Walls With Multiple Layers of Wallpaper

By

vitaloo

HOT WATER HOT WATER HOT WATER -- take a sponge and put it in hot water as hot as you can stand it -- then press it onto the wall -- go to the next spot - do it again - after you go to the next spot go back to the first and it will start to peel off nicely. You can try a steamer but I find that when people use steamers they end up with gouges in the wall because it comes off in pieces and they're trying to scrape it off -- don't use anything harsh to remove it -- use a plastic scraper if you can for the stickier parts - but with time and patience it will all come off - just keep sponging it with hot water to loosen it. My husband is a painter so this is what we do!

By Nancy in MO (Guest Post)

You're better off in the long run to do the horrible task of removal. Some friends painted over the paper and the moisture in the paint caused it ALL to peel off! Literally fell on the the floor! Painted wallpaper looks like painted wallpaper, too, which detracts from your decor.

By

thriftmeg

I would be worried that the vinyl wallpaper in the kitchen would not have good adhesion if it is on top of multiple layers like the rest of the wallpaper. I understand with a high hide primer it can be painted over, but again, you would have to be sure it was well stuck up there with no open seams or little tears etc.

By

SouthrnLiLi@aol.com

Thanks Everyone, I'm going to start on it today. If there is anyone out there who has encounter the problem of the vinyl wallpaper. It's in the kitchen only. It's in good shape I just don't like it. If I clean it to remove build-up grime etc. Can it be primed and painted over? that's tomorrow or Sunday's project Please help!!""

By (Guest Post)

I would have to agree with LRP that a steamer is the best way to go even though it is messy. But then any wallpaper removal is messy. Make sure your floors are well protected. If you don't use a steamer, it also helps to use fabric softener in the water. It seems to break it down easier. The tool to use that Dakota suggested is called a "paper tiger".