My Epic Fail: Stripping Wallpaper in a Victorian Home

I consider this task the most challenging DIY project I've ever undertaken. It was also the one where I experienced a momentary breakdown in my DIY prowess. I was working with my son and daughter-in-law on their big old Victorian, a restoration project that includes wallpaper everywhere. One of the most undesirable jobs on the list was stripping wallpaper, and I tackled a bedroom last year and the dining room a few months ago. My daughter-in-law managed to strip the wallpaper in the dining room alone, but how she did it remains a mystery to me.

Wallpaper Stripping in Progress

My assignment for this round was to finish the wallpaper in the foyer. Despite the leftover wallpaper being a 'bridge' paper, a salvage score for uneven or damaged walls, I faced a series of challenges. First, the paper was prepasted, so I had to wet it to activate the glue. Next, I applied homemade glue to the wall to enhance the adhesion. However, the paper slipped, tore in places, and eventually turned to mush.

Multiple Attempts, Multiple Failures

My first attempt ended in disaster, so I decided to try again. This time, I applied a light wetting to the paper and used homemade paste, but the same issues persisted. Small successes were followed by new problems: the paper tore in places, and I was unable to repair the damage satisfactorily. For my third and final attempt, I turned to storebought wallpaper paste. I applied it to the walls and then to the dry paper, using a damp brush to spread the paste. While this time the paper stuck better, it was even more prone to tearing. Ultimately, I had to admit defeat as the wallpaper prevailed.

Despite my best efforts, I couldn't complete the task as requested by my daughter-in-law. The limited supply of wallpaper meant I couldn't risk ruining all of it. This was the one thing my family expected me to do, and I couldn't live up to their expectations. For the rest of the restoration, I'll be reminded of my failed attempt at stripping wallpaper, and my confidence in DIY projects might take a hit.

Building the Garage

Speaking of DIY projects, I once tackled a construction project that was both challenging and rewarding. I built a 20' x 30' detached garage all by myself. It was a labor-intensive month of very full days, but I loved every minute of it, especially the problem-solving involved in managing two-person jobs with just me. My wife teased me afterward, asking, 'So have you got it out of your system yet?' My response was a resounding ‘Nope.’ The experience only made me crave bigger and better projects in the future.

Conclusion

These DIY home projects, whether stripping wallpaper or building garages, are not just tasks but personal challenges. While the former was a significant setback, the latter was a badge of honor. Each project offers a unique learning experience and contributes to the timeless charm of home and auto restoration. So, let's embrace the challenges and the inevitable failures, as they shape us into better do-it-yourselfers.