The technique you use for removing the old wallpaper depends on what kind of paper you’re taking down and what kind of surface (substrate) is underneath. In most cases, walls are either drywall (gypsum sandwiched between layers of paper) or plaster smoothed over lath (either strips of wood or metal mesh). You can usually tell what you have by the feel (plaster is harder, colder, and smoother than drywall) or by tapping on it (drywall sounds hollow, and plaster doesn’t).
Some papers, such as foils or those coated with a vinyl or acrylic finish, are not porous and therefore are hard to come off. Since drywall is more vulnerable to water damage; over-wetting it must be avoided. Much scraping must also be avoided because drywall gouges more easily than plaster.
Either way, Florida General Coatings has removed thousands of square feet of wallpaper over the years in business and has had a hand on experience on all types. We will suggest best options for you to decide!
