I'm removing the wallpaper from my kitchen walls and I'm going to put a backsplash in above the counter and paint the

Question

remainder. What should I do to prepare the walls in advance, in both cases?

D

Dan's of Central Florida, Inc. · Answer

Hi Debbie,

There are a variety of paper strippers on the market you can try. Or a wallpaper steamer might work. Otherwise, thoroughly soak it with hot water (as hot as you can stand, without fear of burning yourself of course). Use a sponge to apply the water. Use a LOT of water. When you think to yourself, 'Wow, I used a lot of water,' apply more water. Keep the area you are working very wet. You can use a little tool called a Wallpaper Tiger (made by Zinsser) to score up the paper and allow the stripper/water to penetrate to the glue behind. Note though that this will also score up the drywall and it will need to be patched up. Peal the paper away as much as you can and use a putty knife for the rest. Use drywall joint compound the skim smooth any damage to the wall.

Yamini LEED AP at Urbanmotifs · Answer

Wow that is good detailed information from Dan, however I would like to add a few tips about back splash. Apply mastic or thin set in small areas while laying tile, because it dries up very fast and tile will have a problem adhering to the wall. If a skin forms on the mastic surface, stop setting and scrape the wall clean. Then apply a fresh coat of mastic.Check with the tile dealer to make certain you're using a trowel with the correct-width notches for your mastic.Start from bottom up and work your way up to the top. Also start from a significant corner (visually) and then end at a corner where it may require you to use a smaller tile to fit in, Allow mastic to dry overnight before applying grout.
 Good Luck seems to be an interesting project.

Debbie R · Answer

Dear Yamini - that's a big help.  Thanks.

James A · Answer

Good advice from Dan and Yamani.  Seems like a lot of prep work, but you will be glad you did when you see the excellent results.

Debbie R · Answer

Thanks everyone.  I think I'll be okay now.

Debbie R

Dan's of Central Florida, Inc. · Answer

No problem at all there Debbie. Please let us know how things turn out and if there is anything else we can aid you in. :)

I'm removing the wallpaper from my kitchen walls and I'm going to put a backsplash in above the counter and paint the

Suggested Project Book

Here's Why You Shouldn't Throw Out Your Old Changing Table

Other

More

I'm removing the wallpaper from my kitchen walls and I'm going to put a backsplash in above the counter and paint the

Suggested Project Book