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stripping painted grass

3.1K views 15 replies 9 participants last post by  harmonicarocks  
#1 ·
I'm about to go look at a job for which the HO said she had painted grass cloth needing stripping before new paper is installed.

Thinking back, I realized I have never stripped PAINTED grass. I have no basis on which to base any estimate. I already told her it may have to be T&M - and costly.

Has anyone stripped painted grasscloth?
What was your process? Successful and not so successful techniques ?

I was thinking that the paint MIGHT give the grass enough "structural integrity" that it MIGHT be able to be pulled off it's paper backing dry, and then strip the back in the regular manner.

OR, I may be able to shave the grass off the backing with my stripping tool?

I have no idea how to bust through the paint to be able to spray it. Certainly my sanding technique won't work, and I can't imagine a paper tiger busting through either.

Any help would be appreciated.
 
#3 ·
I can't imagine it being an easy removal, and I guess it all depends on how they sealed it. If it was a product like Guardz, I'd guess its going to be bitch to remove. Kinda like in this thread. http://www.painttalk.com/f2/rosin-paper-wallpaper-24401/ That rosin was a pain and I'm fairly certain Guardz or Draw Tight was used

Obviously you could ask if you could do some sample removal prior to committing to a set price. Other than that sorry Bill, I chant recall ever removing painted over grass cloth myself.
 
#7 ·
I can't imagine it being an easy removal, and I guess it all depends on how they sealed it. If it was a product like Guardz, I'd guess its going to be bitch to remove. Kinda like in this thread. http://www.painttalk.com/f2/rosin-paper-wallpaper-24401/ That rosin was a pain and I'm fairly certain Guardz or Draw Tight was used

Obviously you could ask if you could do some sample removal prior to committing to a set price. Other than that sorry Bill, I chant recall ever removing painted over grass cloth myself.

take the U out, Gardz:whistling2:
 
#4 ·
I agree with Chris that the dreaded paper tiger may be your best bet to open the surface. Here's a picture of a medieval looking tool I've had for years and found no practical use for (except to completely ruin a wall). I keep it behind the seat in the van in case I ever need it for a road rage incident. It might actually come in handy if I ever have a job like yours.?
 

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#5 ·
Hopefully it will pull off the paper backing dry, then strip the backing wet.

I DO own a paper tiger and even a smaller Hyde version, they will be at the ready


It's a front hall and stairs. There is a wall that I will test on, it can be isolated as far as decorative treatment goes if the stripping does not go well and we have to go with plan Z.

I have explained to the HO all the possible scenarios, including that the grass may have been directly hung on raw rock ! Can you imagine THAT mess? Grass on raw rock and then painted :eek: OUCH !

She was comfortable with me estimating as best case - grass pulling off backing - but is fully aware of the hazards that may lay beneath. This is definitely one of those cases where communication is imperative.

Thanks for the ideas.
 
#10 ·
Grasscloth would not be an easy surface to score. I would probably try to roll a section with DIF gel and see if that would work. If not, then I would try a crazy idea. I would roll some cheap paint over it and when it was 70 to 80 percent dry, I would take the zipper blade over it. I know I will probably take some flak suggesting this, but I'm just thinking the porosity of the grass will absorb the moisture of the paint.
 
#14 ·
Grasscloth would not be an easy surface to score. I would probably try to roll a section with DIF gel and see if that would work. If not, then I would try a crazy idea. I would roll some cheap paint over it and when it was 70 to 80 percent dry, I would take the zipper blade over it. I know I will probably take some flak suggesting this, but I'm just thinking the porosity of the grass will absorb the moisture of the paint.[/QUOTE]


wouldn't water be cheaper:blink: