Using a paint roller to soak the wall with hot water. After 2 applications the wallpaper should come off very easily.
Using a paint roller coat the wall with a solution of equal parts of vinegar and warm water.
Smoothing Wallpaper
To smooth out wallpaper use a paint roller, it will eliminate bubbles and smooth out the paper.
Removing Cellophane Tape
A warm iron pressed against the tape works very well.
Removing Fingerprints
Chunks of soft, stale bread rubbed over wallpaper in even, vertical stokes erase the soiled areas.
Repapering a Wall
All grease spots should be covered with shellac and allowed to dry thoroughly. The shellac prevents the grease from bleeding through your new wallpaper.
Wallpaper Grease Spots
Sprinkle talcum or baby powder on a clean powder puff. Rub the powder puff over the spot, repeating until the grease spot disappears.
Rub the wall with milk of magnesia or chalk, leave overnight. Dust off in the morning.
Rub with chunks of bread.
Wallpaper Crayon Marks
Rub lightly with a soap filled steel wood pad.
How Much Wallpaper
Multiply the distance around the room (in feet) by the height of the room and divide by 30. Deduct 2 rolls for regular sized openings such as doors. The answer will be the number of rolls required including matching patterns.
Bathroom or Kitchen Wallpapering
Paint all joints in steamy rooms with a clear varnish to prevent peeling.
Removing Wallpaper Bulges
With a razor blade slit the bulge. Insert some paste under the paper with a knife. Smooth out the paper with a brush.
Shelf Lining Material
Vinyl washable wallpaper is an inexpensive shelf lining material for your kitchen cupboards.
Cracking Plaster
If the plaster is cracking on the ceiling, try this. Mix some white glue with baking soda, making a paste. Apply to cracks with fingers. If the ceiling is colored, add food coloring to match. This trick could help postpone replastering for months.
When plastering cracks or small holes, apply plaster normally and brush with a wet paint brush. This helps remove excess plaster and little or no sanding is needed.
Large cracks can be filled first with steel wool before finishing off with plaster.
Clean Rough Plaster Walls
Instead of using a cloth or sponge, try using nylon socks. No small pieces will be left behind as your work.
No Lump Plaster
If you add plaster to water, instead of water to plaster, the mixture will be lump free.
Plaster Tip
Adding a little vinegar to plaster will slow the hardening process.
