Marcus Chen
While it is technically possible to plaster over wallpaper that has been painted, it is not recommended as the finish may not be perfect and the plaster may eventually dry, crack, and fall off. Removing wallpaper can be a challenging and time-consuming task, especially if it has been painted over or if there are multiple layers, but it is best to remove it completely to ensure a smooth and consistent surface for painting. Various techniques can be used for wallpaper removal, including scoring, steaming, spraying with warm or hot soapy water, and using putty knives or taping knives to scrape away the paper.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Level of finish | The level of finish may not be perfect |
| Difficulty of removal | It can be difficult to remove wallpaper, especially if it has been painted over |
| Time consumption | Removing wallpaper can be time-consuming, taking up to several hours per room |
| Cost | Plastering over wallpaper may be more cost-effective than removing it, depending on the situation |
| Durability | Plastering over wallpaper may not be durable and can crack and fall off over time |
| Techniques for removal | Scoring, steaming, using hot water and a taping knife, or a wallpaper removing solution |
| Alternatives | Skim coat, wallboard/drywall, re-boarding, or lining paper over the plastered surface |
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What You'll Learn
Removing wallpaper from walls
Removing wallpaper can be a challenging task, especially with older wallpaper. The process can be time-consuming and may cause damage to the wall. The type of wallpaper and the method of its application will determine the best approach for removal.
If the wallpaper is modern and has a vinyl or PVC coating, it can usually be peeled off with minimal effort. Start by loosening a corner and gradually peeling it off the wall. A standard putty knife can assist in prying it off. However, if the wallpaper is older and more firmly adhered, it may require more intensive methods for removal.
One effective technique is to use a wallpaper steamer. A steamer can help loosen the adhesive, making the wallpaper easier to remove. It is important to be cautious when using a steamer on plasterboard, as excessive steaming can damage the surface. As an alternative to steaming, you can mix water with a small amount of vinegar and a prepackaged wallpaper remover solution. Apply this mixture to the wall using a paint roller, sponge, or brush. If the wallpaper has a vinyl coating, you may need to perforate the surface to allow the moisture to penetrate. Once the glue has loosened, use a wide-bladed tool, such as a putty knife, to pry the wallpaper away from the wall.
Another approach is to score the wallpaper with a scoring tool and then apply warm or hot soapy water using a sponge or garden sprayer. Allow the mixture to soak for a while, and then attempt to scrape off the wallpaper. Repeat the process of scoring and soaking until the wallpaper is completely removed.
After removing the wallpaper, it is essential to clean the wall thoroughly. Remove any remaining adhesive residue and wash the wall with clean water to prepare it for the next steps, such as plastering or painting.
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Techniques to remove wallpaper
Removing wallpaper can be a simple DIY project, but it can also be a tedious task, especially if the wallpaper is old. Here are some techniques to help you remove wallpaper efficiently:
Prepare the Room
Before starting the wallpaper removal process, it is important to prepare the room. Remove all items from the walls and shift furniture to the centre of the room or out of the room, if possible. Cover the floors and any remaining furniture with drop cloths to protect them from getting wet and sticky. If you like your floors, it is recommended to put down a plastic painter's tarp and secure it with tape to prevent the discarded wallpaper from sticking to the floor.
Identify the Type of Wallpaper and Wall
Identifying the type of wallpaper you are working with is crucial. Start by using a putty knife to loosen a corner of the paper and try to peel it off. If the paper comes off easily, you have strippable wallpaper. If the wallpaper peels away but leaves a paper backing, you are dealing with peelable wallpaper. If the paper doesn’t budge, you have traditional wallpaper that will need to be removed with water and a chemical stripper.
Additionally, determine whether you have plaster walls or drywall. Drywall is more delicate and can be damaged if it gets too wet, so be cautious not to oversoak it.
Use a Wallpaper Scoring Tool
If you are struggling to get the top layer of wallpaper off, consider using a wallpaper scoring tool. This tool will slightly perforate the outer layer of the wallpaper, allowing water or a removal solution to penetrate the adhesive and loosen its hold on the wall. Use light pressure to avoid puncturing the paper and damaging the wall.
Steam the Wallpaper
An inexpensive handheld steamer is an effective way to remove wallpaper. Fill the steamer with water and let it heat up. Start by steaming the bottom seam between two strips of wallpaper thoroughly. The steam will help loosen the adhesive and make the wallpaper easier to remove.
Soak with a Water Solution
For most wallpaper removal projects, you will need to apply a hot water solution to the paper and adhesive backing to reactivate the adhesive. Some types of wallpaper, such as vinyl, may repel water, so be sure to test a small area first. You can also use a damp sponge or rag to soak the paper backing, letting it sit for several minutes while you work on another spot.
