Removing Wallpaper Paste

Bliss7777 · 07-29-2009, 03:02 PM

I'm preparing to repaint drywall and have steamed off the wallpaper border. What's the best product to remove the wallpaper glue residue? I've tried fabric softener with hot water as well as vinegar and hot water. Neither worked. I heard about Piranha Wallpaper and Paste Remover, but am having a problem finding it at area Sherwin Williams stores. Any thoughts on the effectiveness of this product? And where can I find it in the DC area?

chrisn · 07-29-2009, 07:34 PM

http://www.zinsser.com/product_detail.asp?productid=17

mazzonetv · 07-31-2009, 05:12 PM

absolutely - dif with some hot water and a medium steel wool or scotch brite pad works wonders. When you think you got it all, do it again and be sure to rinse it VERY well. If there is ANY residue the water based paint or primer will reactivate the glue and make a mess.

chrisn · 07-31-2009, 07:07 PM

Also after you think you have all the paste removed, prime with this or an oil based primer before painting.

Bliss7777 · 08-01-2009, 08:17 PM

Thanks to both of you! I'll give it a try.

hammertime09 · 08-06-2009, 01:01 PM

if its old wallpaper (over 20 years) the odds of it coming off are slim. the glue used in old wallpaper was never designed to come off, so there's really no way to reactivate it. if dif doesnt work, your next step would be to plaster the whole wall, or rip the sheet rock off and put up new sheetrock

chrisn · 08-06-2009, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hammertime09

if its old wallpaper (over 20 years) the odds of it coming off are slim. the glue used in old wallpaper was never designed to come off, so there's really no way to reactivate it. if dif doesnt work, your next step would be to plaster the whole wall, or rip the sheet rock off and put up new sheetrock

Not true at all. I have removed thousands of rolls of old paper and PASTE. It is true that 40 or 50 years ago they used animal GLUES that are absolutly harder to remove but they will come off.

http://www.safeandsimple.com/

saggdevil · 08-06-2009, 01:35 PM

Yes you can remove it as Chris said. I followed his advise and removed 96 years worth of painted wallpaper. You can do it.

chrisn · 08-06-2009, 01:43 PM

ironserpant says"but yes wallpapers are not a good idea anymore."

and why not??

saggdevil · 08-06-2009, 02:30 PM

I think most people (I was one too) think of the dreaded removal process and usually if it's being removed it's outdated and everyone is sick of it. Wallpaper is really beautiful and adds so many more choices for a room.

Actually from what I've experienced and read, the older glue is easier to remove; especially the really old glue as it is usually wheat based so vinegar and water remove it easily.

chrisn · 08-06-2009, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saggdevil

I think most people (I was one too) think of the dreaded removal process and usually if it's being removed it's outdated and everyone is sick of it. Wallpaper is really beautiful and adds so many more choices for a room.

Actually from what I've experienced and read, the older glue is easier to remove; especially the really old glue as it is usually wheat based so vinegar and water remove it easily.

hammertime09 · 08-06-2009, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saggdevil

I think most people (I was one too) think of the dreaded removal process and usually if it's being removed it's outdated and everyone is sick of it. Wallpaper is really beautiful and adds so many more choices for a room.

Actually from what I've experienced and read, the older glue is easier to remove; especially the really old glue as it is usually wheat based so vinegar and water remove it easily.

yeah im sure you have alot of "experience". i'm not even going to waste my time on this thread anymore. i'll leave this to the "professional wallpaperer"

saggdevil · 08-06-2009, 11:07 PM

You were talking to one, his name is Chris.

chrisn · 08-07-2009, 05:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hammertime09

yeah im sure you have alot of "experience". i'm not even going to waste my time on this thread anymore. i'll leave this to the "professional wallpaperer"

Probably best.