Damaged Drywall, should I seal/prime before texture?

Question

The people that put up wallpaper in our home before we bought it hung wallpaper on bare drywall (GRRRR). So of course, it only comes off on the joints where there was mud. I can get the vinyl/upper coat off fairly easily, which leaves the paper/glue backing behind.

My goal is to put a texture (joint compound/water), and prime and paint this wall. Before I do this, should I sand the wall as smooth as I can (wallpaper backing still on the wall), then use a drywall primer/sealer before the texture/paint? Or just patch the walls and prime with regular old paint primer and paint over that?

The wallpaper removal isn't the problem, so please don't post suggestions/tips for that, I've done everything (dish detergent, fabric softener, vinegar, TSP, steam), it's just too attached to that bare drywall board.

I just don't want the texture or finished wall to have issues, or the paper backing of the wallpaper to bubble up when I paint/texture.

Answer 1

If you are going to texture the wall using joint compound, texture before you paint. Let the texturing dry then prime and paint.

Don't worry about the wall paper stretcher. The paint will loosen it from the wall, but it will re-adhere when the paint drys and not come loose again in the future.