Tips, Hints, and Tricks for Interior Walls
How to Remove Wallpaper
Soak walls with a paint roller dipped in hot water. The paper will peel off in sheets after two applications.
Tape Removal
Cellophane tape can be removed by pressing with a warm iron.
Smooth Wallpaper
To eliminate bubbles and smooth wallpaper after it is hung, use a paint roller.
Another Wallpaper Removal Tip
Wet paper thoroughly with a sponge dipped in equal parts of vinegar and water.
Repapering Walls
To prevent grease spots from coming through new wallpaper, cover all greasy areas with shellac.c
Finger-mark Removal
Rub wallpaper with a chunk of soft, stale bread in even, up-and-down strokes.
Removing Smudges on Wallpaper
Dust wallpaper with fuller’s earth after dampening the paper. Allow to dry and brush off.
Crayon Marks
Use a dry soap-filled steel pad and rub lightly
Bulges in Wallpaper
Use a razor blade to slitt the upholstered area, insert paste under the paper, and smooth with a brush.
Grease Spots on Wallpaper
Rub talcum powder onto paper with a powder puff. Repeat until the spot is gone.
Hair Oil Spots
Use chalk or milk of magnesia to rub on the spot–leave on for 24 hours before dusting off.
Ink and Blood Stains
Rub the spot with white magnesia chalk after applying water to the spot. Let dry and rub off.
Bathroom Wallpapering
Paint all joints with a clear shellac or varnish after papering a steamy room, to prevent peeling.
Fabric-covered Walls
Spray fabric with water. When dry, the wrinkles will have disappeared.
Spot Remover
Cover spots well with French chalk (available from the drugstore). Leave for 24 hours and remove with a soft cloth.
Another Spot Remover
Put a blotter over the spotted area and apply a warm iron.
Cracked Plaster
Make a paste of household glue and baking soda and apply to the cracks. This will delay having to re-plaster.
Plastering Tip
Apply plaster as usual to cracks or small holes and brush over the area with a wet paintbrush. This eliminates excess plaster.
Plastering Large Cracks
Fill large cracks with steel wool, then with plaster or plastic wood.
Rough Walls
To clean rough walls, use old nylon socks. They won’t shred as you work.
Wallpaper Patches
Always tear toward the wrong side of the wallpaper when tearing paper to match -the patch will not show..
Lump-less Plaster
Add plaster to water, instead of vice versa, for lump-free plaster.
Plastering Tip
Add some vinegar to your plaster mixture to keep it from hardening quickly
