How to reach to wallpaper top of bathroom?

Question

Just above the tub is a section over the tile that is wallpapered and I would like to remove that and put up new for our sale this spring. What do I use to reach that high? Is it possible to put a closed ladder into the tub (covered with towels so the feet won't go into the porcelain)? And will the wallpaper adhere to the glass mirrors that are on the other two walls? Should I use a stronger paste? Any answers would be considered. Thank you.

Marion Nesbitt · Answer

Not sure I understood - you want to wallpaper over the mirrors? Looks like the mirrors have a deco finish? If so, I think this dates your space. I would remove them even if it means doing a bit of plaster/drywall repairs so you have a normal surface. Have high ceilings in my bathroom, too. Tape the step ladder legs together well. Rather than towels, I wet down a heavy duty rubber bath mat (that has those suction things) and align it so it protects the side and bottom of the tub where the ladder is placed.

Shari · Answer

I have propped a closed ladder in the tub (on towels) to paint but it's not real sturdy so if you try it...be careful! I have also used the ladder straddling the tub (one side in the tub with the feet resting on a towel/one side outside resting on the floor).

I agree with Marion about removing the mirrored tiles. If you try to paper over them, I question how well that will work. First, I'm not sure how well the adhesion will be and second, you might be able to see the seams of the tiles through the paper. However, if you are planning to put your house on the market soon, I would not waste the time or money to re-wallpaper. Although wallpaper is making a comeback, it is still a huge turnoff for many people. Wallpaper is also like art--picking color and patterns is very personal. In an attempt to appeal to the majority of prospective buyers, I would remove the existing wallpaper and mirrored tiles and put on a fresh coat of paint in a nice light neutral color. Paint is less labor intensive and much more economical for you than wallpaper and I think paint will help sell your house better than wallpaper!

Connie · Answer

If you are selling it, think long and hard about re-papering. What would you want to find under wall paper if you were the buyer? Remove it and the glass tiles, patch and paint.

117135 · Answer

Yes, put the ladder in your tub with cloths under the feet, make sure it is stable and safe. If you are selling, I woud remove the wallpaper and patch and paint, this is more attractive to a buyer. Wallpaper is such a persoanl prefence, so you would appleal to more buyers by just painting!

Lisa Schneider · Answer

If you wallpaper over the mirrors every one of the lines between the mirror squares is going to show through and moisture will still condensate between the mirror and wall paper and you will have a mess. It looks like you already have mold on the mirrors .I would Paint over the mirror with Kilz, buy a sheet of green board and glue it over the mirrored area and then paper it

Barry Rye · Answer

Working above the tub wall can be an accident waiting to happen. What I do is take a scrap piece of plywood two (2) inches wider than the tub from the wall out and nearly as long as the tub. Screw a 2x4 to the bottom of the plywood located just inside the outer wall of the tub. This will keep the plywood from slipping out and off the tub. Place the plywood over the tub opening for a sturdy (I use 3/4' thick plywood) platform to stand on and work from. All the mirror tiles need to be removed and the wall prepared for a finish product of your choice, Tile or Paint.

Al · Answer

De De is right

Liliana Wells · Answer

I agree with everybody about the mirror tiles - the need to be removed. There is no sense in trying to paper over them. Invest your time in removing them, patching the wall and painting it a neutral color. It looks like the wallpaper may come down easily since it is already peeling. My husband wallpapered a 12-foot ceiling in one of our bathrooms years ago by setting the ladder in the garden tub and protecting it. But this is a two people job: one to do the work and the other to watch out and pass the tools so the other does not have to go up and down the ladder. Be careful.

Irene · Answer

I agree, remove the mirror tiles, wallpaper and paint. Most people will reject a house with wall paper.  I'd rethink that light fixture also.

Southernlady · Answer

We have work being done above our tub (old leak that we found in a 1902 house). They just put a moving blanket in the tub and then put one end of the ladder in the rub and the other side just outside the tub. (Straddling the tub). Very stable that way.

