I'm in the process of redoing my bathroom and I've run into some trouble. The original owners put up wallpaper back in the 80s, and instead of removing it, the next homeowners painted right over it. Now, the wallpaper is peeling in a few areas, so I've been tearing it off. The surface underneath looks pretty rough and doesn't seem to be standard drywall. Here's what I'm dealing with: 1. What is this cardboard-like material on the wall? 2. What are my best options for prepping this surface to paint? Alternatively, is there something that looks good (like a vinyl product) that I can use to cover the walls instead? Thanks in advance!
3 Answers
Honestly, I’d recommend just demoing the drywall and putting up new sheets. If you plan to paint, you’ll need a flawless Level 5 finish, which is usually tough for a DIYer to achieve unless you have experience.
It sounds like you're seeing the under layer of the drywall. You'll want to cut away the loose edges and then apply a few thin coats of drywall mud, sanding lightly between each to get it smooth. If you're not feeling up to that, you might want to just replace the drywall entirely. A quick heads up, hiring a drywall contractor can save you a lot of hassle and they'll do a better job, but it can be a pricier option!
Thanks - this is very helpful. I’m a tightwad, so…?
What you're seeing is the drywall paper tearing off, which leaves raw paper exposed. It's crucial to cut the loose edges, then prime the drywall with something like Zinsser Gardz. Seriously, don't mud over torn drywall paper without priming first! You really need to seal it before applying mud. But if that seems too much, replacing the drywall is also a solid option.
That’s fair. Thanks.