I've read the disaster threads about damaged drywall because drywall was improperly sealed before wallpaper was applied. I started removing our wallpaper and found that a very thin paper backing was sticking to the drywall. I applied DIf and the sheetrock started to bubble, so now I see my drywall was probably not sealed. The sheetrock became damaged. On this portion we are going to patch with joint compound, but what should I do with the remaining thin paper backing that is stuck on the unsealed drywall. Should I continue the damage/repair cycle of the sheetrock by removal or can I seal over with a primer/sealer? What is the best way to approcah this problem?

 

Such a tough issue! That is a call that will totaly be up to you. It really depend on what you are going to do with the wall surface afterwards.

If you plan painting, you may want to go ahead and do a little damage to the wall by stripping and then fixing and painting. Otherwise, the backing material can telegraph through the paint and it will, for lack of better English, look like you painted over backing material. Textured paint or faux finishing can hide this though.

If you plan new wallpaper, you could choose a busy pattern which will disguise any wall damage or choose a thicker, textured wallpaper which will do the same.

A third option is to stop what you are doing, use a primer/sealer over the whole surface, and then apply bridging material (thick, blank wallpaper available at home improvement stores) to the wall surface. Now, you can either paint this or paper over it.

If you do choose not to strip, you will want to use a primer/sealer like I have discussed in previous posts. Visit my wallpaper prep page for who makes true primer/sealers.