What is Behind your Wallpaper and how to Deal with it.

You are thinking of removing your dated wallpaper but are not sure what is behind the actual paper so we will discuss What is Behind your Wallpaper and how to Deal with it.

The first step we suggest or actually perform if we are hired to remove the wallpaper is to remove a sample area.  In an inconspicuous area in the room that you can perform a test removal section to see “How easy or How difficult” this will be as a test is alway a good way to start.

Removing the wallpaper

If you are needing steps and direction to remove the existing wallpaper please visit my other blog of wallpaper removal

You have started removing the wallpaper and you are surprised in the condition of the walls and what was covered during the one, two, three layers of wallpaper.

findings behind wallpaper in North Andover

We often find:

• Bad wall repairs
• doors that have been removed and “badly” covered.
• holes,
• cracking from settling of the home.
• Horse hair plaster walls  often in poor condition
• loose plaster separated from the laths in the walls
• un-primed walls prior to wallpaper installation.

The basic repairs to restore your walls:

1. Our FIRST STEP IN MOST ROOMS after wallpaper removal is to perform a light sand on all walls and apply an oil based primer.
2. access the walls for loose plaster and severe cracking
   1. tape walls with fiberglass mesh tape and skim to smooth on all cracked areas.
   2. For loose and separated walls were the plaster is not stable and can be moved with the bare hand we install plaster buttons. link to article regarding Lath and plaster repair.
3. nail holes, screw holes an deeper pitting may just require spackle or joint compound applied and sanded when dry
4. Large wall repairs such as when a window, door or window air conditioner were removed (see pictures) are often remedied as you were installing a new piece of wallboard which require applying mesh tape and finishing smooth with joint compound.

Anytime we perform extensive repairs after the wallpaper has been removed and after the first step of applying an oil based primer we prime the walls for a second time.  This will give a consistent finish especially when painting.

If you have any questions regarding your upcoming wallpaper removal project or need someone to come in and repair you walls after you have removed the wallpaper please give us a call and we would be happy to assist.

Thank you for reading and I hope this was helpful.

Ron Ramsden

Ramsden Painting, owner

978-683-9119