Removing Wallpaper

If you have been reading since the beginning of this process, you know I have been dreading the wallpaper removal since day one.  No opposable thumbs=Major problem.

Morningside was COVERED in wallpaper.  When I say covered, I don’t mean just a few rooms and the bathroom.  I mean EVERY SINGLE ROOM! 

This one room actually had 3 different types of wallpaper! Nightmare!

Stained wallpaper!

Striped wallpaper!

Even floral wallpaper!

This project is not for the faint-hearted.  Other blogs you may read about this project may sugar-coat it and act like it is a one-and-done deal.  But unless you are a magician, it is not.  I’m a dog…not a magician so the truth is it will be about as fun as hanging out with the cat next-door (Yea, Mittens.  I’m talking to you…), but just be patient and know you will get there eventually.

The supplies you will need for this project include:

1.      Pirannha wallpaper removal concentrated solution

This stuff is critical!

2.      Empty spray container (one you might use for weed killer or pesticides)

3.      Hot water

4.      Nice scraper

5.      Tool to puncture the wallpaper (we didn’t have this and wish we did!)

You are best to start removing by starting at a seam in the paper.  Spray the seam with the wallpaper removal solution/water combo until it is soaking wet.  Be careful of electric outlets when doing this.  Now the trick is to let the solution soak in and then begin to scrape.  Patience is critical!

Also something that is important to remember is that your first efforts may only remove the decorative paper.  If it was put up correctly, there will be a plain paper layer underneath that decorative layer that you will have to do the same removal process with.  This can be frustrating, but if you know this in advance (unlike me) you will be less likely to lose your mind and dig outta the back yard!

This is the paper post-soak.

Now that we have finally removed all the wallpaper, our next step is to sand the walls in order to smooth over any knicks and unevenness left behind by the removal process. 

During the process in the hallway

After!

If you are beginning a similar project, I wish you the best of luck.  GOD SPEED!  I’m going to take a much needed nap.  Maybe mom will take me to get a doggie-manicure.  I surely deserve it.

Xoxo (Hugs and Licks),

Emma