ArticlesBase.com - Free Articles Directory
Free Online Articles Directory
07.09.2008 Sign In Register Hello Guest
Email:
Password:
Remember Me 
forgot your password?


Removing Wallpaper - A Simple Home Improvement Project

Author: Scott Callender Author Ranking Blue | Posted: 14-10-2006 | Comments: 0 | Views: 529 | Rating:  (78) Article Popularity - Blue (?) Got a Question? Ask.
Sign Up Now!

We have put together a list of what we think are the essential tools that you will need when stripping or removing your wallpaper.

As you may be aware, there are a huge array of techniques and tools that are recommended when stripping wallpaper. Your local home improvement retailer might tell you "just peal the wallpaper from the wall", and your neighbor could offer the advice of "just rub a little fabric softener on it". While these may be useful techniques for some, they don't fit for most situations.

A recent study indicates that wallpaper most people want to remove is between 5 to 15 years old. From our personal experience, this means that the wallpaper will be either extremely easy to remove because it's old and the adhesive brittle or it could be potentially very difficult as it may have been applied directly to the sheetrock.

In either case, here are what we believe to be the most valuable tools to your project:
Safety glasses or goggles: often over looked but an essential safety item.
Gloves: these can be dishwashing gloves or something to protect your hands from liquid and/or slips of the hand.
Plastic Sheet: Called and branded by a number of names, this is nothing more than a thin plastic sheet that can be found in the paint section of any home improvement retailer. Removing wallpaper usually creates a mess; therefore, use the sheet to not only cover the floor but any surrounding features. To keep it in place, use masking tape. And, when you are done with your project, just roll the whole thing up (wallpaper and all) and throw it away.

Zinsser Wallpaper Scraper: this tool does the same thing as a normal flat blade scrapper with the exception of one very important feature, its scraping blade is set to an optimal angle. This means that you won't have to worry about gouging the wall or damaging the sheetrock or drywall when scrapping. It may be a little more expensive to purchase than a normal scrapper but it will save you a lot of time. We are not brand promoting here, so if you find another manufacture that produces a tool that does the same thing, go with it. You should be able to find it at any of the larger home improvement retailers.

Drywall Screen: this is a metal "screen" that acts like sandpaper. It is designed to remove excess spackle or joint compound from drywall but it's extremely useful for removing the small areas of dry adhesive that may still be on the wall after you have removed all your wallpaper. It can also be used for those small tough patches of wallpaper that the scrapper that just cant get to.

Orbital Scorer: this tool is sometimes called a "paper tiger" or a "wallpaper scorer". Its function is to place small holes in your wallpaper so that removing agents or steam can loosen the wallpaper adhesive. It's a very useful tool and one you should have on hand if you need to use a steamer or removing agent.
Ok, here is where we, depending upon the wallpaper, use the following:

DIF Gel: there are many wallpaper removing agents made by this company but we have found the gel to be less messy. That is to say, it has less a tendency to drip off the wall onto the floor. It is a good one to use if your wallpaper is NOT applied directly onto the sheetrock (this means that when the wallpaper was installed, there was no undercoat of paint applied). It is also a good product for wallpaper that is coming off but not in large sections.

To apply the product, the best method that we have found is to score the wallpaper with the orbital scorer and then use a paint roller to spread the gel out evenly over the surface you are working on. Of course, we advise that you read the manufactures recommendations and safety warnings first.

Wallwik: This product is more of a "product pack" than a single product. This product is great for removing wallpaper that HAS been applied directly to sheetrock. It's also great for grass or fiber based wallpapers. It's also great for those wallpapers that nothing else seems to work. The downside to this product is it requires several steps to make it work. And since it's a product pack, you really need to purchase the pack to make it work. That is to say everything but the scoring tool, I still prefer the orbital scorer.

Once your wallpaper has been removed and the remaining adhesive is removed, you are now ready to proceed with your project. For some, this will be applying a coat of paint, for others this will be hanging new wallpaper.

In either case, there is a great site that offers free instructions on wallpapering and what to do after you've removed it: http://www.wallpaper.mydiyguide.com

Additionally, if you are looking to change the entire look of a room another great resource for overall interior design ideas is: http://www.decornew.com

©simplehomeimprovement.com

Rate this Article: Current: 3 / 5 stars - 1 vote(s).

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/removing-wallpaper-a-simple-home-improvement-project-63012.html

Print this Article Print article   Email to a Friend Send to friend   Publish this Article on your Website Publish this Article   Send Author Feedback Author feedback  
About the Author:
S.Callender is a featured writer with over 20 years experience on house or home matters including Interior Decorating, Bathtubs-Showers, Designer Kitchen Ideas, Area Rugs Carpets, Fireplaces Home, Home Security Systems, and more. Visit http://www.simplehomeimprovement.com
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free!

Article Comments

Comment on this article Comment on this article
Your Name
Your Email:
Comment Body
Enter Validation Code: Captcha


Related Articles

New Artificial Intelligence Tool to Cut Labor Cost While Aiding your Customers
By: Eunice Charles | 04/07/2007 | Home Improvement
MCFIII offers Artificial Intelligence software for the DIY Big box industry. We offer revenue-generating, cost cutting tools to the Home improvement Industry with effective learning experiences based on everyday, real-life needs.

