Wallpaper removal help

[Vespasia]

We finally closed on our new house so this will probably be the first of many posts from me!

One of the first things I want to do is remove the bathroom wallpaper. I have no idea what kind it is or how old. It was applied pretty poorly.

I have attached some pics.

The top paper seems to come off easily but the backing stays. Is there any harm in taking the top layer off and then going back for what is left? Or should I try to get it all at once?

Any other helpful hints are appreciated.

[cjeanette]

I find it easier to do it all once. If you take the top layer of first I feel like you end up doing the room twice.

[mrspez07]

Spray bottle with soapy water and something to scrape the backing off that won't damage the wall (plastic squigy or kitchen scraper would work). I was able to get a border off that way, I hope it works for you.

[panicked]

If it's really stuck, rent a wallpaper steamer. It makes life so much easier. You can also get a scorer tool that you run all over it before spritzing/steaming. That works well too.

[Vespasia]

Thanks! I think I will try scoring and using vinegar to start with.

@juno, yes it has black and white tile 1/2 to 3/4 of the way up the wall. I'll post pictures later.

[TBM]

Oct 19, 2014 10:43:14 GMT -5 cjeanette said:

I find it easier to do it all once. If you take the top layer of first I feel like you end up doing the room twice.

But a lot of wallpaper was made to pull off the top layer pretty easily so that you could soak and remove the layer underneath easier.  It you don't separate it you are actually making it harder to remove because the remover won't soak through the vinyl top layer.

[Vespasia]

Oct 19, 2014 11:24:50 GMT -5 @juno said:

I need to see more! I see what looks like black and white tile, and I LOVE B&W bathrooms!!

We're going to strip the wallpaper and paint. Probably a lighter blue-grey. I want to replace the mirror with a medicine cabinet and the light fixture. I don't love the vanity but it's fairly new so there is no reason to replace it. 

[auntie]

My house has a lot of wallpaper. I finally bought a $50 steamer. So much faster and easier. Plus it's less likely to damage the walls from gouging.

[trident0]

I see you already have a steam-making machine in that room. When I pulled the wallpaper down in my bathroom I got the water hot, plugged the tub, and ran the shower as hot as I could until the tub was full then let it steam a little longer. Made the paper peel off much easier. I did it in winter so I appreciated the tropical feel.

[Vespasia]

Oct 19, 2014 18:09:16 GMT -5 @juno said:

Nice!! I was going to suggest a really light blue Mine is a light bluish purple and I love the combo. Are you doing something with the flooring? More black and white tile would look great, but that's a big job. Even black and white peel and stick vinyl tiles could crisp it up maybe. I'd paint that vanity...something. Black, white, gray?? Something that goes with the tile/wall color. Are you cutting into the wall to sink in a med. cabinet or putting in a surface mounted one?

I will probably go with a wall mounted cabinet just to make life easier. 

Unfortunately any flooring or vanity changes will have to wait. We're doing the kitchen as our first big project and it's quickly turning out to be more of a pain than we anticipated.  The walls were an absolute mess behind the existing counters/cabinets. 

Look at this fancy tile work.  ^o)