Removing wallpaper from concrete?

Emily Handler
by Emily Handler
I would like to remove the current wallpaper from our hallway and paint it. I've ripped a few pieces off, and underneath is just concrete.
So what would be the steps here? Rip off wallpaper, scrub or sand off remaining gluey bits, some sort of primer or I don't know what, then paint? Am I missing something, or have I got it all wrong? Or does anyone have any tips in general?
Thanks in advance!
  5 answers
  • You remove the paper the same way you would from drywall, Only you can be a bit more aggressive with the removal as your not going to damage what is behind the paper. Lots of elbow grease after wetting the walls really well. Try not to let the glue dry after removal of paper or you will be sanding the cement walls a lot once it dries.
  • Walden Enterprises Walden Enterprises on May 05, 2013
    I agree with Woodbridge's comment, but the walls don't have to be spotless if you prime with an oil-based primer before you paint (Kilz of Zinser). It must be oil, because the paper was hung with a water-based glue. The oil primer will not react with any residue left on the walls and will give you a good seal to receive either oil or water-based paint. If you want to soften the texture of the concrete, you can use a textured paint that is smooth but is as thick as pancake batter. It will give you a bigger build-up on the wall and can be tinted to most colors. Good luck!
  • Seidman Paperhanging Seidman Paperhanging on May 05, 2013
    Use Zinnser's Gards to prime the wall, not oil base. Gards will seal in any residual adhesive & it's water based.
  • Great answers Walden and Seidman. But do they sell Zinzer in Hungary where the poster is from? lol
  • Emily Handler Emily Handler on May 06, 2013
    Probably not, but I can look for something similar; there must be some type of oil-based primer available. Thanks for the help!