Help after removing wallpaper?

Question

Ok, so... We have a house that has had wallpaper on it's kitchen walls since 1978. When we replaced the first wallpaper after we bought it, I didn't bother with the glue residue. I took the wallpaper down and now want to paint, but some of the top layer of sheet rock has come with it. There are to many spots to cut out and replace and I know if we spackle them that it will bubble up. Is there something we can coat it with before spackling? Maybe something like clear nail polish or something? Please help, this has turned into a huge project!

Answer 1

White pigment shellac(bulls eye made by zinzer) is what you want to prime with.The shellac is a bit thinner than paint but not hard to work with--use a cheap throw away roller cover and clean up your brush with ammonia.The shellac will seal the sheet rock and prevent the moisture from the joint compound from penetrating and bubbling up the brown paper that is left of the facing.Joint compound,not Spackle.

An oil based primer(kilz) or an acrylic might work but the shellac is tried and true method to remedy your situation.

Prime,let dry--skim with compound,dry--skim again,let dry-probably skim one more time and after drying sand.Ready to prime with acrylic and paint---no big deal,really.

Answer 2

I had this problem in my living room so I did a faux finish which truly covers slight imperfections...you seriously cannot even tell....I used nothing but primer before I painted--no one has ever noticed. Best of luck!

I did this....it was GORGEOUS and the compliments are endless! I picked nice neutral tones....Beigey-Brown & Cream

http://www.behr.com/behrx/expert/activit...

http://www.dmitchellfineart.com/Painting...

Answer 3

When you say "the top layer of Sheetrock (a brand name, by the way, like Kleenex) has come with it," do you mean just the paper, or has some of the gypsum (white powdery mineral) come off, too?

I have not tried this myself but did ask a professional salesman of paint products (he helps out contractors and the like.)

I have a bathroom with wallpaper that was put right over the drywall (one  is supposed to "size" the drywall with sort of a paint to keep the paste from adhering to the drywall paper.)

So, in many spots the drywall paper comes off and exposes the gypsum.

Why would it bubble up if you spackle?  That suggestion puzzles me.

I would use drywall compound and not spackle, anyway, if I were needing to repair some gouges.

For my wall, here is what a professional recommended to me:

1) apply a primer/sealer over top of the old drywall, including any gouges.

2) apply a skim coat of drywall compound over the entire surface and sand smooth.

3) reapply the primer/sealer over that, and then paint as usual.

Your alternative is to apply thin sheets of drywall over the walls, and mud/tape the seams.