Removing extremely old wallpaper?

Question

I'm removing extremely old wallpaper and it would not peel off, it's a real pain!!. When I do remove pieces there is really old paint underneath the wallpaper, the paint is chalky and when i wipe the paint little layers of it comes off. so is there anything that i can use for this job, i have tried fabric softener and hot water with a plastic scraper.

Answer 1

same as PP I use liquid laundry detergent mixed with water.  Spray it on, let it soak in and then the paper should peel off easier.

Answer 2

You can go to most hardware stores and buy wallpaper remover, (I have seen it in a spray bottle) Also buy a wallpaper tiger, or something like that, (It looks like a half round plastic "handle" fits in the palms of your hands, and has rotating "teeth", you do kind of like a Mister Miagee thing, wax on, wax off circular motoin, what it does it puts little holes in the surface of the wallpaper, so that the wallpaper adhesive remover can penatrate through the paper, and remove the adhesive. And as far as the old paint underneath it, If you are not sure how old the paint underneath is, I would FIRST go and buy a lead testing stick (Most specialty paint stores should have them, maybe even lowes or home depot, they usually come in tube form, almost like a crayon with a soft tip, they come in a 2 pack and are only a couple of bucks, you "snap" the tube like a glow stick and rub it on the chalky paint, the tip you rubbed on the wall will usually turn a different color, indicating that lead is present, worth the small investment when you read about what lead paint exposure can do to your health) at the hardware store (BEFORE you remove any more wallpaper and are exposed to any more dust) to see if the "chalky" dust is old lead paint, as that was the norm back then. It is pretty harmfull stuff if you breath it or have children around.

Answer 3

There is a powder chemical you can buy at the Home Depot stores but it is really toxic.  I choose to battle it out with the fabric softener and steam.

Answer 4

When I was doing that type of work I would use a bug sprayer and fill it 3 parts vinegar and one part hot water.  Spray on and let stand for at least 5 minutes.  This will help the paper but you will still have a problem with the old chalky paint.

Answer 5

I find using my upholstery steam cleaner to be very effective to remove even the oldest wallpaper, even fabric. A product called Wall Tiger perforates the old paper to ease things along. Move slow and it will release. Slide along with it a flexible metal scraper to remove. Be cautious with the old paint, it may be lead based if it is old enough. Big box home stores have lead test kits for this. If it is lead consult a pro.

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