damaged wallboard

[DianneG]

Help! In removing (two layers of) wallpaper, top layer of wallboard came off with paper. Wallpaper must have been put up without sizing or sealer. How do I repair? Small patches can be covered with joint compound, but larger areas (like a square foot or more)--must I apply a new, specialty paper? It would seem that any water-based adhesive would just soak into the remaining (brownish) paper of the wallboard. Can you advise? I plan to install new wallpaper.

[Chris Murphy]

Now you need to seal the wallboard paper facing (and any exposed gypsum). Sand all loose material, and prime - with a fairly thick coat, read label directions- of Zinsser's Gardz or Scotch Paint's Draw-Tite. Spackle over the primer, and spot prime the patches when they are dry and smooth. You're ready for paint or paper after that, and the wall will never again have the same problems.