim the walls over because of all of the perforations it will create.
Hope this helps.

[furie]

how about pulling down paneling?


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Thanks M.

[silera]

This show on A & E "Sell this House" always uses the tiger combined with sponging down the walls with fabric softener mixed with water like half and half.

It looks like it works.


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<font size="3" color="red">AND WHAT?</font></center><font color="FBF2F7">

[keithy_19]

You use your hands. Don't use your feet. I repeat; DON'T USE YOUR FEET!

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Thanks to katylina...

[walking joint]

i've used the soak with water method and it works well. depending on what your doing its whats behind the paper thats hard to remove.

[smiler grogan]

what type.
If its basic wood paneling you can probably use a hammer and pry bar. Usually theres atop cap moulding that you can remove then get the pry bar behind the paneling and pry away. Wood paneling might have an adhesive that youll have to scrape off the wall.Get a basic stanley chisel from the hard ware store to get the glue off. If the paneling is more like a laminate then its bigger pain in the ass to remove. The contact cement type adhesive is much harder to remove but the method is the same as the wood paneling.

[walking joint]

smiler, i have a ton of work i need done with my home...any chance you work for weed?

[smiler grogan]

Keith sometimes your feet work great.
Why use fabric softener when theres a product out there thats designed for the task you need.

[ADF]

Right click on the desktop and then hit the "Desktop" tab. Blablam! Should be self-explanatory from there.

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[smiler grogan]

WJ if I had a spare second I'd think about it. Alas my time along with my money goes into my own money pit.

[smiler grogan]

Beat it ADF I rule this thread!!!!!!!!!!!
*picks up hammer*

[jafter]

I have tried warm water mixed with vinegar and fabric softner. It works ok but it is messy, use the Dep wallpaper remover with the paper shark.

First score the wallpaper with paper shark, then spray on the dep on and let it set up for about 15 minutes. Then use a putty knife to scrape the wallpaper off. Keep the paper wet it works better that way.

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[FUNKMAN]

the wallpaper is 12 years old now... thanks for the tips so far

another question: what's the difference between sanitist and wallpaper?



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[SatCam]

Here's how I take down wallpaper:
Find seam
stick nail under and losen.
Grab with thumb and forfinger
Pull forcefully.
Enjoy the feeling of removing wallpaper.

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[FUNKMAN]

Here's how I take down wallpaper:
Find seam
stick nail under and losen.
Grab with thumb and forfinger
Pull forcefully.



you just described exactly how i pick my nose...

wierd

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[smiler grogan]

If the papers only 12 yrs. old you'll need Dep. and probabbly the shark as well.
Never heard of sanitist.

[FUNKMAN]

Never heard of sanitist


i just did a web search and tried dictionary.com but couldn't find it either... i've heard my dad say it a thousand times but i'm not sure of the spelling or if it even exists. i thought it defined a different type of wallpaper such as having a vinyl coat on top of the paper ofr something similar. like when you see the very shiny type wallpaper.

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[Recyclerz]

Behold, I am the new king of home improvement trivia! *

Sanitas (http://www.usawallpaper.com/sanitas.html)

*It helps to own an old house. :)

Apparently, it was one of the big brand names for wallpaper back in the '40's & '50's.

Smiler and Jafter have good advice. I would just add that if it really gets to be slow going - rent a steamer from your paint store. It will really speed up the process if you've got thin paper or mylar stuck on there. Coverings with a little vinyl mixed in come off much easier.

Worst case scenario - buy yourself some really thick primer and just paint over it. I did that with one room in my basement that had wallpaper from the 1940's and it worked OK and I refuse to feel guilty about it. ;)



[b]Sig-less in Gaza[b]

[FUNKMAN]

*It helps to own an old house.

Apparently, it was one of the big brand names for wallpaper back in the '40's & '50's.



recyclerz,

thanks for the follow-up... sometimes when you remember something but it seems noone else has heard of it you begin to question your own sanity...
:)

and thanks for the tips...

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[Recyclerz]

...you begin to question your own sanity...


Hey Funkman,

Don't stop questioning your sanity on my account. In fact, I ENCOURAGE you to keep questioning! And don't take "No" for an answer. ;)

Sincerely,
R



[b]Sig-less in Gaza[b]

[FUNKMAN]

R,

with friends like you who needs a prostate exam...

;)

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[blakjeezis]

Funkman, I used to be a painter. I've removed more wallpaper than I care to remember. It's the worst job in the world and I'm glad I don't have to do it anymore. I've tried a thousand different methods, and this is the best. Believe me, I know. Here ya go:

1. Paper Tiger. Roll it all over the wall. It creates tiny perforations that make step 2 possible. Edit: Don't push too hard with it, or you'll mark up the wall beneath the paper.

2. A mixture of warm water and a product by Zinsser called Dif. They should have it at any hardware store, paint supply store or Home Depot. It's like yeast or something that eats the paste. Anyway, sponge that onto the wall and allow it to soak through the perforations, for just a minute or two. You may also want to wear rubber gloves for this. The Dif's not supposed to affect you, but I found that sometimes my hands would get a little itchy.

3. A wallpaper steamer (This they may have at Home Depot or a paint store will definitely carry it. As far as rentals, I really don't know) and a large spackle knife: (According to Zinsser, if you use Dif you're not supposed to need the steamer, but I never saw a wall that didn't need steaming as well) Steam the paper and use the knife to scrape it off. Make sure and scrape over the "bare" wall under the paper and remove any paste that may still be on a it. You may have to reapply the Dif, to just the residual paste and repeat the scraping.

4. Depending on a few factors, age of the wallpaper, type of paste used, desired end results, etc. you may want to sand down the walls, after they've dried, with a medium/rough grit sandpaper; a paint supply shop will sell foam sanding blocks that are ideal for this. If you don't, any remaining paste will show up as texture in the new paint coat. If you do this, and you plan on painting any trim in the area, make sure to wipe any sanding dust off it first. If you don't, your paint will stick to the dust and not the trim and will peel. I've seen it happen; it ain't pretty.

Try this (http://www.zinsser.com/paperremoval.asp)


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This message was edited by blakjeezis on 3-9-04 @ 11:57 PM

[FUNKMAN]

Jeezis,

Thanks for sharing your experience! I've just copied your instructions to a notepad file and will keep it handy... i do plan on painting afterwards so them additional tips are great and make alot of sense...



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[blakjeezis]

Funk, double check what I wrote. I edited the fuck out of it, because I kept thinking of more things you should keep in mind. Just make sure you got it all. Any other problems or questions, you know where to find me.

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[JohnnyCash]

Pulling off wallpaper is the worst job. ive used the spray on solution and removers but i found the steamer to be the best. With the removers you can pull off the paper and still leave the glue behind. The steamer takes the glue off with the paper.

Start with the Zep type spray on removers first. Renting a steamer can be a pain in the ass.

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