Wallpaper removal

[abcomatic]

HI everyone, It is time to get ride of the wallpaper in the kitchen after 25 years. Do any of you have words of wisdom that I can use to clean the walls after I have removed the paper in preparation for new paint, no more paper in the kitchen? Thanks for your help. The walls are drywall with a coat of plaster over it if that helps? Gary

 

[rickr]

To remove wallpaper paste...

White vinegar mixed with water, in an old spray bottle. Spray it on,let it soak, then use a sponge in warm water to remove the residue.

 

[stan]

Last time

I did it, I used hot water and ammonia. The hottest I could stand. Think it will be a good idea to prime the walls good before you re paint, just to make sure any glue that remains get sealed off. If you have any patching that has to be done, then re prime the patches before paint.

 

[mattl]

Use a paper tiger to puncture the surface then use hot slightly soapy water.

 

[foraloysius]

This is a good way to do it.

 

[fido]

The traditional method in UK was to use "Sugar Soap" but that is probably called something different in USA. The old fashioned Flash powder was also suitable for preparing walls and ceilings.

 

[mrb627]

Fabric Softener

is an effective solution for removing wallpaper.

Malcolm

 

[bradross]

I agree with Malcolm (mrb627) - fabric softener!

Gary, the last several times I had to strip wallpaper, I used fabric softener. It totally disolves any residual glue and left-over clinging paper. Also great because it's not caustic and smells good! Just sponge it on and go carefully over the wall with a wide scraper.

 

[abcomatic]

Thanks for your help. What I didn't say was that the wallpaper is dry stripable. I hope the paper comes off and all that is left is the backing on the walls? Will this make a difference the approach to getting the backing off? Thanks

 

[stan]

If

It's strippable, the backing that's left should come off fairly easy with hot water. However that often depends on how the walls were prepped before the paper was hung. You still will need to wash the glue off. Then prep and prime before re painting.

 

[circlew]

If it's fabric backed vinyl, all that should be left on the wall is adhesive.

 

[tolivac]

Fabric back vinyl-guess its luck--this is what I have run into-just find a loose corner and peel off carefully and slowly-you can remove the FB vinyl in whole peices that way-and the heavy duty vinyl can be used for other things if desired-makes good heavy shelf paper!Also some places take the whole peices for recycling.