primitives discuss cleaning plaster walls

[Dori]

You are a sick, sick person.  We bought our house from some old people and had a heck of a time getting that crap off the walls. they didn't even bother to paint the master bath before they put it on.  It was trying to peel apart the bare drywall when we were removing it.

The vinyl stuff usually just pulls off in sheets.  The paper, if its a big job, I would rent a steamer.  But the small jobs, soapy water and sponge usually does the trick.  Never, never paint over wallpaper.  My neighbor did that, wasn't happy and then couldn't even get it off with a blow torch.

[BattleHymn]

The vinyl stuff usually just pulls off in sheets.  The paper, if its a big job, I would rent a steamer.  But the small jobs, soapy water and sponge usually does the trick.  Never, never paint over wallpaper.  My neighbor did that, wasn't happy and then couldn't even get it off with a blow torch.

I have had good luck using a steamer on painted over paper.

[landofconfusion80]

The problem with the way these people did it is that they put the paste directly onto the drywall. Drywall is well, dry, and that soaked up all the moisture in the paste leaving an ugly texture all over the place.  Just incompetence.

[BattleHymn]

Did you just apply a skim coat after removal of the paper?

[Karin]

I love the look of wallpaper, especially in an older home.  But, yes, it is a pain in the ass.  And while you're deep in sleep, the cats have fun with it.   

Dori, if you love doing it, you could probably make some good scratch on the side.  There are a (scant) few ladies around here who love doing it, and are good at it, and they are in high demand. 

[landofconfusion80]

Did you just apply a skim coat after removal of the paper?

nah, you really couldn't see the problem til the paint went on.  We were busy patching up the house to sell through the winter so the bathroom is way down on the priority list.  I'll probably just beadboard the mess and dress that up some.

[zeitgeist]

Now you tell them 

You are getting mellow Gina, I remember the day when a 'wallpaper' comment would have had you heading this thread off to the     

I have hung my fair share of paper.  Hate matching patterns and avoid that at all costs.  I also hate overlapping seams.  Butting is my preferred method.  About other things:  A scratcher along with DEP wallpaper remover (but you can also use vinegar and water) works best.  Sizing is a must for plaster walls but should be used on all walls as it helps get paper on and off easily.  Always prime bare drywall.  Do not use cheap paper!! People, this is important.  Cheap paper is, well, cheap.  It is hard to put on and hard to take off so it cost more in time than you save.  If you butt seams drop chalk lines, use extra paste at the seam, and a seam roller even if you are using pre pasted paper. Ditto for corners, use extra paste.  Do not paper with a person you intend to spend a significant amount of time in close proximity with in a romantic mode later (<cough> spouse )  I am also a fussy painter, prep is very important painting too.

[Gina]

You are getting mellow Gina, I remember the day when a 'wallpaper' comment would have had you heading this thread off to the     

I'm sorry.  I keep getting bs'd for my  comments 

[zeitgeist]

I'm sorry.  I keep getting bs'd for my  comments 

So, you respond well to negative reinforcement 'eh?