Removing wallpaper from plaster

[Buff1]

This question came in on my website:

"I would appreciate your suggestions how to remove several wallpaper layers from plaster walls which have civil war era graffiti (believed to be pencil). The graffiti is wanted to be preserved.
Thank you,
Melvin Lester "

Will pencil wash off plaster? Scraping might also remove the pencil marks so I'm not sure what to suggest.

Buff

[Gary Lucas]

Here’s one way to approach the problem.

I would be tempted to use a steamer – very carefully. With a steamer (over plaster) you can get the layers wet enough to peel off without scraping (hoping all the layers are entirely paper with no paint or vinyl layers between). Steam & peel a small section at a time. Do not scrape or wash the paste off. Let dry thoroughly and seal with two coats of Draw-Tite/Gardz/Drywall Conditioner. Hopefully the paste is clear enough to not obscure the art under it. Be sure to test in an inconspicuous place. Who knows, it may even be possible to carefully wash/blot the wet adhesive without collateral damage.

Gary

[Buff1]

Thanks, Gary, I'll pass this information along.

Buff

[Bill Archibald]

Buff,

Everytime I strip in my "normal" fashion (lots of S&S or amonia) anad a scraper blade, the previous pencil marks remain IF it is unsealed plaster. I assume civil war era plaster would not have a sealer on it.

When I start scrubbing, that's when the pencil marks go away, usually.

I would suggest to them to start easy.

-Bill

[Buff1]

Thanks, Bill, I'll mention that, too. OOHH...a really big evil smiley...neat!d:(

Buff