Could someone please help. My hall, stairs and landing had vinyl paper, which my decorator said would be fine to paper over - which he did. After a short while the top paper started coming away from the walls, which he restuck (not successfully). I now want to redecorate with emulsion. Can I take off the top paper and paint on the vinyl, can I restick top paper and paint over the lot, or should everything be removed. Go easy please I am a 71 year old woman. Many thanks

Ginger, November 2009

You can paint directly onto vinyl but the paint won't stick to it very well or for very long.

When removing vinyl paper I peel off the top layer by hand and then attack the bottom layer with a steam wallpaper stripper (borrow one - ask around) - then paint.

Emulsion paint needs something to stick to - a base coat thinned with a little water - 10% say, is wise. The top coat will then adhere well to the walls without cracks or bubbles spoiling things. Too much water in the first coat will make the paint unmanagable - splashes all over the place.

A risk of course is that when you strip back all the paper you may reveal damaged plaster underneath and may feel the need to "make good" which might be a chore.

Your age has nothing to do with doing it properly - if you cut corners it will have to be re-done sooner than you would wish - as your "decorator" has demonstrated.

80% preparation time and 20% finishing is about right.

Good luck...

Peccavi, November 2009