It has taken 9 years to address the entry foyer and 2nd floor halls of our house. The paper was neutral and in very good shape. However, my wife now wants it down and with my current employment (or more accurate unemployment) situation, I can't really say no.

I scored and removed the 'surface' and 'backing' layer using a paper-tiger scoring tool and WP Chomp (http://chompsolutions.com/products/p...oncentrate.php). I am left with a rather thick layer of glue.

The WP Chomp does break it down but it requires multiple applications and scraping. I'm talking 60-90 minutes of constant work to get one 4x8 sections clean. I have also tried DIF with like results.

Any suggestions to quickly and effectively remove the paste? Other products? Other techniques? Would a steamer be more efficient? Or is this my life for the next few days?

Thanks,
Michael

 

Steamer is very helpful. It will save a ton of time, especially since you are looking at only the adhesive.

Also what is the final finish on the wall? Textured/painted. If so then the 100% removal is not as big an issue.

 

Once cleaned, it will be painted with an eggshell finish.

 

Smooth or textured. If smooth, you still have to do all the work of filliong and sanding to assure the walls are prepped. If that is the case, steam it off and just try not to gouge too much.

 

[QUOTE=pmptx,Jan 27 2010, 09:11 AM]Smooth or textured.

 

Figured I write-up the final solution, which worked very well . . .

I took a trip down to our local mom & pop paint/wallpaper store. He tweaked the "tools" and process I was using and I went to work . . .

1) score paper using a wallpaper tiger (http://www.zinsser.com/product_detail.asp?ProductID=20)

2) LIBERALLY apply WP CHOMP concentrate using a garden pump sprayer (http://chompsolutions.com/products/p...oncentrate.php)

Steps 1 & 2 were used to remove the wallpaper and paper backing, leaving me with the glue. Garden sprayer is key as it allows for thorough soaking. Also the WP Chomp has a more pleasant smell than DIF.

3) Using a roller, liberally apply DIF gel (http://www.zinsser.com/product_detail.asp?ProductID=18) to a 4*4 section of wall, wait appropriate period and scrape using a putty knife.

Step 3 will remove most of the residual glue. You may need to repeat. The key is using the DIF gel. I was using the liquid concentrate and it did not have the strength of the gel. The gel 'hangs' on the wall and really penetrates the glue.

4) Using 2 bucket - 1 clean water, 1 WP CHOMP concentrate - I washed the wall with a nylon scrub pad using WP CHOMP. This loosened the residual glue.

5) Wipe down wall with shop towels / heavy duty paper towels.

6) Wipe down wall with sponge & water.

This process was labor intensive but produced the best results. I have a little spackling and then paint.

 

Works very well using Hot Hot Hot water & a few drops of Joy dish soap !

 

[QUOTE=RUGBY,Feb 1 2010, 08:29 AM]Figured I write-up the final solution, which worked very well . . .

I took a trip down to our local mom & pop paint/wallpaper store.