 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
-->
|
Let The Doctor Solve Your.
DIY Dilemmas: This Week: Part ii The Art of Stripping: No Pole Required! |
Successful DIY home improvements depend on something more than just the use of good quality materials. Only through knowledge and skill but just as important to know is the different surfaces, also a basic understanding over which they can be used. If you have the right combinations of these two factors undoubtedly your DIY career will be a great success.
My goal is to make your DIY projects easy, inexpensive, and enjoyable, while improving and adding value to your home. Nothing matches the satisfaction and the personally fulfillment of a job well done, especially when you do it yourself.
In part ii of this issue, Kevin Farrelly the DIY Doctor will look at the job of stripping wallpaper, and if completed correctly will add valve to your home. I have tried to simplify the format into two parts and subdivide under separate headings. This type of format offers you and your particular project flexibility as you may not be required to go step by step through each separate heading depending on the condition of your walls and type of wallpaper to be removed.
Clear Room
Before you get started remove all furniture, rugs, curtains, blinds and pictures from the room. To help protect your floors and carpets put down dust sheets. If any DIY home improvements are taking place, such as painting ceilings, always remember to do these jobs first.
Re-plastering Options
If you are considering re-plastering any room that is covered in wallpaper, it will be necessary to remove all the old wallpaper. When plastering any wall, a clean surface free of old backing paper and adhesive is necessary. If you plan on re-plaster the room you have just stripped, you must ensure that all the glue behind the backing is removed. As in most cases, the preparation stage is the most time consuming, but it definitely pays off with your final result.
Painting Option
Painting over certain wallpaper types can be done, but isn't recommended only wallpaper fit for purpose should be painted. Otherwise, you will have too select option below.
Stripping Option
You can either buy or rent out a steam stripper for removing wallpaper, which poses less risk to the wall surface.
Wallpaper Steamer
For the removal of stubborn areas of wallpaper use an electric steam stripper. An electric steamer can be used as an alternative to a chemical remover for softening the wallpaper paste. A steam stripper is easy to use and can be rented from most Hire outlets. Fill the steamer's reservoir with water up to indicated level the water is heated electrically make sure you turn the unit on. When the hand held plate starts pumping out hot steam you can start just hold the plate against the wallpaper and keep in place for a few seconds. When using the steam stripper remember, to only steam a small area at a time then scrape away the damp loosened wallpaper.
Safety Advice
The steamer will become very hot, so hold it a good distance from your body and wear protective gloves and goggles when using same.
Stripping Solution
Using Wallpaper remover on stubborn wallpaper can be applied either using an old paint brush or sponge it can be faster than using the sponge. You can buy the wallpaper remover at any local hardware or DIY outlet. It usually needs to be mixed with water, so follow the manufacturer's directions. Apply the chemical until the paper is saturated. Wait a few minutes for the chemical remover to disintegrate the paste. Keep applying the solvent and scraping until all the wallpaper is removed. This is what I call working smarter.
Caution
Always wear safety glasses when working with solvents on a wall, and if you have sensitive skin, a pair of heavy wear gloves may be required.
Electrical Advice
If you are going to remove the cover from any electrical plug sockets or light switches care must be take. You must always make sure to cover all removed outlets with electric tape to protect them from all liquids being used in this project.
Interior Designer
If you chosen option were to re-plaster now the world is your oyster. Over night you are now your own interior designer allowing you all the freedoms to incorporate imaginative paint designs, ideas and to be bold with color. The benefits are especially rewarding as most of your creation will be a one off and totally original. You now can get inventive while incorporating a calming influence over your home decoration.
Have Fun
The Doctors remedy for the decorating blues is having lots of fun with your re-decoration. Unleash your imagination and creativity to transform your home by bringing together new and exciting combinations.
|
|
|
News
Hints & Tips
Competitions
|
|
|
|
|
