Should we consider any alternative methods before completely replacing the damaged drywall in our kitchen due to the removal of the wallpaper?
Asked by Caridad Pedroza 
4 months ago
Last Updated: May 9, 2024
Hey, so we found out that the wallpaper in our kitchen was stuck directly to the drywall, and when we tried to remove it, it ended up peeling off a layer of the drywall too. It took us a solid 8 hours just to get the wallpaper off, and now the drywall is looking pretty beat up. Any thoughts on what we should do next? Should we just go ahead and rip out all the drywall and put in new stuff?
Once I had this same problem, so I grabbed a hammer and gave my drywall guy a call.
Simply add a 1/4 drywall layer over it. There’s no need to remove the old one.
One positive aspect of removing the old stuff is that it’ll be simpler to include additional outlets, improve the insulation, and incorporate more wood for new cabinets.
Also , don’t forget about outlets and trim.
Hey Kevin s, instead of removing everything and reinstalling it, you can cut necessary holes to access electricity or add more wood. I’ve done this multiple times and it’s more cost-effective and less labor-intensive.
Hey , if you add extra Sheetrock, the trim might not sit flush around your door jams and windows.
All you have to do is increase the edge of the jambs by either 1/4 or 1/2 inch.
Kevin s, I understand how to solve it but it will require more effort than doing it correctly. If it’s stained wood and not painted, it will turn out poorly.
Is totally right.
Mentioned it’s a simple fix.
Suggested tearing it out for easier work completion.
If the paper is smooth and not too textured, go ahead and prime it with 2 coats of oil-based Kilz or Zinsser Cover Stain. Once primed, smooth out any wallpaper seams with Durabond Easy Sand 45. If there are any blisters, cut them out, spot prime the skim coat with Durabond, sand all patches, prime with the same primer, and then apply your finish coats. As a retired painting contractor with 40 years of experience, I’ve done this many times in old houses.
I had the same issue. I sanded it with 120 grit sandpaper, applied two coats of Kilz drywall primer, and then painted over it.
It’s simple to fix – just sand it down, apply a coat of primer like kilz drywall, lightly sand again, and once it’s dry, paint over it.
Just spray a mixture of water and white vinegar on the wallpaper and the glue will come off easily.
If you’re having trouble getting rid of the wallpaper adhesive, you probably need to soak it longer in a water and vinegar mixture.
If you’re looking for a wallpaper solution, try mixing water with white vinegar – Google it!
Removed the top sheet of paper gently.
For the spots she hasn’t tackled yet, the vinegar method should do the trick.
If the vinegar and water trick doesn’t do the job, just cover it up with a thinner sheet of rock.
Hey Haley, I really enjoy engaging with and learning from these comments. I try to offer help when I can and stay quiet when I can’t. But I have to say, some of the feedback you’ve received here isn’t very helpful. The outer layer of drywall paper has been damaged, so suggestions to soak, scrape, or kilz it are incorrect. The advice to replace the drywall, either by adding 1/4″ over it or completely replacing it, is on point. Just something to think about, Haley. I hope you’re not offended – you can definitely solve this.
The paper in the drywall is what holds it together, so it’s best to replace it with a new one. It will be more cost-effective in the long term.
Tearing down and putting up new sheetrock is the way to go. That wall is a disaster and trying to make it look perfect is almost impossible. Starting from scratch down to the studs is the best option – don’t just cover it up with sheetrock. You might want to consider adding insulation since the house seems pretty old. You could even add outlets and wire for under cabinet lights, etc.
Make sure to prime all surfaces, including the walls where the old wallpaper was removed. Use Binz or a similar product, then apply a skim coat. I just completed this project and it turned out really well. ‘t forget to remove any loose paper and seal the edges with caulk. Best of luck!
I had to remove six layers of old wallpaper from my house that dated back to the early 50s. The only option I had was to tear it down to the sheetrock and begin again.
Consider having a layer of drywall mud skim-coated over it to make it smooth again
Is it made of paper or vinyl? If it’s paper, rent a steamer. You can use a steam iron designed for removing wallpaper.
Hey, sometimes you have to break out the steam and a paper tiger to really tackle that stubborn drywall!
Been a painter for over 40 years! If washing or steaming doesn’t work, apply a coat of guards primer first! Then proceed with what you want or need
Apply a skim coat to it
I witnessed someone using a similar product. They skimmed coated it onto the wall and then applied an additional coat. The result was fantastic. Neither of us are professional painters. I plan on trying out this technique in the future. I encounter this situation frequently. It’s satisfying when it turns out well.
Make sure to use an oil-based primer!