Difficult Wallpaper Removal

[jerryv]

As a homeowner, I successfully removed some 16yr old vinyl wallpaper over semigloss paint on drywall in bathrooms using vinegar and water.

However, when I got to a bedroom and hallways which had vinyl over flat wall paint, I was able to pull the paper down and soak the backing, but the glue would not release evenly. In most spots, I ended up working very hard and then pulling paint off the wall and even some drywall paper. I had to quit.

I don't really think chemical stripper would work any better, so I haven't tried it. I wonder if buying a $50 steamer would work any better? I really want to get that wallpaper off and paint the walls.

I asked at Home Depot and Lowes, but I didn't get a very professional answer. Can you help? Thanks.

[Chuck Berkman, CP]

Hi Jerry,
It sounds like the walls were not prepared with a primer prior to installation. I would expect the semi-gloss to release the material fairly well. It also makes perfect sense that flat paint would not release the paper as well as the semi-gloss.
You stated the material was vinyl. This is really on the vague side...fabric backed vinyl?, vinyl coated?, sheet vinyl? You did not mention the adhesive involved...cellulose?, wheat?, pre-mixed?, clay?
While vinegar and water is on the right track, I believe you will find the chemical solutions much more satisfactory to work with...I suggest you try either Safe and Simple, which is a surfactant, or DIF, which is an enzyme...I carry both and use both. They replaced my need for my steamer which now collects cob-webs and dust.
No matter WHAT you use, the trick is to get the solution in contact with the paste. If the vinyl will not pull off, exposing the substrate (which would transfer the solution through to the paste), I suggest obtaining some 40-50 grit sand paper and scoring the surface.
One more thing...don't be impatient...I like to state two rules of thumb for using these products: 1) wet enough and 2) long enough. Don't let it dry out,(re wet several times if you need to) let it soak for upwards of 15 minutes to an hour. This all assumes that you are using a pump sprayer...you DO HAVE TO GET ENOUGH of it applied to do any good. I find that the little hand pump spray bottles are woefully lacking the ability to get enough applied. If, after an hour, and you are not having any success, assuming your walls are dry wall, I suggest you stop and consider calling a professional. The wall may be becoming too soft, and the risk of damaging it grows exponentially.
If it is any consolation, I have been in many situations, where I just plain get a damaged surface...paint delamination or dry wall damage. When installing wallcoverings, it is MOST IMPORTANT, not to take any short cuts on surface preparation.
Chuck:help:

[jerryv]

Thanks for your reply.

It is paper backed vinyl and fabric backed vinyl. I can pull the vinyl off, exposing the porous layer, but the vinegar and water, even waiting half an hour an repeatedly soaking would not release the adhesive without removing the paint or not release at all.

I believe the adhesive was called metalyn or something, although I did not hang the paper. It has been up 16 yrs.

I've read about using a paint roller to apply the solution, which might allow better soaking without running. What do you think?

[Chuck Berkman, CP]

Jerry,
At this point, with the paper substrate exposed, I believe that you have at least an 80% chance at a successful removal. (Yes, there are those pesky 20% situations out there).
Before I started using the pump sprayer, I used a roller. This was very very messy...it did work now, but with a lot of clean up...I found it difficult to stop the water fall onto the floor. I had much better control with a sprayer. I do hope you are using a lot of drop cloths or old sheets. 1) wet enough and 2) long enough. A half hour is not adequate many times...don't let it dry out...re-apply, be systematic (don't miss any spots) and be patient. It sounds like you are working with a pre-mixed clear or clay adhesive. Metylyn cellulose would have released by now.
By the way, once the paper is off, don't forget the paste. Between wetting the exposed paste down, a dull scraper (putty knife) and over sized sponge with lots and lots and lots of clean rinse water (chage frequently), it will happen. Once your wall repairs are made, be sure to use a good quality primer (no matter the intended finish you plan on having).:)

[Chris Nelson]

Contact Mike @ Safe and Simple and he will send you a sample to try. Do this and you will not be disappointed.

http://www.safeandsimple.com/ :llama:

[Mike Zekich]

Chris:

Samples will be sent Monday. Thanks for the recommendation.

Mike:banana:

[Chris Nelson]

My pleasure.:disco:

[jerryv]

Mike:

I've seen Safe and Simple mentioned but most recommendations are to use DIF. How is your product superior? I seem to need a good one!