(NAPS)—Stripping wallpaper need not strip you of your sanity. Before you choose a technique, find out what’s involved. Some methods may not be worth the effort. Here are some wallpaper-stripping tips from the experts at the Zinsser Company: Some people use vinegar and water to strip wallpaper, but that method is messy and not particularly effective. Steamers are less messy but can be hazardousto use andtiring to hold against the wall. * One of the most effective methods involves using a gel type wall stripper, like DIF GEL. The gel is applied easily and conveniently with a paint roller or brush, and it clings to the walls without sag or drip. This gel is faster and works more effectively than homemade vinegar and water solutions as it contains enzymes which break down the bond that holds the paper to the wall. It is also odorless and non-toxic. Most wallpaper today has a washable, waterproof surface, so before applying the stripper, perforate the surface of the wallpaper to let the stripper penetrate and reach the old glue. * To perforate wallpaper and avoid damaging walls in the process, many experts recommend a gadget called the PaperTiger—a palm-held tool with t % 5 - xf ( % ea 4 e# ) ( ve ‘ fe ( | y e | off | r e5 * * ff # & & be gh | | iY T Since most modern wallpaper has a waterproof surface, it should be perforated before you apply stripper. small cutting wheels that moves quickly over the wall in all directions to create tiny holes in the wallcovering surface. The tool won’t damage the wall and worksonall types of wallcoverings including painted wallcoverings and multiple layers. After scoring, apply the stripper, and wait about 20 to 30 minutes before starting to remove the paper. To scrape the paper off the wall, use a special Paper Scraper for wallpaper removal insteadof a putty knife, as this tool is less likely to gouge the underlying wet wallboard. For more information on wall- covering removal, call Zinsser at (732) 469-4367 or you can visit www.zinsser.com.
