Removing paper from texture

[Black84gti]

I need to remove an unknown wallpaper and glue from our kitchen wall. The problem is that the drywall was textured first. I'd like to not have to retexture before we paint. Is this possible and are the steps the same as normal? Thanks


Tim

[Jeff Evans]

Tim, the success of your removal depends on what kind of paper you're removing as well as how the wall was prepared before it was hung. Start by trying to peel a corner of the paper to see if it will either strip completely or at least have the face delaminate from the backing. If either situation happens, you may have a chance to get it off with minimal wall damage. If it peels off in big sheets, then obviously you're in good shape, needing only to wipe off the remaining paste. If you're able to get a layer off, with a porous backing left behind, you can soak it with water and some Safe and Simple remover solution, available online at www.safeandsimple.com. If that isn't obtainable for you, then you can use another product called Dif. Either way, soak the paper good and keep it wet so that the paste stays liquid behind it. Cross your fingers that the wall underneath was prepared by sealing it, or the water will go into it and make getting the paper off without disturbing the texture a long shot.
If the first two solutions don't work, you will need to perforate the paper surface to get water to the paste, liquifying it. Most adhesives will break down completely with water, and the secret is getting the water through any waterproof coating to do the work.There's a tool called a Paper Tiger that you can get at most hardware stores, and those work good if you don't push too hard. I have to tell you, now we're getting into a situation where you're likely to poke little holes in the texture also, increasing the likelyhood that you could damage it from the water. You may also want to try coarse sandpaper to break down any water proof coating on the paper. There's a wealth of knowledge on this forum, and hopefully someone else will chime in, maybe even with better advice. Jeff

[Chris Nelson]

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

[Badams]

I agree with everything that Jeff suggests but would be real careful with the paper tiger. I live in area where textured walls are common and it is rare that the walls were textured without some kind of coating afterwards. If the facing won't come off when trying to dry strip, go ahead and wet the facing good with a garden sprayer with some remover solution of your choice and wait 5 minutes, then wet it again,and after another 5 minutes see if then the facing will be more cooperative. I have found that this sometimes will allow the facing to soften and release from the backing in bigger sheets. Some people may find this crazy but I have discovered that sometimes it will pull off easier depending on the direction of the pull. For example pulling very gently from the top, or from the bottom. Be gentle when pulling and maybe good things will happen. There are a lot of variables that could determine the ease of removal. Sometimes people want to use VOV to enhance their wallpapering skills, so you just never know.

[Jeff Evans]

Yeah Buddy, I was a little punchy last night when answering Tim's question, and I failed to mention that simply soaking a seemingly waterproof coating will sometimes loosen it. Definitely the way to go before trying any perforating tool like the Paper Tiger. Ironic, since I employed that very technique at work today. I don't break out the Paper Tiger unless it's a last resort. All those little holes are an invitation for water to get in and foul things up real good.:eek: And yes, definitely the direction you pull makes a difference a lot of the time. Today the paper stripped much better pulling top to bottom. Some are better bottom to top. Very weird.

[Chris Murphy]

<<Sometimes people want to use VOV to enhance their wallpapering skills, so you just never know.>>

If they're using VOV, they have no skills! ;)

[Badams]

<<Sometimes people want to use VOV to enhance their wallpapering skills, so you just never know.>>

If they're using VOV, they have no skills! ;)
That WAS a joke.