Article in Washington Post outlines problems in removing wall paper and recommends approaches.
But also, they recommend the following:
Quotation from the Post
"I have been in your situation several times, and I agree that removing wallpaper from a surface that wasn't sized is a job and a half. Wallpaper sizing is a liquid coating applied to a surface. In effect, you are priming the wall with it. Sizing a wall before papering not only helps the paper better adhere to the surface, it also facilitates easier removal with fewer nicks and gouges.
Although many paint manufacturers contend that the latest generation of primers for new drywall accomplishes the same task, I prefer sizing the walls. The sizing can easily be washed from the surface for painting.
Painting contractor David Magargee, of the venerable Magargee Bros. in Germantown, Pa., also applies a coat of clear sizing to walls before paper.
"You should think about the homeowners who follow you," he suggests, quickly adding that his firm subcontracts with a wallpaper-removal company to do the dirty work.
