removing top layer of vinyl

[Jerry Freedman]

I have to strip the walls in a room in preparation for putting new paper up. The process of getting the top layier, the vinyl stuff, is sort of glossed over as if its a piece of cake. It doesn't seem so to me. any hints?

[Chris Murphy]

There are many types of vinyl, some laminated, some just coated. A true vinyl sheet will pull off, leaving either a paper backing or taking its fabric backing with it (and sometimes the paper facing of sheetrock). Coated types generally need to be 'scored' to allow water/solution to penetrate. A 50-grit sandpaper will open up this type quickly. Then it is a matter of wetting the face, until the moisture reaches the underlying adhesive and re-activates it.

[Jerry Freedman]

This stuff pulls off...my kid has been doing it for a while which is a big reason for me to replace it. Its seems like you pick a place, get your fingernail under it and peel it off, like peeling a layer of skin. I am really asking if there is some systematic way of doing it or a tool to replace the fingernail

[Dave D]

The basic putty knife is the best tool (3 or 4 inch) to get it started then just peel it back. Wet the surface and the backing should come off fairly easily. Sponge or greeny pad (3M scouring pad) to clean old adhesive. Now go for a fabric backed vinyl or a new strippable vinyl and you will get a long lasting installation that will hold up to the kids.

Dave

[Chris Nelson]

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

[Jerry Freedman]

Its unclear what part of the wallpaper that applies too. Is it for the brown stuff that sticks to the wall or the vinyl on top...

[Chris Nelson]

If you are referring to my post and link,just read the first sentence and that should explain it.

[Eunice, PRS Reporter]

Try a wallpaper shaver - it has a razor blade and about a foot long handle. I think the one we use is made by Allway, but they are all variations on a theme. It will get under that thin vinyl layer and you can shave it off then soak the backing off.

http://www.epaintstore.com/wallpaper/wallpaper_knives_shaver.htm