STRIPPING

Yes! Unfortunately, the 80s wallpaper has to go. Of course, removing wallpaper can be challenging and time-consuming; however, it's important to have the necessary and proper tools and supplies to successfully complete the project.

What tools do you need? First, on my list, a large sponge is a must-have. My blue wallpaper-removing sponge has been through two previous projects. Working on the guest bathroom, was my first-time stripping wallpaper. Besides the sponge, a scraper and scorer were purchased and are being used on the current master bathroom project.

If you are working in a room that is carpeted, you should add a drop cloth to the tools and supplies list. Because we had a painter's plastic drop cloth from a paint project, we used it when stripping the kitchen wallpaper. Since the flooring is ceramic tiles, it's easy to clean up as we go.

In addition, our new clothes steamer is fabulous, and it is a game-changer. Nevertheless, there are commercial wallpaper steamers that can be rented. According to information online HomeDepot Electric Wallpaper Steamer, a machine can be rented for four hours, for a full day, for a week, or for four weeks. Either a clothes steamer or a commercial steamer should be included in the list of must-have tools. Also, keep a spray bottle of water and vinegar mixture handy. The mixture works too. If you can't stand the smell of vinegar, use water only.

Other items that will be needed are a stepstool, a ladder, an extension cord for the steamer, and distilled water for a clothes steamer.

Six years ago, we used a wallpaper & paste remover liquid spray that helped strip the kitchen wall covering. In my opinion, the liquid spray had a sick unpleasant smell. Perhaps, we needed more ventilation. Admittedly, it isn't being used on the current and in-progress master bathroom stripping. Yes! This project is in progress!

Now, that we have the necessary tools and supplies. By removing the electrical hardware and relocating numerous items from the master bathroom, the area is made ready, and now the stripping begins.

Before steaming, wet the wallpaper with a sponge or spray the wall with the water-vinegar mixture. Then, steam away! Wait a few minutes. Using the scraper to lift a corner, carefully pull the paper away from the wall. Doesn't matter if you pull up or down. Pull that paper off the wall.

Note, if the wallpaper is of heavyweight or metallic paper, score the wall covering using a scorer that makes small holes in the paper allowing steam to dissolve the glue.

When a large piece pulls off the wall, it's a YES! It's nice to see progress. Unfortunately, most are small pieces and strips.

After hours of work and several breaks, a naked wall is a beautiful thing to behold. One wall is done. Yet, there are yards and yards of 80s wallpaper to strip away.

Removing the wallpaper, the backing, and all traces of glue, later, the wall will be textured/mudded by a professional. Last but not least, the paint will be applied to the master bathroom's textured walls.

Why do it ourselves? The master bathroom needs improving, refreshing, and updating.

At the beginning of November, a vendor came and measured. Truly, was under the impression that the designer, who arrived for the scheduled appointment to measure, would show a plan along with a quote. Received her email and was greatly disappointed. It was only a quote and it wasn't broken down into costs for each line item, but a total for each section. For example, PLUMBING items were listed with one total of $1770.00.

After receiving the vendor's quote for work that was proposed for the bathroom, we were definitely motivated to do one part ourselves. Looking at the quote, Under SHEETROCK, remove wallpaper and texture only, the vendor quoted $3950.00. Really? Can you believe it?

Honestly, it didn't even include painting. The texture/mudding of the sheetrock should cost approximately $350 to $450. Based on previous projects, it shouldn't cost any more than $450.00 to texture the sheetrock.

If you saw the total for the washup area and the WC area of the master bathroom, you would go into shock. Almost did! Doing it ourselves, we save $3,500. That's BIG bucks. Indeed, $3,000 is equivalent to winning first place in three Vocal media challenges and $500 is equivalent to winning second place in two Vocal challenges.

Stripping the master bathroom washup area walls and saving dollars, now, that's winning!

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Thank you for reading! You are appreciated!