EXORCISING THAT PURPLE PASSION! REMOVING YOUR OLD WALLPAPER by Pamela Cole Harris
What were you thinking? That wallpaper covered with a purple
version of what seems to be paisley sperm was once cool. Now
it's just regrettable! Definitely time for a change! To remove
that old wallpaper, follow these tips:
1. As much as is practical, cover the floor and furniture with
drop cloths, old sheets or discarded blankets. It's a good
idea to move the furniture into the center of the room to
make it easier to cover.
2. Start in any corner and try to peel the wallpaper off with
your hands. Use a putty knife or a wallpaper scraper (you
would actually BUY such a thing!). Pray that your wallpaper
is the easy-peeling kind!
3. If the paper doesn't peel off or if peeling the paper leaves
behind its backing, it's time to get out the serious tools -
razor blades. Be really careful not to cut into the drywall
underneath.
4. The next step is to wet the wall paper. You can use plain
water, a commercial wall paper remover (wimp!) or water
mixed with dishwashing liquid. Apply the water with a paint
roller, squirt gun (Now THAT sounds like fun!) or a sponge.
Just keep wetting the wall until the glue behinds the
wallpaper begins to loosen.
5. If you have money to burn, you can rent a wallpaper steamer.
6. Try to peel the paper again using your hands, a putty knife
or a scraper (a spatula or pancake turner works as well!).
7. Use a large sponge or scouring pad to clean any remaining
glue from the wall. You want to have the wall stripped down
to the original painted or primed wall.
8. If there is glue remaining, let the wall dry. Then use
coarse sandpaper to sand off any remaining glue or backing.
Shazaam! You have a blank palette again! Now, I have always
loved red. How about you?!?
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Pamela Cole Harris is an editor and writer with 35 years
experience. Visit her website,
http://www.homeandgardenmakeover.com, for a free newsletter
with remodeling, home improvement and decorating ideas for
the financially challenged, creatively deficient and
technologically illiterate.
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