What is this on my walls?

[white_noise]

I am in the process of stripping wall paper off my walls, and have come across a covering I don't know what it is. Can you help?

Please see the attached picture, the light brown to the right is backing paper, the tan in the middle is the unknown, and the pinky surface is the plaster.

The unknown treatment only comes off with a lot of effort and a steam wall paper stripper.

What could it be, and do I have to remove it all before painting? Could it be a tough wall paper paste or PVA that has discoloured.

 

[Nige F]

Not a clue - but could it be sanded lightly and the whole wall gone over with Zinsser Gardz.?

 

[Gerrydelasel]

Paper peels off in layers. Looks like the glue-saturated layer to me.

 

[Tigercubrider]

I suspect that it is old paste ?
I found that a sander with vacuum worked ok, although tedious

 

[JohnD]

how old is the house?

1950's or earlier?

Does the tan stuff smell unpleasant and soften in hot (but not cold) water?

D**t**p*r

 

[white_noise]

it doesn't feel like a glue saturated layer, its a 1930's house. it doesn't really smell but only comes off with a wall paper steamer after it has been on it a long time.

 

[Nige F]

Like John D hinted - Oil Bound Distemper !

 

[Robbie uk]

Good rub down and a coat of Zinsser Gardz will sort it.