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R Shukri · Joined: 23 Jan 2004 Posts: 25 Location: Andover

My house is about 9 years old. The interior walls are plaster board. These are decorated with two designs of wall paper separated by a 10cm band (don't know the technical name). I wish to redecorate using emulsion paint. The problem is that I cannot remove the 10cm band because a non water soluble adhesive was used. If it is not removed, it will show beneath the paint. Also if removed, I am not sure if the joint between the two wall papers is even and in any case the joint will be visible beneath the paint as well. I am of course assuming that using a steamer to remove all the wall paper is not recommended when dealing with palster board.

How can this problem be addressed?

Thank you for any constructive advice.

thescruff · Moderator Joined: 03 May 2003 Posts: 4164 Location: Bath

All wallpaper paste are soluble so unless it was put on with supaglue it should come off.

Assuming the existing paper is not embossed, you could consider covering the wall with lining paper prior to emulsion paint.

Using a steamer would have little if any effect on the plasterboard, obviously you would not go mad with it.

scruff

R Shukri · Joined: 23 Jan 2004 Posts: 25 Location: Andover

Thank you for the input. I have checked the 'border' adhesive and found that a 'vinyl to vinyl' adhesive has been used. It does not desolve in water.

I shall try scraping the border off at the edges to 'chamfer' them. Next I shall apply the emulsion and hope for the best.

If you feel that my method is totally wrong, please let me know.

Thank you once again.

R Shukri · Joined: 23 Jan 2004 Posts: 25 Location: Andover

Thank you for the input. I have checked the 'border' adhesive and found that a 'vinyl to vinyl' adhesive has been used. It does not desolve in water.

I shall try scraping the border off at the edges to 'chamfer' them. Next I shall apply the emulsion and hope for the best.

If you feel that my method is totally wrong, please let me know.

Thank you once again.

R Shukri · Joined: 23 Jan 2004 Posts: 25 Location: Andover

Thank you for the input. I have checked the 'border' adhesive and found that a 'vinyl to vinyl' adhesive has been used. It does not desolve in water.

I shall try sanding the border off at the edges to 'chamfer' them. Next I shall apply the emulsion and hope for the best.

If you feel that my method is totally wrong, please let me know.

Thank you once again.

thescruff · Moderator Joined: 03 May 2003 Posts: 4164 Location: Bath

I was talking to the painter at work today, and he reckons they make a wallpaper border thats self adhesive, and its almost imposible to get off.

He also said you will have problems removing paper from plasterboard if it hasn't been emulsioned first.

Sounds like a job for someone else. Sad

R Shukri · Joined: 23 Jan 2004 Posts: 25 Location: Andover

The house was a show house fully decorated, so I cannot say exactly what materials were used. We are getting fed-up with the dull two tone wall paper. I had a feeling that it was going to be a painful task getting the rooms redecorated. Howevwer, I shall face it with a brave heart and I am sure I shall find a way to succeed.

Thank you for your advice and kind input.