Wallpaper Over Existing Wallpaper

[rufus]

I am planning to remodel our kitchen. I am replacing the cabinets, flooring, and wallpaper. I was going to remove the old wallpaper when I noticed it was put on the drywall without primer, so removing it will cause damage to the drywall. I am assuming that the new wallpaper will have to be put over the old. I need suggestions on what is the proper wall preparation to do this. What is a good primer to use? Should this job be better left to a professional? Would a wallpaper hanger prefer to prepare the walls before the new cabinets are installed? What would a hanger charge for wall prep and hanging for a kitchen 10X16 with 8 foot ceiling?

[Chris Murphy]

I'd bet that 99% of us would strip that paper, or at least try until it wasn't cost effective. We aim for trouble-free, artistic installations; getting the old paper off is job #1. You can- and sometimes should- seal that stuff in there, but you then have to do alot of things- sanding, spackling, sealing, and then a repeat of those steps, so as bad as it seems, stripping is still the solution.
Read the other posts here on the site on removal. Notice that you have to command the site to go back more than thirty days; you'll see a lot of situations that are like yours.
You are changing the kitchen- your wife's pride and joy- from top to bottom. Don't start cutting corners right at the start.

[Chris Nelson]

Look here for help.

http://www.wallpaperinstaller.com/wallpaper_stripping.html

[rufus]

Thanks for the help. I am hiring someone to strip and repair the walls. He will prime and prepare the walls for the wallpaper.