I need expertise here. I papered a small full bath about six years ago. Primed the walls, and used a wallpaper adhesive on the wallpaper even though it was one of those just wet and apply deals. I don’t remember the makeup of the adhesive…just that it was a clear gel type. Anybody got some tips on the best way to remove the paper with the least hassle and cursing??? I will be forever in your debt.
P.S. dynamite is not an option, thank you very much.
Go to a store the specializes in wallpaper (ie not a general hardware store, maybe a place geared towards interior decorating) and ask them. They’ll probably recommend one of those things to perforate the paper first, but after that they;ll know best which remover to use. If the glue was water based (did you just wash it off your hands when you were done??) then maybe steam or warm sponges, otherwise some sort of solvent.
Yah, Joey, it was water-based. I remember years ago we used to use steam. I’m just wondering if there’s something new out there that isn’t…you know…Ick!
Check out your local home repair store. They should have a hockey puck-shaped device called a Paper Tiger. You rub this device across the wallpaper in a circular motion and the circular serrated blades on the underside make tiny perforations in the wallpaper. Follow this up with a brush-on gel which loosens the wallpaper glue after about 15 minutes. I’ve seen it work on a few home improvement shows, so maybe it might work in real life.
BTW: I think that the wallpaper perforating tool is called a Paper Tiger. It costs around $10 or so.
Good luck!
Sorry for the weird post. I had meant to edit out the “BTW” sentence at the end but hit "submit accidentally.
Wow, I feel armed already! Guy, I’ve gos some really narrow spaces and the back of the tank to deal with. How big is the “tiger puck?”
That was supposed to be got not gos (bleah!)
I used to hang wallpaper profesionaly for a few years. One thing you might want to consider is; Are you going to hang more wallpaper in its place? If so their is really no need to tear it down as long as the wallpaper thats on there isn’t pealing. And even if it is in just a few spots tear those peices off and give it a lite spackle and sand then “viola” your ready to go.
[note] If you do do this, the next wallpaper you use will need a different type of glue depending on what kind of paper you have up now. The guy at the store should be able to help you out with this.[note]
Naw, Shakes, thanks, but going back to paint, preferably a semi-gloss scrubable paint. As I said, it’s a very small full bath but I just don’t want to deal with paper again. Did it by myself last time and it gives me the willies thinking about doing it again.
Guy Incognito had it right. The scoring tool (paper tiger) is about hockey puck size. The more scoring, the easier the paper will come off. Also, do not use a spray on remover. They suck. Get a liquid one that you can put on with a paint roller or brush.
For small areas (behind the toilet tank) I used a X-Acto knife to score the wallpaper. Worked like a charm.
Thanks Hup, guess I better pick up some elbow grease when I hit the depot. I really appreciate everybody’s swift responses. I let everybody know how it goes. Hopefully not in the pit!!!
About getting behind the toilet: remove the tank (or the whole toilet, if it’s a one-piece unit). You will not be able to remove the paper and paint behind there. I hate seeing that patch of bare wall surrounded by runny paint. Do it right.
Check out this thread on stripping wallpaper that appeared a short while ago.
I just go to “Control Panel” and then “Display” …
Oh … We’re talking real wallpaper here.
I’m just a renter.
try dyna…oh…i just read the second post…nevermind…
Also, it helps if you take a hot, steamy shower beforehand.