removing wallpaper

soolin

Sorry to resurrect an old thread but it turned up in a forum search.

I'm going to tackle (after years!) my DS's bedroom. The problem is the paper has been painted over so often it is almost impossible to get off and I was looking for suggestions. I haven't used a steamer, is that really going to be the best solution for brittle but well stuck paper? I thought I would double check before I rush out and buy one...

paddy's_mum

You will have a helluva time with that room if you don't use a steamer!

You can buy for a few pounds what I call a 'hedgehog' but whose proper name is a wallpaper scorer from any diy shop and this really does help. It PriX tiny holes in the surface of the wallpaper, allowing the steam to penetrate the depths of paint and paper to the adhesive.

Before you rush out and buy a steamer, ask around among neighbours, friends and family. I worked for over three years for the world's largest manufacturer of domestic and commercial steamers so I know how many were sold .. and it runs into millions. It's surprising how many people have one of these tucked away into shed or garage and like kettles, they are all built on the same principle so not rocket science.

I would also reassure you that only blatant stupidity (like ten minutes on the same square foot of wall) will allow sound plaster to be steamed off the wall. What more often happens is that the underlying plaster is already weak or poor and will crumble if too much steam is applied. However, that's usually why the woodchip or other thick wallpaper was applied in the first place.

I dread to think how many acres of yuck paper I have steamed off, both as part of my job, and as a renovating householder over many years. I have great faith in steamers and wish you a happy result in your boy's bedroom.

soolin

Thank you. I think then that I'll look to borrow or buy a steamer later this week.

andrew-b

Try to use the steamer when it's a cooler day. It was like having a sauna when i did the bathroom recently - had to strip down to just shorts (careful you don't drip boiling water on you!!) and then spent ages wiping down the ceiling after (cleanest i'd ever seen it!). Not great if you wear glasses! Also if you use an extension cable make sure it's fully unwound as the cable gets pretty hot with the power requirements of a "kettle" constantly on boil (not friendly on the electric bill either!).

Andy