Removing wallpaper

Le_Kirk

Sorry Ted, didn't find out SEARCH was down until this morning. If you do use a steamer as has been recommended be careful not to leave it on the wall too long as it can cause damage.

Niv

scoring the wall and a steamer is what I do and it works really well and is quick & easy. One thing I would say though, is if there is any loose paper - remove that dry first as the steamer will rehydrate the wallpaper paste so it can get a bit sticky.

bluenose_ted

No, it's not painted over and is in good condition - about a year old. No peeling edges.


So, if I just coat it in, say, two layers of water all over, and then apply the steamer?

SplanK

If its plasterboard and not plastered, you need to be carful you don't end up soaking the paper on the plasterboard and causing damage, or pulling the plasterboard paper lining off with the paper! If it has been painted before the paper went up it might not be so bad.

angel_of_dartford

bluenose_ted wrote: »

No, it's not painted over and is in good condition - about a year old. No peeling edges.


So, if I just coat it in, say, two layers of water all over, and then apply the steamer?

No, just go straight in with the steamer,

jakemillspaek

and a decent wallpaper scraper.

[Deleted User]

After steaming wallpaper off walls that were blown and ending up having to find a plasterer, I now always just use a scraper, score the wall paper (to aid water getting underneath the paper) and remove wallpaper with water. Its no slower and no risk of damage to the walls. Steamers can cause more problems than they solve, and I really don't find them any speedier.

bluenose_ted

I will just use a steamer and scraper then.


Very many thanks to you all!

jakemillspaek

When you have removed the wallpaper it is a good idea to make good the wall in question with filler and sanding down with a block.(even if you are re papering)
You will also have paste residue on your skirting's so get the hot water out and wipe down.A good time to repaint them if required.
I'm not telling you how to suck eggs but preparation is IMO the most important stage of producing a finish of which you can be proud.

bluenose_ted

Sounds like good advice. It's worth putting the effort in first to get good results rather than jump in like a bull in a China shop. I will do that: sand down the entire wall. The adjacent wall was done by professionals and it's as smooth as a baby's bottom - looks great. Thanks