Zinsser DIF GEL Wallpaper Stripper
William Zinsser & Company Inc.
DIF GEL Wallpaper Stripper
- Gel-base clings to vertical surfaces with less mess
- Unique enzyme formula speeds wailcovering removal
- Easy to apply with a brush or roller
- Highly effective on all types of wallcoverings and starched-based adhesives
- Non-toxic and odor free
Ready to use DIF GEL penetrates and loosens wallpaper making it easy to pull or scrape off the wallpaper and the residual paste behind the paper. DIF GEL is safe and easy to use. The enzyme-based formula is highly effective, removing wallpaper quickly and completely. The non-drip blue GEL eliminates the mess of steamers and spray-on solutions by clinging to walls and staying wet for efficient removal. DIF GEL is non-toxic and odor free.
Where to use
DIF GEL can be used to strip most types of wallcoverings that cannot be effectively peeled or dry-stripped from the walls. These include: true wallpapers, washable coated papers, painted wallpapers, vinyl wailcoverings, foils, mylars, grasscloth, and textiles.
Surface Preparation
Before using DIF GEL, protect carpeting, floors, furniture and adjacent areas. If it is possible to do so, peel off any existing wallcovering by hand. If attempts to remove existing wallcovering result in damage to the drywall, do not proceed any further. Refer to instructions below for details before applying DIF GEL.
Paper wallcovering - True wallpaper is uncoated and will absorb removers readily, so no further preparation is necessary.
Coated wallpaper - If paper is a washable type (generally a standard paper that is coated with vinyl or acrylic) score the surface using Zinsser's PaperTiger scoring tool to enhance DIF GEL penetration. Score the wallpaper from the ceiling to the floor, using just enough force to break the coating.
Vinyl wallcovering - Most vinyl wallcoverings are either peelable (the top layer can be removed, leaving the paper backing behind) or strippable (the entire sheet of wallcovering can be removed, leaving only adhesive residue behind). Always try to peel or strip the wallcovering first and apply DIF GEL to the paper backing or adhesive residue. If the vinyl wallcovering cannot be peeled or stripped off, score the surface thoroughly with Zinsser's PaperTiger before applying DIF GEL.
Painted wallpaper - If the wallpaper has been painted over, score the surface using the PaperTiger scoring tool.
Foils, mylars, and other coated papers - Thoroughly score the surface with Zinsser's PaperTiger before applying DIF GEL.
Textiles - 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 or wallcovering - It may be necessary to remove the wallpaper or wallcovering one layer at a time since multiple layers can resist full penetration of the scoring tool.
Adhesive removal - apply DIF GEL and allow to soak until the adhesive is loose and can be sponged or pushed off with a broad knife. DIF GEL will remove starch based adhesives, but not non-water soluble vinyl over vinyl or border adhesives.
Application
Pour enough DIF GEL to fill the reservoir of a plastic paint tray or plastic roller pan. For large projects pour contents of one or more gallon containers into a plastic 5 gallon pail and insert a roller grid into pail. Apply DIF GEL with a medium nap roller, as if coating the walls with paint, leaving a thick layer of stripper on surface of the wallcovering. 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 with a plastic bucket. If the GEL dries out, you can reactivate it by spraying water on it or reapplying a thin coat of the GEL. If there is a wallcovering that is especially stubborn, there is our DIF Liquid Concentrate that may be used in the rare case that our DIF GEL formula does not loosen your wallcovering.
Coverage
One gallon of DIF GEL will cover a little over half of a 10' x 12' room with 8' ceiling (approximately 200 square feet). Note that coverage will vary with porosity of wallcovering and thickness of product application.
Wetting period
DIF GEL functions much like paint remover: it must be given time to penetrate the wallcovering and dissolve the adhesive. Most wallcoverings will be ready for removal only 20 to 30 minutes after DIF GEL has been applied. Some wallcoverings may take longer.
Scraping
Use Zinsser's PaperScraper to remove loosened wallcovering. Place blade of PaperScraper at top edge or side of wallcovering section and gently slide underneath wallcovering to separate it from the wall. For stubborn areas, reapply DIF GEL and wait an additional 15 minutes before removing.
Wall Clean-up
After wallcovering 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 present, use a household mildew cleaner to destroy any mildew that may be present. Allow walls to dry thoroughly before painting or installing wallcovering.
Tool Clean-up
Wash roller, brush, and any trays, pans, or buckets with warm tap water.
Storage/Shelf life
Although DIF GEL has an indefinite shelf life, always keep the container tightly closed and store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or extreme heat.
Disposal
The disposal of excess or left over product should conform to local laws regarding water-based products.
Precautions
Persons with sensitive skin should wear rubber gloves when applying this product. Always work with adequate ventilation and remove pets from work area. Avoid prolonged contact of DIF GEL with woodwork, cabinets, countertops, floors, etc. as wetting agents may discolor certain finishes. Always wipe up drips and spills immediately with a damp cloth.
Caution: Do not take internally. Keep away from children. Close container after each use and keep cap tightly closed during storage. Protect from freezing. If contents freeze, allow to thaw at room temperature before use.
Limitations DIF GEL is not recommended for use as a paint or texture finish remover.
Warranty DIF GEL is warranted to perform as indicated on the product label if applied according to directions. Labeling directions are as complete as possible but cannot encompass all conditions, applications and/or surfaces beyond our control. The contents of the container are warranted to be free of defects for 2 years from the date of manufacture. All warranties and guarantees are limited to replacement or refund value of the product used with proof of purchase. No other warranty or guarantee is expressed or implied.
Packaging
1 gal. container - 4 per case, case weight approximately 38 lbs. Product Number 02431
2.5 gal container - 2 per case, case weight approximately 48 lbs. Product Number 02432
Z3067 11/97 (24311S) lOM
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