Removing pasted paper from walls primarily involves reactivating the adhesive holding it in place, often using moisture.
Simple Steps to Remove Pasted Paper
Based on the provided information, a key method for removing pasted paper, such as pre-pasted wallpaper, involves thoroughly wetting the material and allowing the moisture to penetrate and soften the paste.
Here are the general steps:
- Thoroughly Wet the Paper: Apply water (or a recommended solution) to the pasted paper on the wall. Ensure the entire section you are working on is well saturated.
- Wait and Allow Soakage: Let the water sit on the paper for a sufficient amount of time. According to the reference regarding pre-pasted wallpaper, waiting about 10 to 20 minutes allows the water to soak in.
- Permit Absorption: This waiting period is crucial "to allow the water to soak. In. Once the water has absorbed through the paper." The absorption process softens the paste, making removal easier.
- Begin Removal: Once the water has absorbed and softened the paste, you can start working on removing the paper, potentially working "your way to the top once the panel is Thoroughly wet."
Why This Method Works
Pasted paper often uses water-soluble adhesive. Applying moisture reactivates the dried paste, turning it back into a slippery state that releases its grip on the wall. Allowing sufficient soaking time is vital to ensure the water penetrates through the paper layers to reach the adhesive beneath.
While wetting and waiting is a fundamental technique, especially for pre-pasted types as mentioned in the reference, other tools and solutions can also be used to aid the process, such as using warm water, dedicated wallpaper removal solutions, or scoring the paper to help water penetrate if it's coated or thick. However, the core principle of using moisture to dissolve the paste remains central.
