Ideas for getting wallpaper off flyash walls?

jezebel

Hiya,

I'm wondering if anyone knows how to get wallpaper off flyash walls, I've steamed and scraped but have small bits of paper left. The previous owner has papered straight onto the walls without sealing or plastering them (grr!) and I need to get them clear for the plasterer.

I've tried damp cloth, scraper and elbow grease but its taking a long time and wondered if there was any tips or secrets anyone knows to get it off (as I'm inherently lazy and can't stand the idea of spending the next week scraping if I don't have to )

timmmers

I'm n ot 100% sure what flyash is...but on a tough to scrape wall a while ago nothing was willing to come off easily, so I was told to run all over the wall pricking it and then wetting it ..the pin pricks allow the water or steam to get behind and help dislodge the paper. I bought a little roller...but to be honest I could have made something similar with a peice of thin wood and tacks through it, then another backing bit of wood glued on to hold the spikes in place.

You can buy them like this one to give you an idea http://www.ackosdiydecorative.com/wallpaper-perforator-spike-roller-261-p.asp

I've heard of people gluing lino with staples though it to a paint roller to do the same thing...but it seems a little flimsy for my liking.

You can get power scrapers too little electric ones that make it easier on the arms.
This is the worst job in the world ..especially on uneven walls or ceilings...and I have some to do myself soon

This kit has a powerscaper attachment ...just an example though, there are others and they aren't expensive. I think Lidl do them occasionally even.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BASSJ4/ref=nosim/?!!!!!phillylunchbo-20&linkCode=as1&afsrc=1

t

jezebel

Thanks, I have the majority of the paper off its the little bits that are left behind. I might swing by a B&Q and look at power scraper tools etc.

Does anyone know of anything you can add to the water or anything to make it easier to get this off? Or are there solvents that disolve wallpaper/paste?

McKneff

You just beat me to it, i was going to suggest a sander.

tanith

Can't he just plaster over it if you seal it first..

jezebel

Apparently it'll get mixed up in teh plaster, even if it is sealed. Its annoying little bits. I've had some luck with fabric softener in the water (a tip I got off the internet) but then sliced my thumb opn on the scraper

dander

what is flyash? Is it a rough surface? If so, this idea probably won't work, but if you are basically trying to get paper off a flat wall, then a really sharp scraper with a blade in it is pretty unbeatable. Change the blade regularly so it's always razor sharp.

27col

Perhaps you should try a large wire brush. I am still trying to get my mind around the idea of papering a rough block wall.