Comments on Boston Gal's Open Wallet: Update from Boston Gal's HQ

Try a tiger paw (available at homedepo type stores...

2011-08-12T14:52:13.395-04:00

Try a tiger paw (available at homedepo type stores) and liquid fabric softner...score using the tiger paw and then use a spray bottle with the fabric softener let it sit and it will come off in about 5 minutes with a putty knife.

Why don't you just spend the money to get both...

2011-07-06T15:43:32.722-04:00

Why don't you just spend the money to get both your living/dining and bathroom remodeling done now? Seems like you can comfortably afford it and it will increase your enjoyment of your home significantly. The sooner you do it, the sooner you'll enjoy it. The pink and black bathroom sounds awful to live with everyday.

I like the fish; it's the pink and black tile ...

2011-06-15T22:12:55.947-04:00

I like the fish; it's the pink and black tile that I have trouble with; they're original to the house, so don't replace them if you can--super expensive to get similar work done today. (I grew up with pink and White tile.)
If the kitchen is same tile type, consider going retro; much cheaper (especially if you are not in Love with the home).

Thanks for the moral support. I ended up hiring m...

2011-06-14T08:55:32.110-04:00

Thanks for the moral support. I ended up hiring my college aged nephew and two of his friends to remove the wallpaper. The steamers are doing the trick, but getting all of the layers off and finally removing the glue to get down to a perfectly smooth wall would have taken me the whole summer.

For now the pink and black tile in the bathroom stays (along with the pink tub and pink sink). I may eventually hire one of those professional refinishers who paint over tile. I would love a black and white bathroom. I could replace the vanity, but the tub and wall tiles would have to be repainted. The floor is pink and black as well, so that would have to be removed or covered over. But that is for the future.

I decided to focus just on removing wallpaper and painting in the bathroom for now.

The main remodel will be in my living and dining rooms and hallway. I know most people focus on kitchens and bathrooms. But I spend the majority of my time in the house in the large living/dining room. Making this area more attractive will make me the happiest.

Good luck on your cosmetic improvements! It is a ...

2011-06-13T18:27:12.503-04:00

Good luck on your cosmetic improvements! It is a nice feeling when your home is attractive. Will you be keeping the pink and black tile? Personally, I like it, but perhaps you are ready for a change?

As part of a plumbing class action lawsuit, we had...

2011-06-10T18:05:52.611-04:00

As part of a plumbing class action lawsuit, we had the wallpaper in our kitchen professionally removed. The pros used hot water and Joy dish soap dispensed from a garden sprayer. We've used that method successfully ever since. The key is to thoroughly soak the wallpaper.

After removing wallpaper in one of the bedrooms in...

2011-06-10T13:47:11.187-04:00

After removing wallpaper in one of the bedrooms in my house, I decided that wallpaper should be illegal, unless it is used to cover foundation cracks. Trying to remove it in summer is a sweaty, time consuming activity. In fact, it is almost worth outsourcing it because it's such an awful chore, especially when the little bits are still clinging around.

Be sure to check out http://savethepinkbathrooms.c...

2011-06-10T02:02:50.859-04:00

Be sure to check out http://savethepinkbathrooms.com/ for some great ideas. Have fun!

Boston Gal - I prefer the fish to the little pink ...

2011-06-09T15:17:04.983-04:00

Boston Gal - I prefer the fish to the little pink flowers! But obviously they too have to go. I tackled rooms of wallpaper when I bought my house in 1995. It took 3
MONTHS to remove the contact-paper-type covering from just the kitchen - each little inch at a time. Have you tried scoring the paper and then sponging on a vinegar + hot water mix? Let it soak in and then scrape. There is something oddly fulfilling about getting a big piece to come off. I tried using a steamer and found it was less successful than vinegar.

I absolutely hate wallpaper. Good luck defeating ...

2011-06-09T09:32:58.985-04:00

I absolutely hate wallpaper. Good luck defeating it and getting to have something of your choice to look at!

Good luck! Keep us posted. I need some ideas for ...

2011-06-09T08:50:28.731-04:00

Good luck! Keep us posted. I need some ideas for remodeling my 80s bathroom.