Home Painting Tips
By: D. David Dugan | 31/01/2006 | Home and Family
Remember, everyone starts as a beginner at painting. Just because you have never painted a house doesn't mean you shouldn't give it a try. The money you save by painting your own house is money you can put into other home improvements.

Wallpaper Removal - A Quick And Easy How-To
By: D. David Dugan | 03/02/2006 | Home and Family
A word of warning upfront, if you have a wallpaper removal task ahead of you're your in for a bit of work.

Why Renovate When You Can Retro-reno?
By: Lisa Gray | 07/07/2008 | Interior Design
There's a new trend that is paying homage to homes and styles of the 1940's, 50's and 60's. Homeowners are rediscovering the architectural charms and styling of this era, and instead of eradicating existing structures and styling there's a growing population interested in resurrecting the post-modern flair inherent in these homes.

Wham! Bam! Weekend Kitchen Reno!
By: Joe Pinto | 28/04/2008 | Real Estate
So what IS the best way to prepare for a weekend kitchen renovation? Well, it is possible to get a lot of renovation work done in one weekend, but only if you have all the prep work done before Thursday night, and if you have a friend or partner to help you.

Home Improvement Projects
By: D. David Dugan | 07/03/2006 | Home and Family
Where to Start People want to do home improvement projects all the time to increase the value of their home. Many people, however, do not know which project to tackle first when they have multiple projects to be done.

Time To Build That Deck You've Always Wanted?
By: D. David Dugan | 25/03/2006 | Home and Family
Outdoor patios and decks are great summer projects. Imagine being able to come home from work, get a nice tall glass of something cold, and sit out on your deck or patio and enjoy the view.

House Selling - Things To Increase Home Value
By: Matthew Hick | 11/10/2007 | Home and Family
If increasing the value of your home is a main consideration when remodeling, there are a few things to consider. First, consider whether or not the scale of he project you are considering will generate enough profit-potential for your area.

Got a Question? Ask.

Ask the community a question about this article:

Frequently Asked Questions

Pulley loq splitter
By: tsr1952 | 27-10-2007
 I have an old 8 pully log splitter, and need to know how the cable is wrapped on the pully. How can I find out how to install a new cable?

Upgrade to pressure flush?
By: HandyBob | 23-10-2007
Is there a cost-effective way to retrofit a grafity toilet to a pressure-assist flush?

How would I move Grass Wallpaper
By: jlaakso | 18-10-2007
How would I move Grass Wallpaper

How to install handicap bars in tile shower
By: victorgarfinkle | 11-10-2007
how to install handicap bars in tile shower

Which child are you to your father in your family ...
By: mkgerard | 07-10-2007
Which child are you to your father in your family. Is this usage correct

Home security system
By: 911247666 | 29-09-2007
what's a good home security system. Any recommendations. ie. ADT,TMC,Brinks etc

Q&A Powered by:
Powered by Yedda 

Latest Home and Family Articles

The Infrawave Speed Oven - Microwave Fast Without the Microwave Taste
By: John Mann | 06/09/2008
The Infrawave speed oven from Black & Decker will let you forget all about your traditional toaster-oven. It's the latest thing in cooking technology.

Nyc Home Renovation Project - Do You Know What it Takes?
By: Tomer Harel | 05/09/2008
The article talks about the home renovation projects - how to take it one step at a time and reap its rewards.

Day Care Centers and Related Services
By: Dave Text | 05/09/2008
Various types of Day Care Centers offer different activities and facilities for kids. Finding the right Day Care Center for your child only requires you to check on the qualifications of both the facility, its teachers and staff. Day Care Centers serve as a nursery for pre school children. They provide...

Stroller Bags - Why Many Parents Love Them
By: David Cummings | 05/09/2008
Stroller bags - or bags that attach to a baby's stroller as and when you want to carry around all those thingamajigs that you have to have with a baby - are a real necessity for busy parents. These bags are becoming popular with parents day-by-day because they save you...

Double Jogging Strollers to Double Your Fun
By: David Cummings | 04/09/2008
Congratulations! You have two little ones to tow around with you when you're out running errands, taking a walk, or jogging through the park. It may seem like a daunting task to have two babies to bring along rather than just one, but with a little bit of planning, you...

American Express Gift Cards
By: Chad Nordaune | 04/09/2008
American Express gift cards provide a simple solution for businesses and consumers. Businesses can reward their employees, or award their customers. Consumers can send a personalized gift card to their loved ones as a Christmas gift, a graduation present, or a birthday.

Learn How to Prevent and Disinfect Mold
By: Tony Evans | 04/09/2008
Excessive moisture and improper ventilation can lead to the growth of mold inside of homes and buildings. This article describes how to prevent mold from forming and also how to remove it once it has formed.

How to Catch a Cheating Spouse Online
By: Ed Opperman | 04/09/2008
With so many failed relationships caused by cheating its a good idea to be curious about your mates online activity.

More from Scott Callender

Interior Decorating - How To Choose The Right Paint Color
By: Scott Callender | 03/10/2006 | Home and Family
Interior Decorating and Interior Design are all about getting the right complimentary colors to give an overall feel to a room. This article will show you how.

Article Categories






Give Feedback

Sign up for our email newsletter

Receive updates, enter your email below