stripping woodchip wallpaper

[EllyD]

What is the best way to go about this? The paper has been painted over and I don`t want to damage the plaster by scraping too hard. Is it neccessary always to use a steamer or are there any other clever ways to get this awful stuff off?

[raysparx1]

Hi EllyD, If you don't want to use a steamer, just lightly score the surface of the paper with a knife or scraper then go over it with a wet sponge, allow it to soak in,you should then be able to just use the scraper to strip paper, god luck, Ray

[raysparx1]

Should be "Good" luck, though God might be more apt,if it is stuck to the wall

[Athley]

Try going over it first with an old cheese grater. Then plenty of hot water or steam - don't oversoak with steamer as can damage plaster underneath. Then good old scraping.

Its horrible to get off but good luck sure it will be worth it to see the back of the hideous stuff.

There should be a law against it!!

[EllyD]

Many thanks .......I`ll give it all a go. Keep your fingers crossed for me and my sanity! Elly.

[Jules001]

I just hope you don't live in my old house, I once painted a whole wall of woodchip wallpaper with gloss paint by mistake - I think the house would probably fall down before that wallpaper goes anywhere ;)

[KARL]

Provided the paint is water based (emulsion) then spraying it with water using any pump action spray bottle such as window cleaner, insecticide, plant spray bottle will provide a gentle soaking. Ultimately the paper should scrape off fairly easily but you may have to carry on spraying for a while.

[Solarjunkie]

After scoring the paper, put a few drops of washing up detergent in the spray bottle, it seems to make the water wetter somehow!
The secret is patience, spray thoroughly along the edge, leave for 10 mins, come back & scrape the bit that's soft, spray again, etc.
Alternating between the walls will give the soaking time necessary.
Good luck.