how to remove LOTS of wallpaper glue?

Question

I am remodeling my basement.....well when I removed the wallpaper from the stairwell there is like 1/4 thick glue residue underneath. I tried sanding it and using vinager and hot water, nothing seems to take it off. I mean you can see a few spots of the original paint but not a whole lot. It's very think and course. Any ideas??? I heard to use DIF but will it work for this much glue????? I have never seen so much glue used before I guess the previous owners planned on having this wallpaper for life?! LOL

Answer 1

Try some TSP, but be sure to wear gloves when using it. You can purchase this at a wallpaper store or most Walmart and hardware stores carry it.

Answer 2

There is a wallpaper stripping product you mix with warm water. It is relatively inexpensive,You can buy it at most major building supply or paint stores. You can roll it on with a 1/4 inch foam roller and let it sit about 10 minutes then take a small plastic putty knife and start scraping it off carefully. It is a lot of work but in the long run it is worth it. I did a whole room this past summer and am glad it is done. Good luck with yours.

Answer 3

I am going to suggest that the glue is not wall paper glue but paneling glue. Panel glue is usually brittle, I removed some just by tapping with a hammer(lightly) and scraping with a putty knife.
I have used DIF on wallpaper glue and it works well if the wallpaper is perforated first(there is a special tool for this)

Answer 4

Crazy as this sounds, I have had success removing flooring glue with an electric chain saw. Held parrallel to the floor, the saw tears through the glue and old tile too. This is very dangerous. I recommend wearing a hard hat, heavy gloves, heavy jacket, goggles, and any other safety gear you can think of. Watch out for nails!

Answer 5

Diff works great, but you may have to let it soak for a while. I had difficult to remove wall paper, and had to do numerous sprayings, but it eventually came off. Good luck