i have removed old wallpaper off of the walls but it has brown paper underneath with pencil writing on it.so its not unremoved backing.

 The darker brown paper sounds like the drywall's own paper side and the white powder behind it sounds like the drywall's gypsum plaster which turns into powder when you scratch it. See the awful picture I attached below which illustrates what the drywall looks like on the inside. The picture shows a piece of it just torn and you can see the darker brown paper in the center, and the white stuff that's glued to it is the gypsum plaster - both are the integral parts of a drywall sheet (and it has another dark brown paper layer on the back, too).

I still think you should peel off the lighter brown paper completely and inspect the drywall that will show as a result. I have a feeling that the drywall itself may be damaged in few places - the dark brown paper peeled off it or bubbled due to moisture or some other such issue, which is what made them cover it up with another layer of craft paper.

I know it sounds awful but in the end you will have a much better idea about the integrity of your walls and that by itself is worth something. Then you can decide what to do.

If it's really bad and literally has holes in it, you may need to patch up  the drywall. If it's just brown paper or rough seams or other such irregularity, you may be able to apply a thin skim coat of drywall joint compound, let it dry, sand and then paint.

Who knows, maybe the previous owner just liked the look of the craft paper and the drywall behind it is pristine and ready to be painted over? I have my doubts but that will definitely make your day if that's what you discover when you remove the lighter brown paper :)

read more and respond »

Posted 3 years ago by homeowners in Wall

Report misuse