How to remove or paint painted wallpaper?

Question

The previous owners of my 35 year old house painted over wallpaper. I can see a few seams and there are a couple of obvious corners where the wallpaper wasn't even put up correctly so there is a 'buckle' showing through. There may even be a few coats of paint on there. I want to change the colors this spring/summer but I'm stumped. Do I remove only the bad spots and seams, sand the edges smooth, then paint? Or do I need to remove it all (paper tiger, DIF, etc) then paint? All these layers are over drywall. Why can't people do things right the first time?!?

Two Green Thumbs Miniature Garden Center · Answer

Ugh. Been there, done that. The best way is to take all the wallpaper off and get right down to the wall itself for the cleanest look - only if you own the house. It's a chore but at least you'll reap the rewards of your hard work. (If you're renting, considering wall-papering over the 'fixed' walls, it's much less work.)

The Garden Frog with C Renee · Answer

Removing the wallpaper is the best option. If you start by pulling off what is loose to see how 'stuck' it is. There are so many ways that you can remove wallpaper-hot water in a spray bottle and soak the wallpaper and peel or add fabric softner which helps too. you can try to use a steamer (if you have one for either clothes or other type of steamer). You will need a steel putty knife at an angle to help scrape the paper off. There are scoring tools at the store too which will probably help peel the paint since you need to scratch the surface to get the water to absorb. Usually once paper starts coming down it is just time consuming and messy! Just be careful not to gouge your walls. 
do not waste your money on that Dif or any other wallpaper remover. Hot water and/or fabric softner! vinegar removes the glue too. 
As for painting over wallpaper, I always discourage this! 
Good luck neighbor LOL

Two Green Thumbs Miniature Garden Center · Answer

The easiest way I've found is to pay someone. Lol!

That's the pain: you can't through the wallpaper to soak and loosen the glue so you can scrap it off.

You need to get underneath it and peel it off in the biggest chunks you can. Work out from where it's already separated. A really sharp scraper helps. Use a mister as you go to moisten the edges where you can. I've used the corner of the scraper to score the paint, I'm not sure the the Paper Tiger can do that for you with a little more force?

If you get started so you can expose the edges of the wallpaper section by section, you can staple-gun wet sheets to the wall for a couple of hours at a time - keep it wet and stuck to the wall. Remove the sheet, scrape what you can and repeat. The tiny holes from the staples are a quick putty-fix.

It's a chore and it's slow and takes patience. If you pay someone, pay by the job, not the hour. ;o)

Renee' R · Answer

I use a steamer that I purchased from Home Depot years ago. It works the best for me! And I have removed my share of wallpaper. If you score the paper first so the moisture can get under the paper, it tends to work better. Be patient and don't move too fast. I do not recommend painting over wallpaper. Tends to make a mess later on. Good luck!

Seidman Paperhanging · Answer

Use a sharp razor scrapper carefully to get the top layer off. A paper tiger does more harm than good as it can leave a lot of little holes in your wall. After you get the surface off, spray with warm water with a little vinegar in it. Let the water do the work. Use a 4' spackle knife to remove the backing paper.

Jennifer G · Answer

No matter what technique you use (all the above suggestions will work), you WILL make a huge mess. Painted wallpaper is always a pain. Sorry there are no fast, easy solutions :(
Take it slow, be patient and you can do it! Your finished result will be so worth the effort! Take before and after photos so you can compare and be proud of all your hard work :)

Seidman Paperhanging · Answer

Use the razor knife to remove the top painted layer or layers. That should leave the paper backing on the wall. Use hot water & vinegar on the backing. Gently scrape the backing with a 4' spackle knife. Hope that helps. You can call me if you run into a problem 856-261-9031

Gretchen · Answer

Thank you so much! I stood at Home Depot today and looked at the razor knives...and ended up not buying anything because they looked so lethal! But I will go back and get one and then just start! Thanks for your offer for help!

Jackie · Answer

I saw a tutorial where the lady applied joint compound & then painted it.It looked really nice & so much easier than removing the wallpaper.

Maura White · Answer

this may help: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/250090585543628684/?nic=1

How to remove or paint painted wallpaper?

Suggested Project Book

10 Beautiful Projects That Use Balloons

Other

More

How to remove or paint painted wallpaper?

Suggested Project Book