Removing old layers of wallpaper that are painted

[taz777]

It's an old house and possibly has more than one layer of wallpaper. The wallpaper has been painted and I need to expose the walls for filling and then painting.

What tools do I need to strip the wallpaper cleanly?

I'm looking to hire labourers but I need to supply all of the tools.

Years ago when I used to do the wallpaper stripping myself I used to score the paper, wet it thoroughly and scrape it off. It was a tedious and laborious activity!

Would steamers speed up the process?

 

[misterhelpful]

Steamers do usually speed up stripping but painted paper will still need to be scored to allow the steam to penetrate.
One of these http://www.amazon.co.uk/Halls-Beeline-Wallpaper-Stripper-Blades/dp/B0001IWE4G rolled over the wall makes thousands of tiny pin holes in the paper in no time but be careful not to press too hard as they can damage the plaster.
This type of scraper http://www.toolbox.co.uk/heavy-duty-scraper-4-5558-101373 is better than a standard one.

 

[Richard C]

Would steamers speed up the process?

Be very cautious when using steamers on plastered walls let alone old ones. They can be very effective but leave them in the same spot for too long, the plaster skim will overheat & blow off the base coat (you can usually hear it popping); get it wrong & you could be needing a re-skim rather than just a bit of filling. Scoring, wire brushing, warm water & a scraper is far the kindest method.

 

[DAZB]

I often use one of these known as a tiger claw, though not sure if that's it's real name.
http://www.mkmonline.co.uk/product/20250/stanley-maxi-orbital-wallpaper-scorer-4-26-452.aspx
It does a good job combined with a pump action sprayer with warm water set to a fine mist.

 

[Richard C]

I often use one of these known as a tiger claw, though not sure if that's it's real name.
http://www.mkmonline.co.uk/product/20250/stanley-maxi-orbital-wallpaper-scorer-4-26-452.aspx
It does a good job combined with a pump action sprayer with warm water set to a fine mist.

That's a usefull looking device