Scrape the Wallpaper
Once the wallpaper is soaked, use a rigid scraper or putty knife to scrape off the wet wallpaper and backing from the wall. Be careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid damaging the wall.
By following these techniques, you can effectively remove wallpaper and prepare your walls for a fresh new look.
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Skim coating over wallpaper
Firstly, it is important to note that skim coating over wallpaper will likely affect the finish of the wall. The wallpaper will need to be properly prepared, and any problem areas, such as joins, lifting paper, or remaining backing paper, will need to be addressed before skim coating. Even then, there is a risk of the wallpaper lifting or bubbling over time, which can cause cracks in the plaster.
If the wallpaper has been painted, removing it can become significantly more challenging. In such cases, skim coating could be considered as a solution to avoid the tedious process of paint removal. However, it is crucial to understand that skim coating over painted wallpaper is not a straightforward fix. The paint on the wallpaper can make the process more complicated, and the finish may not be ideal.
Before skim coating over painted wallpaper, it is advisable to prime the surface with a suitable product, such as Gardz or an oil-based primer. These products can help seal the wallpaper and glue, reducing the risk of bubbling and flaking. However, it is important to note that even with priming, there are no guarantees that the skim coat will adhere perfectly, and future issues may still arise.
While skim coating over wallpaper can be tempting to avoid the labour-intensive process of wallpaper removal, it is generally recommended to remove the wallpaper whenever possible. This ensures a more reliable and durable outcome. If skim coating is the chosen route, it is essential to be aware of the potential challenges and to carefully prepare the surface to mitigate the risks of future issues.
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Plastering over wallpaper
If you decide to proceed with plastering over wallpaper, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the finish may not be perfect, and you may need to patch problem areas, such as the joins in the wallpaper and any areas where the paper is lifting. It is also important to use a primer or sealant before plastering to help prevent the plaster from cracking and peeling. One option is to use blue grit, which can be applied over silk paint or wallpaper to create a better base for the plaster to adhere to.
Another option is to use a skim coat, which is a thin layer of plaster applied over the wallpaper. This can help to create a smoother surface, but it may require more time and materials, and the wallpaper may still need to be primed or sealed first.
If you choose to remove the wallpaper before plastering, there are several methods you can use. You can score the wallpaper with a knife or a tool with a small wheel and teeth, then use a garden sprayer with hot water and a taping knife to remove the paper. You can also use steamers, which are particularly effective on stubborn, old wallpaper. Removing wallpaper can be time-consuming and tedious, but it can save potential issues in the long run.
Once the wallpaper is removed, you can prepare the wall for plastering by sealing it with a primer or PVA, which can make the paper easier to remove. After the wall is dry, you can proceed with plastering, ensuring a smooth and consistent surface for painting.
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Preparing walls for repainting
Once the walls are clear of any unwanted coverings, the next step is to repair any imperfections. Filling holes and cracks with a lightweight joint compound, filler, or putty and then sanding the areas smooth ensures a uniform surface for painting. It is important to use the correct grit sandpaper for the type of paint previously used—fine-grit for water-based paint and medium-grit (100 to 150-grit) for oil-based paint. Sanding can also help address any rough spots or uneven surfaces to ensure the new paint goes on smoothly.
After the walls are repaired and smooth, it is crucial to clean them to remove any dust, dirt, or grease. A sponge and warm water are typically sufficient for most walls, while kitchen walls or surfaces exposed to oil or grime may require a grease-cutting detergent. Rinsing with clean water and wiping the walls with a damp cloth ensure no residual cleaning agents are left behind. Allowing the walls to dry thoroughly is essential before proceeding to the next step.
Priming the walls is an important step, especially when covering stains, changing colours drastically, or dealing with porous walls. A primer helps to disguise imperfections, create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to, and ensure a uniform finish. Different primers are available for specific needs, such as covering stains or lightening dark patches. It is crucial to let the primer dry completely before applying paint.
Finally, taping off areas that you don't want to paint, such as trim, switches, and outlets, will help create clean edges and protect them from accidental paint splatters. Following these steps will help ensure that your walls are properly prepared for repainting, resulting in a more professional and aesthetically pleasing finish.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not advisable to plaster over wallpaper as the finish may not be perfect. The wallpaper may also lift over time, causing the plaster to crack and fall off.
Removing painted wallpaper can be challenging. You can try scoring it with a knife, using a wallpaper removing solution, or a steamer. Other methods include spraying warm water or hot soapy water and scraping the wallpaper off.
Instead of plastering over painted wallpaper, you can consider re-boarding or using lining paper over the plastered surface. Another option is to use a skim coat, but this may require additional steps such as priming and painting.
