Home improvement Q&A

Q: We have an unused bedroom with walls that are covered in some type of vinyl wallpaper from years ago. It is in good shape and very tight on the wallboard. I was wondering if I could paint over this to update the look, and if there was anything I needed to do first to prepare the walls.

A: By "very tight on the wallboard," I'm assuming that the wall was not sized before the wallpaper was hung, and that means a big mess if you try to remove it. My experience suggests you shouldn't try to remove the wallpaper if the wall underneath wasn't sized or prepared properly — you'll tear the paper from the wallboard, too.

I don't like the whole idea. You'll have to use oil-based primer because water-based paints tend to loosen the paper from the wall behind it. Paint adds weight to the paper, which is not supposed to be permanent anyway. And paint only tends to highlight the seam locations.

But if you're going to proceed with your plan, remove any loose or damaged wallpaper first, to get the surface as flat as possible. Otherwise, when you paint, anyone will be able to detect all the imperfections. I've seen people seal the edges where the walls meet the ceiling or each other with clear caulk, to prevent those spots from peeling.

Spots that are coming loose should be reglued. Places where wallpaper removal may have torn the drywall need to be spackled, preferably with joint compound that expands for quicker repairs, then sanded completely smooth. Any bumps or depressions will become noticeable when you prime or paint.

After you apply oil-based primer to the walls, wait till it dries thoroughly, to see how well it has covered the space. If it hasn't, try another coat. You can use water-based paint on top of oil-based primer.

Instead of painting over the wallpaper, I would remove it and paint properly prepared and primed walls — then you won't have to use oil-based paints. If vinegar and water or a commercial product doesn't do the trick, rent a wallpaper steamer, or hire someone to remove it.

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Q: I've been trying to solve my bathroom-odor problem for more than two years. There is a very strong mildew odor present in the main bathroom. I checked the attic above, which was totally dry. I removed the back wall behind the tub enclosure, and everything was dry, with no leaks or water marks.

The odor seems to be coming from the drain in the tub. If I put a rubber stopper over the drain, you can't smell it.

A: At least you've pinpointed the source. The cause is much more difficult to find. There could be a lot of decomposing hair and soap in the trap, but it might not be enough to slow the drain. You might want to pour some washing soda and hot water down periodically, to get the stuff moving. (If you can't find washing soda at the store, it can be ordered at www.thelaundrybasket.com.)

Another possibility is bacteria coating the sides of the drain. Experts suggest scrubbing with a brush and disinfectant.

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(Want Alan J. Heavens' advice on a home-improvement project or purchase? E-mail him at aheavensphillynews.com or write to him at The Inquirer, Box 8263, Philadelphia PA 19101.)