DIY Network

Double Trouble / Wallpaper Removal From "DIY to the Rescue" episode DTTR-305F

DIY to the Rescue comes to the aid of Trish and Gabriel Velasquez -- proud parents of twin boys. Five months after starting a bedroom revamp for the boys, the couple came to a complete stall without having accomplished much. During the interim, the twins have been living in their baby brother's room -- and these parents have quickly learned that three's a crowd. The Velasquez family hopes to revive a project that unraveled, and get the twin boys into a room of their own.

Together, the crew and the couple will:

• Finish the removal of the old wallpaper and repair damaged walls
  
• Add a new window safety lock
  
• Assemble a new closet organizational system
  
• Add crown molding
  
• Install innovative carpet tiles
  
• Add new modern furniture

To get started, the team decides to first tackle the wallpaper.

A view of the closet and bare boys' room.

The wallpaper that just won't budge.

This screw is the Velasquez's temporary safety measure -- installed after one of the twins escaped.

advertisement

	This wallpaper scoring tool can be purchased for around $10 at most home improvement centers.
	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Wallpaper Removal and Wall Repair

Materials:

Utility knife or wallpaper scoring tool
Equal parts vinegar and warm water in spray bottle (safer than a chemical agent)
Taping knife (or wall scraper)
Protective goggles
Rubber gloves
Heavy-duty detergent (tri-sodium phosphate)
Large sponge

1. Scoring: Use utility knife or a wallpaper scoring tool to score the old wallpaper for easier removal (figure A). If using a utility knife, score the paper using criss-cross cuts; with the scoring took, simply work in a circular motion over the wallpaper surface. Scoring will help the softening agent (the vinegar-water solution) penetrate the paper and work on the glue.

   
   

2. Softening: As an alternative to harsh chemical removers, try spraying a solution of vinegar and warm water (figure B) until the paper is saturated. Wait a few minutes for the solution to soften the paste. Wear goggles while spraying areas overhead.

   
   

3. Scraping: Saturate the entire wall before scraping. Use a taping knife or wall scraper to scrape the paper as soon as the glue loosens. The surface may be soft, so be careful to avoid scraper gouges. Use the knife or scraper to loosen the edges wherever possible, then use fingers to carefully peel away the loosened paper (figure C). Take care to avoid peel away the paper on the underlying drywall.

   
   

4. Removal of old adhesive: While wearing rubber gloves to protect skin, use a heavy-duty detergent -- such as tri-sodium phosphate -- and a sponge to remove excessive adhesive from the walls. Rinse walls using a clean sponge. All to dry thoroughly before the application of new wallpaper or paint.

   
   

5. Prep and paint: Use joint compound to smooth over rough areas and small gouges. One the joint compound has dried to a smooth finish, apply primer and paint as desired (figure D).