Wallpaper Trauma

Posted by Kristin Abraham Mar 22, 2006

This week I had a horrible time with some old wallpaper. I firmly believe that wallpaper should be removed and not painted over even though some professionals currently are recommending the paint over option. In this particular case that wasnt even an option. The paper was at least 30 years old and had not only shifted, leaving seams and cracks, but had also been picked off in some areas. But the areas that adhered were really stuck on. The glue was terribly thick and still working well. I rented a steamer and tried it for the first time. I usually swear by DIF and found the steamer to be less than optimal. It leaked water, was heavy and bulky and the hose got so hot I had to wrap my hand in my sweatshirt to touch it. Also I'm a bit klutzy so the water tray splashed a bit. The other problem was this paper is in a stairwell. I rented one of those Little Giant ladders advertised on infomercials thinking it would be like sliced bread. I was wrong, I couldnt get the right angle and wasnt able to reach every area. Let me just say that the job isnt done, I'm going to need to call in back up.