The Saga of the Never Ending Wallpaper
We knew this was going to be our biggest challenge: wallpaper removal. Initially I wanted to allocate some of the budget to hiring someone patient enough to deal, but with all of the other things we have to do and want to do, Megan the Wallpaper Remover was activated. (That’s me.)
I’ll give an update on each room separately because the wallpaper is a piece of a greater story of each space, but for now, let’s just chat more about the process. In a previous post, I outline the steps we had taken up to that point. Since then, I’ve added a few tools to my arsenal and would like to review them. For funsies and posterity, there’s a gallery at the end of the post showing the progress.
I bought a wallpaper scorer.
This little handy dandy tool really does help: as loud as can be, it pokes little holes all over the wallpaper and allows the solution to get to the adhesive. I ordered this one from Amazon for like $12, WP Chomp.
I ordered actual wallpaper removal solution.
From my previous posts, you know we have done a lot of the things: wallpaper steamer, Downy, warm water (haven’t yet tried vinegar.) Based on some recommendations in my Old House Facebook Group, I ordered WP Chomp Wallpaper Remover. I also ordered DIF gel. Having attacked the West Wing Cafe brick wallpaper and the very very stubborn kitchen wallpaper with both of these solutions, I have a strong opinion. WP Chomp works great, DIF gel does not. While neither solution smells bad or strong (a concern I had), the gel doesn’t seem to actually get through the paper layer enough to soften the glue so I can peel the stuff off the wall. It’s marketed as better because the gel stays put, doesn’t stream down the wall, but honestly, it doesn’t matter that it doesn’t stream down the wall if it doesn’t loosen the glue. I’ll use the rest of that bottle on easier to remove wallpaper (if we have any of that) and in the meantime, I ordered a gallon of the WP Chomp to get back to the kitchen, the stupid stupid kitchen, finish the West Wing Cafe and maybe get started on the Conservatory.
For Funsies & Posterity: Wallpaper Removal Gallery, 2 Months In
The Kitchen
The West Wing Cafe
