Expert: Ed Kuchar - 10/26/2009

Question
QUESTION: I am in a house where the walls are plaster %26 lath.  There are multiple layers of wallpaper on these walls.  The wallpaper (due to the age and weight of the paper) is now starting to pull away from the door frame or baseboards.  I do not want to even try to pull this mess down.  I would like to wallpaper over it but need a solution for the edges.  Can I cut away to curling wallpaper and plaster where it I cut away.  Once dry could I then wallpaper over it?

ANSWER: You could do that. That might work. (The best way would be to remove the old paper). Then I'd suggest to prime over the old wallpaper with a primer/sealer. Then hang your wallpaper.
Hope that helps....any other questions, just ask.....

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION:  I would pull the wallpaper down but the entire wall will come with it.  My entire home is held together with wallpaper I think.  One concern I have regarding the dampness of the plaster is could it cause the wallpaper to pull away or curl? If moisture causes the wallpaper to come away, will a primer/sealer have the same affect?

Thank you for your advice and direction.

Answer
The walls may have to be patched and/or skim coated after the paper is removed.
Another option (the 2nd best option), might be to hang lining felt over the old paper.
That may give the old wallpaper some "strength" and the seams may not pull away from the wall so much.
Hope that helps..........any other questions, just ask...