Stripping wallpaper to take my mind off Wilma???

[goofy4tink]

My ds just moved to Tampa a month ago and is living in Largo. Got a job, is doing well and now Wilma comes along. Nice timing on his part. So....I've decided to strip the wallpaper in my living room and hallways this week...figure it will keep my mind busy and I won't worry as much. (doesn't help that my dad has a home right on the beach in Pompano Beach also). But I have a question for you wallpaper stripper pros out there. What is the best way to get that paper backing off the wall? I've used the vinegar/water solution in the distant past and it worked okay but not great. In some places it seems that there are two layers of this paper backing...they must have peeled the old paper off and left the backing on and then repapered over it. I've heard about using fabric softener/water solution but don't know the measurements. Anybody out there have any advice? I'll be painting these walls when I'm done, so I need to get them really clean and smooth. Thanks.

 

[DawnCt1]

I think I would wait. Oops, I thought you meant that you were stripping wall paper in Tampa. I would rent a wall paper steamer from a local home improvement store. It works quickly.

 

[goofy4tink]

I think I would wait. Oops, I thought you meant that you were stripping wall paper in Tampa. I would rent a wall paper steamer from a local home improvement store. It works quickly.

I was going to ask 'wait for what' since the rest of your post didn't show up when I looked!!! But here the rest is....yes, a steamer is an option also.

 

[safetymom]

It is half and half on the fabric softener and water.

 

[MUFFYCAT]

If you really want to get your mind off it, you can come to my house and paint!

 

[ChristmasElf]

Just use an old Windex bottle filled with equal parts of fabric softner and water. Works fast and the room will smell great too!

Vinegar and water also work, but the smell is not as nice!

 

[goofy4tink]

Thanks.....just the info I needed!!! Sorry about not being able to come and paint for ya MUFFYCAT....I have plenty of my own painting to do...and the contractors coming on Friday to open up a doorway that was covered up!!! Oh it's going to be a mess at my house for sure....good thing my dd's 12th birthday party is 'off premises'!!!!