Wallpaper removal, is this a paper layer?

[ACD123]

Hi all,

Removing wallpaper from a plastered wall, the paper seems to be coming off nice and easy with a steamer. However I'm not sure if there is actually one layer left behind or not.

https://imgur.com/a/yLP0I

From the photo you can clearly see plaster in the middle, on top of this is an extremely thin layer which is very brittle in places. It doesn't exist in all locations on the wall and when this layer is not present it is not stuck to the back of the paper which was removed.

What is this layer and should I be attempting to remove it?

 

[Nige F]

Looks like old emulsion to me - Be VERY careful with steamers - it's easy to blow the plaster ( I've been there) Chucked the steamer and use Zinsser Dif now

 

[ACD123]

Thanks for this. It does make sense that it was painted on as it's less than 1mm thick. Also acknowledged the note regarding the steamer.

 

[opps]

It does indeed look like paint.

Nige F is correct about steam strippers potentially blowing plaster but looking at your picture, I don't think you have anything to worry about. Yours looks like the crumbly old "horse hair" plaster which is fine with steam. The big problem is newer skim coats which will blow if you apply too much steam. You will normally hear a cracking noise that will alert you.