Fingernails and warm water. . .

We're just going to shellac and paint over most of the wallpaper in the Tucson master bath project. But the wallpaper above the newly-tiled shower was a mess. Years of moisture had created split seams and looseness that just couldn't be painted over. The best way to remove wallpaper is with a spray bottle of warm water and your fingers. Take one small section at a time. Don't rush it, no picking and ripping and tearing and swearing. First dampen and remove the vinyl layer, it splits off the backing in sheets. Then dampen the exposed backing paper. (Click to enlarge these images)

The key to a great peel is just the right amount of water sitting and soaking in for just the right amount of time. The fine mist needs to evenly soak everything, don't skip anything. Then you need to let it rest for a minute or so as the water penetrates and softens the old paste. Then the paper layer will come off in big, satisfying sheets, all gloppy with paste, ready to be dropped into the waste basket.

If your paper is stubborn, it is probably because you're not being patient with your wetting process. Patience and thoroughness -- two virtues Stan has had a hard time with throughout life, but today it was the only way to get the job done.
Don't forget to clean up the final residue of paste. Hot water and a big sponge -- and a helpful bucket girl at the bottom of the ladder to squeeze out and refresh the sponge-- and you're ready for the next step.
The wall is drying now, then we'll spackle, shellac and paint. We're thinking about something in the Green family right now. . . Mr. Blue is waiting on the sideline. We searched high and low for a big piece of artwork yesterday, came up with blanks. Stores have really cut back on inventories, and everything that is left is 50 percent off or more--- so it's all been picked over.

Stan's buyer is back on the road as this is being written. Birdie is taking a nap now in her kennel after displaying a fondness for discarded wallpaper glops.