I love wallpaper. My kitchen has wallpaper. But, if I was preparing my home to sell, I would be remodeling my kitchen and removing the wallpaper. Why? Most wall paper is a very personalized decorating style. Wallpaper is making a comeback - but the new patterns and designs are far different from what was purchased even a few years ago.
To realize how "unpopular" wallpaper has become, it is no longer carried at most Home Depot, Lowes and other major home improvement stores. Some people may love some wallpaper, it does not appeal to most home buyers and the idea of removing the wallpaper is daunting to everyone!
We've removed lots of wall paper -- some came off easily in large sheets, and other in tiny pieces causing hours of "picking"! Following are our top recommendations on updating wallpaper walls.
1 - Removal - Unless you applied the wallpaper to the walls, you don't know if the walls were correctly sized and prepared for wallpaper prior to hanging. If it was applied directly to the drywall without sizing or priming, it can be difficult to remove. Sometimes removing it can damage the drywall, requiring repairs before texturing or painting.
We place tarps on the area below the wallpaper. Starting at a seam area or where the wallpaper is pulling away from the wall, wet thoroughly the wallpaper using s large sponge or spray bottle. We have found that adding one part liquid fabric softener to 4 parts water (Downy or similar product) helps thicken the water so it stays on the wall longer. Very carefully use the putty knife, avoid gouging the drywall if possible. Repeat until all wall paper is removed. If tiny pieces of paper are still on the wall, you can sand them off easily after the wall is thoroughly dried. If the drywall is damaged, use joint compound to repair as needed.
2 - Priming/Texturing over the wallpaper - This can be the best method in the following circumstances:
- wallpaper is well adhered in most areas
- walls are damaged or of questionable condition under the wallpaper
- the idea of removing the wallpaper is too daunting
Using an exacto knife, trim away any wallpaper that is loose or peeling. Using water based primer such as Kilz, prime over all wallpapered areas. Once the primer has dried thoroughly, the walls are ready for texturing.
We have used this method with great success - finding is quicker and easier than removing wallpaper and then preparing the walls. We have then textured using a texture gun or a hand trowled method.
Here are some photos of a job we did last week. The wallpaper was well adhered except for a few spots.
The area that had wallpaper was a small dining area and the original walls were plaster. The kitchen walls were not textured.
Since the area was small and it would require lots of taping off to cover the windows/doors/floor/ceiling to use a spray texture gun, we opted for a trowled finish for the dinette. It was quick and easy to do - and was a beautiful finish. The walls were then painted a light sage green. (Window covering and decor not done before photo)
Getting started is the hardest part about this type of project. Once you get started you can transform a room for just a few dollars. It's an affordable way to prepare your home for sale.
Creative Concepts and Contracting is a professional home staging and licensed contracting company located in Salem Oregon and serving the Willamette Valley areas. Let us help you achieve great results in your updating and remodeling projects - whether it is preparing your home to enjoy or to sell, our expertise can make your projects achieve great results! Contact us at 503-881-0886 or www.CreativeConceptsandContracting.com!
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