Carol · Answer

I would remove the mirror tiles and the wallpaper and just use paint.  You might also consider replacing/painting the ceiling tiles.  You want your bathroom to sparkle and look updated.  Also replace the shower head with one that has an attached hose.  Check craigslist or look for one at a garage sale.  I bought outs at a garage sale for about $29-25.  Paint is akso cheaper than wallpaper and easer to do.  I would also look for two matching shower curtains, one dor the tub and one to make a new curtain for the window.  You want it simple and fresh looking.  I prefer white bathrooms with a bit of color in the shower curtain.  You could also get fabric and a shower curtain liner and make your own using grommets.  I like the tile and and maybe try a black and white bold fabric for window and tub.  I buy a lot of fabric at yard sales also and a shower liner is cheap at the dollar store.

Carol · Answer

Please post pictures when finished.

Ruth Cropper · Answer

I would remove it all and paint. As for the ladder, I've never had to do that. My husband is taller so he could reach in areas like that by standing on the tub corners.

Loretta Clark · Answer

I would use a shower stool if you can find one because it is so stable, and you don't have to have it all that high.

Melly · Answer

Even though extra work and expense will be required, I suggest you remove the mirrors. Having glass under wallpaper is a recipe for disaster. What if someone decided to try to put a nail into the wall to hang something? Yikes! Don't do it!
There are good suggestions on carefully using a ladder while in/over a tub. Go slowly and test the foot placement before you climb up.

IndianaBound · Answer

Good prior suggestions for ladder in a bathtub. Re: wallpaper.  We're selling this spring too and have been told to remove all wallpaper.

Eloise · Answer

I bought a telescoping ladder for just such issues. It is adjustable to the height you need and is very sturdy. http://www.amazon.com/Best-Choice-Products%C2%AE-Telescopic-Extension/dp/B0099V3HYC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1423506999&sr=8-1&keywords=telescoping+ladder

Gail · Answer

I have to agree with just about everyone so far. Get rid of the mirrored wall, remove paper, paint a nice bright color and also like someone said change the light fixture that is so early 70's I know cause I had one similar in my bathroom back then.

Shirley Kalinosky · Answer

The suggestions are 'right on'. I have no idea what is holding the mirrors to the wall. I will have to check with the Loews' guys and see what they recommend To take them off. I have lovely wainscoating wallpaper that I have used before and thought it would look white and clean above the nice grey and black tile. I would love to sand and paint the window sill and wood on the door. It will be a month or so until I will be able to open the window and have circulation. I will keep you all updated. Thanks you all.

Carolyn Keller · Answer

OMG! i thought this was the inside of my (current)1970's house. Those chain light thingies are hard to come by, new and they still work. I would spray paint them, add some beads/crystals. and e-gads! the mirrored tile resembles two huge mirrors currently in use in our breakfront.
I would toss those with the wallpaper, they will never look right or better. Iv'e tried to paint mine, modge podge some old seed catalog advertisements onto them. not much better.
There is wallpaper chemical at home depot, just let it sit and wallpaper peels off, otherwise its lots of scraping and a huge mess.
 The mirrored tile might have been put on with construction adhesive, i would recommend safely breaking them.

Marion Nesbitt · Answer

I find straddling the ladder over the tub makes it too far away from the wall. Rubber something instead of towels, cloths, etc. in the tub is more slip resistant. Paid big $ for a Little Giant - it is so heavy the only use it gets is by the odd tradesperson who comes in. LOL

Deb Cragan · Answer

Padded ladder feet straddling floor and tub should do the trick. Make sure feet are sturdy before climbing up.The mirrors look great, but instead of pulling them down i would paint around them to cover up the aged edges. So they look like brick work. The curtains have to go. I would buy some etching contact to place over the windows to give privacy and create light. And paint all other furniture white. id also spray paint the chain chroming silver.Get rid of the clock. Change the cupboard knobs with antique ones and change the shower curtain to a light fresh colour.

Ltt834476 · Answer

If you want to sell your house, your better off removing mirrors and wallpaper. Not too many people interested in wallpaper. Paint with a soft neutral color. I've used the side of the tub or toilet seat to get to the higher places when paintings, etc......

Elizabeth · Answer

I would remove the mirror tiles...then wallpaper.

Cindy Roehm · Answer

I just had to say that I love the light fixture. I actually bought something very similar off of eBay for my half bath that I like to call the 'whore bath' -- I added a picture. And yes, I wallpapered.

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