Welcome back to Toolin’ Around With J!!! Is it me or is the time just flying by? The holidays are almost here!! So, I was thinking….what can we do this month that will give our home an inexpensive facelift and be ready for that holiday company? Then it came to me. What is the simplest and least expensive way to give a fresh look to an old room? How about removing that old wallpaper? You can either give the walls a new coat of paint or hang some fabulous new paper!There are two ways for you to get rid of that old paper. You can gather up the tools which I will list here or you can rent a wallpaper steamer. (Which, omg, I happen to have here at my shop!!!!!) A wallpaper steamer is one of the simpler tools you can use. It is all inclusive and you don’t need any chemicals. It just works with steam from tap water. It also comes with a video so you will make no mistakes and are ensured a great wallpaper removing experience!!! Make your decision and either way, let’s roll up those sleeves and get to work!
Some newer vinyl wallpaper may be just peeled off by hand. I hope this is the case for you (although I won’t get the opportunity to meet you if you don’t need that wallpaper steamer!). The older non-peelable wallpaper may require the use of remover solutions or steam. These are designed to penetrate the paper and will also help to soften the old adhesive. If you decide to use a solution of this kind, just remember to be patient. It takes some time to work.
Wallpaper solution contains wetting agents which dissolve the adhesive while the paper is still on the wall. This will also be helpful in removing any adhesive left on the wall after the paper has been removed. If your wallpaper was hung over unsealed drywall, it may be almost impossible to remove it without damaging the wall. If this is the case, you can hang your new paper over the old. Just be sure the surface is smooth with no bubbling or lifting edges.
Tools:
One wallpaper steamer or:
Bucket
Perforation tool (any hardware store should carry this item)
Wallboard knives (3” & 6” preferably)
Pump sprayer
Sponge
Paint roller
Drop cloth
Step ladder (10’ or 12’)
Rubber gloves
Goggles
Materials:
Water
Wallpaper solution
Safety tips:
Be sure your ladders are always level
The perforation tool is very sharp (roll it away from your body whenever possible)
Always keep chemical solutions away from eyes and skin
Step 1:
Find a loose edge and slowly pull the paper. You will know right away if it is a peelable vinyl or if you will need to work a little harder. Using the smaller wallboard knife to assist in the removal will make your job easier.
Step 2:
If you were not able to strip the wallpaper by hand, you will need the wallpaper removing solution. Be sure to cover your flooring with the drop cloth. Add the remover to the bucket of hot water according to the manufacturers’ direction.
Step 3:
You will now use the perforation tool, rolling it over the wallpaper surface evenly. This tool will pierce the surface of the wallpaper and allow the solution (or steam if you are using the kit) to penetrate through to the adhesive.
Step 4:
Pour the removal solution into a sprayer, or use the sponge or paint roller. Apply the solution to the wall. Give it time to soften the adhesive. Work according to the manufacturers’ directions.
Step 5:
Once the solution has had time to work, peel it away with a 6” knife. Keep your strokes light and even with the wall. The knife has a sharp edge and can cause damage if
you dig it into the drywall.
Step 6:
Rinse the wall with clear water and a sponge. This will remove any residue from the adhesive or the removal solution. Let the walls dry completely.
Now, you have successfully removed that tired looking wallpaper and you are ready to give your room a facelift! Have fun with it! Be creative! Take a trip to your hardware store and check out all the new wall applications.
If you have decided to use that wallpaper steamer, come on by the shop or call me at 530-832-5462. We will give you all the quality customer service you deserve. And of course a smile and friendly conversation!!!!! We can’t wait to meet you. There’s always something going on when you are Toolin Around With J!!
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