Wallpaper: A thing we love to hate.
When done well, it can be beautiful and truly transform a space. But what
happens when it becomes out dated, and you no longer love the look? Get out
those scrapers and attack those walls because it’s not coming down easily. When
removing wall paper, especially when it has been up for years will most likely
cause unexpected damage to your walls. So I say if your wall paper is in decent
shape, and there are no signs of glue failure, don’t waste your time removing
it.
Prep for any project is extremely important,
and this project is no different. Take your time and complete all of the steps
listed below. Just remember no matter what you’re saving time in the long run.
1. Replace any damaged areas of wall
paper, and check for loose pieces. Tack those down so your wall remains smooth.
2. Add a bead of clear calk around the
perimeter of the room. Joint seam where the paper meets and dear the floor and
ceiling. This will keep the edges sealed and will keep the paper from peeling
after you have painted.
3. IF that paper is textured, don’t
worry, just cover over it with a thin layer of joint compound to smooth things
out.
4. Sand down those seems to ensure they
are not noticeable. This step is usually forgotten, leaving your room with odd
lines when the project is finished.
5. Apply a coat of OIL-based primer to
the entire surface. This will seal the adhesive within the paper and away from
the moisture of the paint. It will also help level out little imperfections
left on your wall.
6. Now, you’re ready to paint. In picking
the paint keep in mind that the amount of moisture in latex paint can sometimes
loosen wallpaper glue, causing it to peel or sometimes bubble. It is recommended
that you use an oil-based paint as well for the final coat.
There are ups and downs to every
project. Most people prefer latex paints to oils these days, and who can blame
them. Oil is messy and stinky. But, keep in mind that wallpaper removal is no
picnic either. In fact it is a rare that wallpaper is ever mounted properly,
meaning you have got your work cut out for you.
Make your room something you can
enjoy. Don’t bother with messy glue and skin coating, follow these steps and
you will have a new and beautiful space.
Blog Written By:
Ari Koehnen
Communications/Sales
