DIY Network

Master Bedroom Upgrade: Removing Paneling and Wallpaper A couple hopes to up their home value with a master bedroom upgrade. Check out more value-enhancing home-improvement projects from Sweat Equity. From "Sweat Equity" episode DSEQ-301

	Before
	After

Master Bedroom Makeover: Project Overview

When Beckie and Aaron first laid eyes on their 1930s Cape Cod, they knew they wanted to buy it before they even walked through the door. Through earlier home improvement projects, the couple tackled updating the kitchen and the main floor as well as upgrading the landscaping. But they now feel that the state of the master bedroom is dragging down the value of the home.

Beckie and Aaron budget $6000 to revamp the dated space hoping that, with a good plan and plenty of sweat equity, they can double their investment.

Individual projects included in this Sweat Equity upgrade include:

• remove paneling and wallpaper
  
• install gas fireplace
  
• install custom bookshelves and cabinetry

Following is a summary of the basic steps and tips as seen in this DIY project, as well as a list of tools and materials used.

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Removing Wallpaper

Tools and materials:

wallpaper scorer
gloves
safety glasses
liquid paper remover
spray bottle
putty knife

• Go over the papered walls using a wallpaper scorer. This will make it easier for the paper to be removed once the chemical remover has been applied.

• Mix concentrated liquid wallpaper remover with water, following the manufacturer's instructions, and spray it on the scored walls.

  Tip: It may be preferable to purchase concentrated liquid paper remover instead of the pre-mixed. In that way, you can mix it stronger if necessary.

  Safety Alert: Some liquid paper-remover solutions are caustic and can be dangerous. Be certain to read and follow any manufacturer's safety precautions, and wear appropriate protective gear.

• Let the solution sit for a few minutes, then use a putty knife to begin removing the wallpaper.

	Before: Older wood paneling gave the bedroom a dated look and closed-in feel.
	After: A fresh coat of paint and a fresh take on storage helped transform this bedroom in a way that will add value as well as appeal.

Removing Paneling

Tools and materials:

prybar
hammer
safety glasses
joint compound
putty knife

Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection and follow proper safety precautions when working with power tools or pneumatic tools.

• Sweat Equity Tip: It may be tempting to just paint over paneling. For equity-building purposes, however, it's generally preferable to remove it and recondition the walls.

• Use a hammer and prybar to remove the paneling pieces.

• If the walls are still in decent shape, you can simply patch the holes with joint compound and save money by not having to hang new drywall.

RESOURCES :

gas fireplace, model 396 — Kozy Heat
Website: www.kozyheat.com

travertine tile — The Tile Shop
Website: www.tileshop.com