How to strip old wallpaper – preparation

Note: Refer to the PDF flowchart for a visual of the steps below:

1. Scour the wall using a Mako Pro Perforated Roller Wallpaper Stripper

2. Wet the area you are stripping thoroughly, about 5-6m² at a time using Metylan Wallpaper Remover. Work from the bottom to the top.

3. Using a flat bladed scraper, remove the damp paper

4. Apply Resene Moss & Mould Killer (D80) if the substrate has mould spores present

5. Sand with 80-100 grit sandpaper

6. Fill any holes, dents and cracks using PAL Contract Filler and lightly sand with 220 grit sandpaper

7. Apply Resene Waterborne Sureseal (D42a)

8. Apply Resene Broadwall Surface Prep & Seal (D807) – consider a second application if the wall is severely dented or damaged

9. Sand using 220 grit sandpaper

10. For recommended topcoat systems, choose what room you are painting (room flowcharts)

Notes:

• 
  Metalyn Wallpaper Remover

  Wallpaper manufacturers recommend that plasterboard walls are sealed with Resene Waterborne Sureseal before the wallpaper is hung to enable walls to be stripped more easily at a later date although this good advice is not always followed. Wallpaper is often hung over the top of previous papers making stripping more difficult and time consuming.

• Mix the Metylan and warm water and apply using a brush (a household brush will be fine) and/or a garden sprayer.

• The key is to ensure the wallpaper is thoroughly soaked with the stripper. Cuts made by the Mako Pro Perforated Roller allow the mixture to penetrate the paper (and layers of paper) more easily.

• Lay old towels against the skirting board to prevent moisture entering the carpet. You will need to be especially careful if using Resene Moss & Mould Killer as any spills, splashes or drips will bleach the towels and carpet.

• 
  Sealing the wall with Resene Broadwall Surface Prep & Seal

  Use a combination of a 75mm broad knife scraper and a 25mm scraper for corners and difficult to remove areas.

• Areas where plaster has been used to fix holes etc on old wallpaper are very difficult to remove. Once the paper is removed the surface will be less than perfect and holes and gouges caused by the scrapers will need to be filled.

• The walls will need sealing and as some glues, moisture and even the aged plasterboard may stain through a waterborne topcoat system, always use Resene Waterborne Sureseal.

• You can then use Resene Broadwall Surface Prep & Seal to improve the surface before painting. This may require a second coat.

• Steam strippers are available for hire. If you have large areas to strip you should consider this option.

• We have an arrangement with Hirepool (in NZ) allowing Resene customers to receive a 10% discount on the hireage charge upon presentation of their Resene DIY.

Key accessories essential to complete the job

• 100 grit sandpaper
• 220 grit sandpaper
• 25mm flat bladed scraper
• 35-50mm Resene MacGyver brush
• 75mm broad knife scraper
• PAL No.15 HiSolids roller sleeve
• Metylan Wallpaper Liquid Stripper
• PAL No.4 roller sleeve
• Mako Pro Perforated Roller
• Resene Broadwall Surface Prep & Seal
• Resene Waterborne Sureseal
• Roller handle and tray
• PAL Contract Filler

Add-ons – to make the job easier or quicker

• Good quality extension pole
• Good heavy duty drop sheet
• Pole sander

Products to use

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