Wallpaper stripping problem

moonpenny

I am stripping several layers of wallpaper from bedroom using a steam stripper.
It is taking forever as each layer comes off I have to steam again for next layer.

The problem is the last layer of paper which won't budge (bits at a time)
It is normal "paper" wallpaper but I think I may have used a type of paste that came in a big tub when I put it up.  I seem to remember it was more sticky than normal paste.

Can anyone advise anything that would make it easier to remove? At this rate I will still be doing it next year.

greyteam1959

You really need to score the wallpaper quite vigorously but without damaging the plaster underneath.
It's just a matter of keeping at it I am afraid.

ryan7

As above, just keep at it. It will be worth it in the end. 

grumbler

Try spraying the wall with water, covering with plastic film and leaving overnight.

- I am just guessing/

moonpenny

have scored really well but steam only seems to be soaking into edges of scoring.  Am afraid to leave steamer on too long as it might blow plaster

McKneff

Now you know why you shouldn't put layer after layer of wall paper up....

Doozergirl

I haven't tried it, but our decorator swears by the Zinsser Paper Tiger for removing wallpaper.  I think it perforates rather than scores three's a higher chance of bigger strips.  

He told me this after I'd kindly removed wallpaper in the old fashioned way.  🤦🏼‍♀️

I do also prefer soaking the entire wall with a sponge over using a steamer.  There is better opportunity for getting big strips to come of in one. 

TheProfessional

I stripled wallpaper yesterday. It was wallpaper on top of lining paper on some parts. I used an orbital scorer and then a chemical wallpaper stripper mixed in hot water. 

Steamed off with a Wagner Steamplus which was great as it came off in large peeled off bits. Sometimes needed a sharp run with the scraper.

rob7475

I've found that vinegar mixed with warm water in a spray bottle works well. If it's stubborn paper, I score it a bit before spraying, leaving to soak for a few minutes, then scraping using one of the proper scrapers with long handle and replaceable blades. The vinegar seems to neutralize something in the wallpaper paste which helps remove it.

I do have a steamer but try and avoid using it if possible.

danandjens_worldtravels

Put some ‘Comfort’ ‘Lenor’ or other fabric softener in water and apply to the wallpaper with a sponge - doesn’t have to be dripping wet, just give it a wipe over, let it soak in for a minute or two and scrape off.  I have not the foggiest idea why, but you’ll find it works.  I’ve done loads of walls this way now and even 70’s woodchip will drop off with some fabric softer in the water.  

Laz123

Many moons ago I was a decorator. The best method for me was to have a bucket of really hot water as hot as I could stand while wearing rubber gloves and coated areas with a sponge. I had to lay dust sheets to catch the running water though.