Stripping wallpaper that has been painted on.

[ecfc29]

Hi all

I am in the process of decorating my hall.

The previous owners who decorated have painted over wallpaper, and now the wallpaper is starting to peel in the corners.

I want to do a proper job so can I strip the wallpaper off and then repaint, or will that mean I get an untidy finish.

Not really sure what to do.

Thanks

 

[alan333]

Strip the old paper off using a steamer. See how good the wall is with a view to painting, or putting up lining paper and painting, or getting it skimmed.

 

[ecfc29]

K thanks

 

[ItaDecor]

Hi,

If you steam the wallpaper off the wall you will most likely find cracks, uneven surface etc...

Step by step guide:
- steam and scrape off the wallpaper
- once the walls are dry rub it down with a sand paper as there will be some left over paper bits, flaky adhesive
- widen out the cracks with a sharp filler knife to a hard edge
- use internal wall filler on cracks (it will shrink so you will need a second coat on deep cracks (use TOUPRET or EASY FILLER)
- rub down filler to a smooth finish with a fine sandpaper

- if the walls are really bad you can re-line, or re-plaster the walls
- if the walls are in better condition all you need to do is apply 2-3 coats of emulsion.

- after applying the first coat check for any stain and use zinsser or BIN primer on them
- after first coat check for further cracks and use same filler on them, rub down, touch them up with paint
- corners (door frames, top of skirting board) use CAULK which is a flexible paintable filler (similar to bathroom silicone)
- apply 1 or 2 more coats (depends on the color)

- you might want to add water to the paint up to 10% for an easier application and smoother finish.
- always do one wall at the time cutting in first at corners, around switches etc... and roll the walls working vertically.

I hope it`s not too confusing
Good luck

 

[dcdec]

If you decide to paint after removal of paper you must get all the residing paste off. Easiest way to do this is a coat of gardz which seals it, else you've got to wash all the walls down with sugar soap 3 or 4 times.

P.S havn't used a steamer for years, i use a garden sprayer (pump type), very quick

 

[opps]

Other than the advice above

Buy a paper perforator, it will leave tiny holes in the paper that will help the steam to penetrate through the paint.

eg

http://www.my-tool-shed.co.uk/p1498...ku=&gpla=pla&gclid=CJGpy6vI67UCFYfJtAodtjQA6Q