Do i have to use a primer after I take down wallpaper before I paint my bathroom I have a semi-gloss finish?

Question

Do i have to use a primer after I take down wallpaper before I paint my bathroom I have a semi-gloss finish?

Answer 1

First of all scrub the surface thoroughly to remove any residue from the wallpaper and adhesive.  What you do next is a matter of ease for you.  You can prime, using a quality latex primer like Zinsser 1-2-3 or Kilz 2.  Another option is to wash the wall thoroughly with TSP (tri-sodium phosphate).  They make 2 formulas, either with (TSP) or without (TSP-PF) phosphate.  Try and find the formula with phosphate, but make sure to wear rubber gloves.  It cleans the wall and removes the gloss, allowing new paint to adhere.  It will, however, burn if you don't wear gloves.  It's not like an acid, but it will be uncomfortable.  Hope this helps.  Good luck.

Answer 2

DEFINITELY!  I removed wallpaper from an entire living room and wanted to take a few short cuts.  I regret it.  If all of the paste is not removed, the walls thoroughly scrubbed with TSP or a similar agent, rinsed, AND primed, it can lead to disaster.  It may take a few months or even a year but you may notice hairline cracks, peeling paint. This is the residue from anything you may not have properly removed.  Primer is the key since it seals the wall, readying it for proper painting.  And you ALWAYS sand or de-gloss a kitchen or bathroom that has previously been painted with a gloss paint of any kind (semi, high, etc.)  My advice whenever you paint- NEVER use gloss.  I use a satin or eggshell enamel on every wall in every room- so easy to clean.  Flat paint is troublesome.  If you try to wash it, the paint comes off too easily.  One more tip- NEVER try to paint over a gloss paint.  It will not adhere properly.

Answer 3

Take off the paper but don't bother with trying to wipe it down with a cleaner. You need to skim the walls with drywall compound, sand lightly, texture, prime, and then paint.

Texturing is important because with a semi-gloss finish, any imperfections will be glaringly obvious.