19th Century Curved Wall Prep for Mural

2 years ago

We have a curved staircase in our c. 1870 house that we have not really used due its condition since we moved in (there are two other stairways in the house), and we're ready to tackle it now.

But we have questions! The concept is to remove the wallpaper, prep the plaster and then paint a mural. Much of the wallpaper is loose and comes right off (some of it is water damaged from a repaired roof issue before we moved in). There is thankfully only one layer of wallpaper!

Here are the questions:

1) How best to remove the wallpaper that doesn't peel off easily?

a) What wallpaper adhesive dissolver is your favorite?

b) Is something like the Zinsser Paper Tiger useful, or is it a gimmick and a box cutter is just as good?

3) How to prep the wall for painting?

a) Best filler to fill/repair cracks and divots?

b) Should we skim a new coat of plaster after filling/sanding? That sounds like a nightmare!

c) Should we seal with a PVA adhesive/sealer?

d) Someone who has done some amazing work in old homes suggested using Everbuild Stabilizing Solution? Has anyone used it?

Thanks in advance!

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Comments (3)

ilikefriday
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
That is going to be a huge job. I think I might consider peeling off as much as will come of easily, then adding a thick wallpaper liner on top of that and painting the mural on the liner.
3Bird
Original Author
2 years ago
I know nothing about wallpaper liner. I'll read up. Thanks
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Lorraine Leroux
2 years ago
BEAUTIFUL home. My answers in italic.

1) How best to remove the wallpaper that doesn't peel off easily?

Those old wallpapers used a water based paste and you will find that spritzing it with HOT water and letting it sit and that paper will almost fall off the walls.

b) Is something like the Zinsser Paper Tiger useful, or is it a gimmick and a box cutter is just as good?

HATE that thing especially on drywall as it leaves indents. BUT you do not have that problem as you have plaster walls.

3) How to prep the wall for painting?

Wash the walls well. Let dry and rub your hand over it. You may get some white powder on your hands. IF yes then wash it again as that is paste residue. Wash with clean water, maybe some vinegar but do not bother using any cleaner and definately no soap of any kind as that leaves a residue.

a) Best filler to fill/repair cracks and divots? Anything on the market today will work just fine.

b) Should we skim a new coat of plaster after filling/sanding? That sounds like a nightmare!

This step you may want to hire out if you feel a skim coat is necessary as it would be a great investment. Then prime and paint. Applying wallpaper liner as suggested will probably be a good route if you are painting a mural. Just make sure it is totally dry before you paint.
3Bird thanked Lorraine Leroux