How do I remove wallpaper from a sheetrocked wall?

Question

Wanting to paint and not re-paper. Need a smooth finish with which to work. Thanks!

Answer 1

Vinegar & water in a spray bottle, works just as well as any commercial products. Use a scorer, & scrape. You might want to pick up some patching for your sheet rock, & a palm sander. Take your time, have fun. Use a primer, stain killer before you paint. Try the new paint sticks that are out now, they are well worth the money & run about $26.00, they are reusable for your next project.

Answer 2

I've always used TSP or Tri-sodium phosphate for this task. I believe the environmental do-gooders have decided this is hazardous to your health, and there is a TSP substitute available in aisle 10 at your local Home Despot.

I've not used the TSP replacement, but TSP works by dissolving the adhesive of the wall paper, and not the paper or the sheet rock. It also leaves a clean surface on the sheetrock on which to paint.

BTW, if the wallboard under the wallpaper isn't painted, you'll have to prime/seal it before you paint it. This is a good idea anyway, as it will give you a uniform surface upon which to paint, and not leave any imperfections due to surface contamination.

Answer 3

You can purchase a product for this purpose @ Loews or home depot. It is a spray, before uou spray it on use a gyp -knife and make quite a few cuts in the wallpaper(not deep but deep enough to cut the paper) this will allow the product to penetrate quicker and more throughly. Then use a 3 jnch putty knife to scrape the wallpaper off.

Answer 4

A) Mix equal parts of white vinegar and hot water, apply with sponge over the old wallpaper to soften the adhesive. As the top layer comes off, keep the back layer wet, and it will come off easily.

B) For other ideas: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art13583.asp

Answer 5

Cap'n Donna is 100% correct. Did it myself 2 years ago. The stuff peels off in huge strips if wet enough.

Answer 6

i know it sounds crazy, but ut some chea fabric softner, the kind thats a gallon for a dollar fifty, in a spray bottle and saturate the wall
then use a metal egg spatula and it will come right off!

Answer 7

You could try steam and the paint stores have plastic scrappers, you do not want to use metal as this could cut the plaster.

Answer 8

I bought a steamer at Home Depot for $50. It works really well. If you don't want to buy one, see if you can rent one.

Answer 9

There are 2 good home improvement programs on tv these days. (sorry, can't remember their names right now)....but they welcome questions like yours on their websites.