Technical Specifications
If textile has been installed directly over adhesive, simply apply DIF GEL. Some textiles need their surface scored with the
PaperTiger.
Multiple layers of wallpaper
It may be necessary to remove the wallpaper one layer at a time since multiple layers can resist full penetration of the
scoring tool.
* When using the PaperTiger, apply only enough pressure to penetrate the wallpaper to avoid damaging the drywall. The
more holes the better. If unsure, test a small area before proceeding.
Adhesive removal
Apply DIF GEL and allow to soak until the adhesive is loose and can be sponged or scraped off with a PaperScraper** or
a wide putty knife. DIF GEL will remove starch based adhesives, but not non-water soluble vinyl-over-vinyl or border
adhesives.
** Zinsser's PaperScraper is a tool specially designed to remove loosened wallpaper and old adhesive without
gouging or cutting the drywall.
Removal of wallpaper borders
Wallpaper borders are frequently installed with a special glue called "border adhesive" or "vinyl-to-vinyl adhesive". This glue is very
similar to common white glue (Elmers
®
Glue) and cannot be removed with wallpaper removers including DIF Gel. There is no easy way
to remove borders installed with these glues. Try to peel off the decorative layer as mentioned earlier, and then start a long soaking
process using one of the DIF Wallpaper Strippers. The white glue may soften with long soaking. Scrape off as much of the border and
adhesive as possible using a Paper Scraper. After scraping, sand off the remaining portion with 100 grit sandpaper. Expect some wall
damage. Spot prime damaged areas with B-I-N
®
Spray Primer or GARDZ
®
Damaged Wallboard Sealer and patch with Ready Patch
®
Spackle and sand smooth. If using DIF Spray Gel protect porous adjacent surfaces to avoid staining--builders flat
latex paint, popcorn ceilings, etc.
Application
Before using DIF GEL, protect carpeting, floors, furniture and adjacent areas. For convenience, apply DIF Gel using the refillable spray
bottle. For larger projects apply using a medium nap (3/8" - 1/2") roller. Pour enough DIF GEL to fill a plastic paint tray or pour
multiple containers into a plastic 5-gallon pail, insert a roller grid and load the roller from the pail. Apply enough DIF GEL to leave a
thick layer of stripper on surface of the wallpaper. When rolling use slow, steady rolling motions to avoid splattering the stripper. For
corners or tight spots DIF GEL may be applied with a synthetic bristle brush. In the rare case that DIF GEL does not loosen the
wallpaper, use DIF Liquid Concentrate.
Coverage
One gallon of DIF GEL will cover a little over half of a 10’ x 12’ room with 8’ ceiling (approximately 300 square feet or 6 bolts of
wallpaper). Note that coverage will vary with porosity of wallpaper and thickness of product application.
Wetting period
DIF GEL functions much like paint remover, i.e. it must be given time to penetrate the wallpaper and loosen the adhesive. Most
wallpapers will be ready for removal in 20 to 30 minutes after DIF GEL has been applied. Some wallpaper may take longer. If the GEL
dries out, it can be reactivated by spraying with water or by reapplying a thin coat of the GEL.
Scraping
Use Zinsser’s Paper Scraper to remove loosened wallpaper. Place blade of Paper Scraper at top edge or side of wallpaper section and
gently slide underneath wallpaper to separate it from the wall. For stubborn areas, reapply DIF GEL and wait an additional 15 minutes
before removing.
Wall Clean-up
After wallpaper has been removed apply a thin layer of DIF GEL to walls to remove any remaining adhesive. After 10 minutes rinse the
surfaces and adjoining areas very well with water. Look to see that all of the blue GEL is removed. Be sure to change rinse water
frequently to avoid recontamination of the walls. If there is mildew, use a household mildew cleaner to destroy any mildew that may be
present. Rinse walls and allow to dry before painting or installing new wallpaper.
Tool Clean-up
Wash roller, brush, and any trays, pans, or buckets with warm tap water.