If you Hang it - Be Prepared to Remove it!

 This week I recommended a home owner remove outdated wallpaper that lined the walls in each of the primary rooms within this 1960's home.  It had obviously been applied professionally, was tasteful but so very outdated.

Wallpaper Nightmare

Here’s what we found – a nightmare to remove!   Two layers of wallpaper in each of the bathrooms was so adhered after years of bathroom steam and cooling off periods, that we tried various techniques and recommended products to remove without damaging the gyp-rock walls.  End result - didn't work.  This endeavour was very time consuming with only small patches removed after 3 separate team members attempted to apply their mastery skills.  These were the worst scenarios we encountered.  Rooms where there was an applied layer of one wallpaper, steam and wall paper stripper worked easily, following the removal of the vinyl coating.

If you plan to downsize or sell your home anytime in the future, begin removing the wallpaper now!  Home buyers are looking for move-in ready homes to decorate in their own style.  Wallpaper isn't appealing to potential buyers – it’s exactly what it is – WORK!

Solutions to wallpapered walls:

•  Multiple layers of wallpaper – apply ¼” gyp-rock over the walls, tape, mud + prep walls prior to painting 
•  Single layers – remove vinyl covering, steam for 30 secs and/ or apply solution of wall paper stripper, allow to soak for a few minutes, remove backing with ergonomically good scraper, wash walls thoroughly to remove traces of glue, repair and sand walls, dust clean + paint
•  Skim coat over the wallpaper and paint over the prepped walls (beware – the underlaid wallpaper may lift if not prepped adequately when using water-based paints)

My #1 recommendation for pursuing this task: 

Patience, calming background music, and a positive attitude!

Smiles + a Positive Attitude from Jason

There are so many fabulous wall coverings on the market today.  I’m not against wall paper for a focal wall but if you install wallpaper in any of your current living spaces and will be living within your home for the next 10 years, enjoy the beauty of your wall(s) but be prepared to remove this wallpaper in the future.

Cheryl Trudell, Lead Property Stylist/Founder of Home Staging 4 Success, is honoured to be the recipient of staging awards in 2 consecutive years ~ RESA®'s 2014 Top 10 Best Occupied Stagings™ North America and RESA®s 2013 Top 10 Rising Star Home Stagers™ in North America. She brings her true passion for working with people and natural flair for home design to each client with respect and sincerity. Her customized services are tailored to fit individual needs and budgets with exceptional service and outstanding results. She is an active member of the Real Estate Staging Association, the trade association for professional real estate stagers and redesigners. .