Removing Paneling and Wallpaper From a Master Bedroom
You've found the house of your dreams -- after a few home improvement projects, that is. Perhaps you started by redoing the kitchen, or maybe you upgraded the landscaping first. No matter how much you avoided it, it's now time to focus on the room that hits you the where you live -- the master bedroom (and the wall treatments you just can't stand to look at any more).
Tools of the Trade -- Wallpaper Removal
The weekend's here and you're ready to tackle the wallpaper. Here are some of the tools you'll need:
Gloves
Wallpaper scorer
Safety glasses
Liquid paper remover
Spray bottle
Putty knife
Getting to Work
Now that you've got the right equipment, it's time to put some muscle into it. The first step is to go over the papered walls using the wallpaper scorer. This'll help loosen the wallpaper, so that when the chemical remover has been applied, it'll be easier for the paper to be removed. In an ideal world, the whole process would be like eating good ribs -- the meat'll just fall off the bone. In practice... Well, we'll see.
Following the manufacturer's instructions, mix the concentrated wallpaper remover with water and spray it on the wallpaper you just scored. Do be sure to read the instructions carefully. Some removers are caustic and can be dangerous. Take any necessary precautions, and be sure to wear appropriate protective gear (like gloves, or a mask).
You'll probably be tempted to buy the pre-made remover, but it would be better to get the kind you mix yourself. That way if it's not strong enough, you can make it stronger. If pre-mixed remover isn't working right, then *you* have to be stronger.
Let the solution sit a few minutes to soak in, then grab your putty knife and start removing the wallpaper.
Removing the paneling is mostly just about putting your shoulder to the wheel. There's no 'panel remover' you can simply spray on like you did with the wallpaper. At this point, you might take a look at the project and be tempted to paint over the panels instead, but don't cave. In the long run, the room will look better (and the home value will improve) if you physically remove the wall paneling and recondition the walls.
The Tools You'll Need -- Paneling Removal
Be sure to wear eye protection, and if you kick up a lot of dust you might consider a mask as well. Always take precautions when working with power or pneumatic tools.
Using the hammer and prybar, remove the paneling from the wall. As much as you want to get rid of the panels, try and use a little restraint. Whatever gouges you put in now, you'll just have to patch up later. Once the paneling is off, inspect the walls and patch any holes or dents you might have made with joint compound. You'll save yourself some cash if you can patch the existing walls rather than having to hang new drywall.
Phase II -- Removing the Paneling
Safety glasses
Prybar
Hammer
Joint compound
Putty knife