How To Remove Wallpaper


By Martin Smith
© 2005-2008

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Summary: You have taken all possible measures to ensure that the wallpaper is pasted and placed firmly on the wall. Now, it’s the time to remove it from the dry wall. While doing so, one has to be aware of the possible harms it might do. This becomes difficult as it is firmly affixed to the paper facing the dry wall. 

Question: While trying to take off the old wallpaper at home, I discovered that the earlier house owners had pasted the wallpaper over an unprimed board. As I was trying to remove the wallpaper, a major portion of the unprimed board came away.

I have applied the plaster core again and got it refurbished. I used shellac to avoid the plaster from getting drenched and then dry out in a couple of minutes. I have also got a wall covering primer to get the right base.
Like lots of other reader of this website my time is limited and there is no way I can get this done in one day.

I cannot apply all the wallpaper at a stretch in just one day. For me, it would take more time. If, I fix up just 4-5 pieces of wallpaper in a day and leave it for few days, come back when I get more time and keep going until I am done with the complete work. I am not sure if this would work especially after learning about the contraction, expansion and the importance of ‘ booking’.

Answer: You have taken all the correct steps to set your walls and start decorating them with wallpaper all over. As mentioned, sizing is of utmost importance. A typical wallpaper primer would serve as the sizing material though paints like semi- gloss ones can be used as well.

It would not take much energy and efforts to use the paint and even it dehydrates readily. Why we use a primer is because it helps to obstruct the path of the paste and glue material on the dry wall surface else, it would lead to undesirable outcomes.

Now, let’s discuss the main concern you have regarding the difference in days to apply the wallpapers all over. It is absolutely fine and being practical, experts suggest that you prepare number of sheets according to how many you would be able to install in an hour. To save time, while you are hanging one, keep another piece pasted and booked. Once finished, take out a new part from the set, apply the paste activator, book it and keep it to relax. Meanwhile, two booked pieces would be ready to almost at a difference of about 15 minutes.

The sheet of paper would swell at the same speed and take the equal amount of time regardless of when you do it.




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