Stick with DIF or go for steamer?

[Stealthwolf]

I stripped a 2.5m x 2m area yesterday. Three layers of wallpaper. Used a tiger scorer and Zinsser DIF. Took me three hours. Some of the paper is painted over.

Would using a steamer be any quicker?
Or should I just be patient?

[Tom d'Angler]

If you can, try dry-stripping the painted paper. Less mess. The top layer of most wallpapers can be dry-stripped, leaving just the backing behind, and that comes off very easily.

I have never used DIF. In the past I have used a steamer but I found the risk of blowing sections of plaster was too high and it made the room too humid.

Scoring the paper and plenty of hot water is what is needed. You can also try a cap-full of fabric softener in the water as this helps break down the starch in the paste. I used to use fabric softener but have used just hot water for the last couple of years and it has been fine.

[Have Brush Will Travel]

I would use a perforator like a 'hedgehog' (not a real one!!)...they work well and are better than slashing at the paper, which can easily damage the wall below

[gc1967]

As above I use a perforator and soak with water and strip, I gave up using steam strippers after last job plaster popping off everywhere.