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diydevon

ripped drywall during wallpaper removal - how to repair?

diydevon
15 years ago

What can i use to repair my drywall which was ripped down to the brown paper during the much needed wallpaper removal process? I just want to be able to paint the walls - I am not going to be re-wallpapering. Do I just get a can of Gardz? or do I need something else in addition to the Gardz?

Comments (7)

  • tinker_2006
    15 years ago

    You need to skim coat it with a little spackle. If you need help - do a search on google. It's a very easy DIY project.

  • wooderlander
    15 years ago

    Yes, Gardz works as well as oil-based primer, it doesn't smell bad, and it's very easy to apply and clean up. My drywall guy had me apply Gardz before he did the skimcoating.

    Here's some more advice he gave me when I could not face the prospect of removing the tightly applied wallpaper (someone did a good job on that!) from a very long narrow hallway, especially after the first few strips I took down damaged the drywall as you described. He said to sand down the torn edges and seams of the wallpaper so it's flush, then apply Gardz. He then skimcoated. Then I added another layer of Gardz and painted. After we were done, you couldn't tell there was ever wallpaper there. After all, drywall itself is basically paper, and if you can prevent the wallpaper from buckling and coming down from the moisture, why not. Gardz supposedly makes a hard seal on the surface.

  • tracey_b
    15 years ago

    I'm so glad you asked this question as I have a few repairs to make myself, and I've been holding off because of the Unknown Factor (I've never done it before, nor seen it done).

    I have an additional question of Graywings--does it have to be drywall mud that you use or would spackle do?

    Okay, I lied--another question: How far past the rip/tear/hole do you need to go with it?

    Thanks!
    Tracey

  • canobeans
    15 years ago

    I've just been through this. Use Gardz. It's water based, so MUCH less smell and easier cleanup.

    And use joint compound, not spackle, unless you're talking about very small holes. Spackle is not meant for skim coating.

    BTW, on the off chance there's anyone in the DFW area who needs a quart of Gardz, let me know. I have almost a full quart and no need for it anymore -- we're moving also and can't take it with.

  • diydevon
    Original Author
    15 years ago

    thank you all so much for replying. I went to my local Duron paint center and got the Gardz, but when i told them that I wanted joint compound the sales guy INSISTED that I needed spackle. I left with a very small container of spackle...Im going to go back today and stand my ground and get the compound.

  • mlgrow_gmail_com
    13 years ago

    I am in wallpaper hell! The paper under the counters came off like a charm. When I started removing the paper from above the cupboards and walls it was a different story. I even rented a steamer which made matters worse--the drywall softened and is coming off. I am returning the steamer but don't know what do do next. It's so overwhelming. PLEASE HELP!

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