Zinsser DIF Concentrated Wallpaper Stripper
William Zinsser & Company Inc.
DIF Concentrated Wallpaper Stripper
DescriptionDIF is a unique wallpaper stripper that employs enzymatic breakdown of wallpaper paste to make wallpaper removal easy. This sets it apart from conventional strippers based on wetting agents or steamers which merely rewet and soften wallpaper paste.
DIF's patented formula combines a new and more effective blend of wetting agents an enzyme that degrades wheat paste. After the wetting agent in DIF has penetrated the paper and rewet the paste, the enzymes in the formula actively work to break down the molecular structure of the reconstituted paste. The paste is converted to a thin watery solution without adhesive properties. As a result, the bond between paper and wall is easily broken and the wallpaper comes off with little effort.
Scraping with a putty knife or a wide blade scraper to remove paper is cleaner and easier with DIF since there is no build-up of thick paste to blunt the edge of the scraper blade. This blunting effect, so common with conventional wetting agents, leads to gouges in plaster or damage to the paper facing of drywall. With DIE, damage to either type of wall surface is minimal.
Advantages of DIF Wallpaper Stripper
- Less messy. Removal with DIF is not as messy since less water is used and there is no steaming to contend with.
- Easier clean-up. Stripped walls are easier to clean because the watery residue washes off easily.
- Convenient to use. DIF can be used in closed rooms because there are no fumes, no noxious odors, no steam.
- Unprimed wallboard. The wallpaper in many older homes was applied directly over unprimed wallboard. DIF removes such paper cleanly without reducing the wallboard facing paper to a soggy mess or gouging the surface. Such removal is impossible with standard wetting agents.
- Inexpensive. With DIF, a 12x24 room can be done for about half the cost of renting a steamer for a day.
- Broad use. DIE is most effective on wheat paste, the type in general use. However, its improved wetting agents alone make DIF more effective than most other agents on the newer cellulose-based adhesives.
DIF can be used to strip all types of wallcoverings which are not strong enough to be pulled right off the wall. However, the surface may have to be treated, depending on the type of wallcovering on the wall, prior to application of DIF.
Surface Preparation
Washable paper. If paper is washable-type (generally a standard paper coated with vinyl or acrylic to make it water-proof or water-resistant), sand first with coarse sandpaper to break the film and enhance penetration of the enzyme solution. Sand from the top down, using just enough force to break the coating.
Painted wallpaper. Where wallpaper has been painted over, abrade the surface with coarse sandpaper or. for many coats of paint, score with a scraper blade.
Vinyl laminates. Where the wall cover-ing is paper-backed vinyl, strip the vinyl layer by catching a corner and pulling down. The permeable paper backing which remains on the wall needs no further treatment and removes easily with DIF.
Ordinary wallpaper. This wets easily and requires no prior scoring or other preparation.
Multiple layers of wallpaper. With DIE, multiple layers of paper are removed a layer at a time, although occasionally several layers may come off at once. Depending on the type of wall covering in each layer, treat as recommended above. Even where only ordinary paper is involved, scoring with a scraper blade will help penetration of DIF solution through the layers.
Preparing Enzyme Solution
Pour contents of DIE Stripper bottle into a bucket of 2 gallon capacity. Then add enough warm tap water to make 2 gallons of solution. The enzyme is activated by the water and the solution is ready for use.
Tools for Application
DIE can be applied by garden sprayer, sponge, mop, large sponge or fluffy paint roller. For maximum control and minimum runoff, application with a standard garden sprayer is recommended.
Coverage
One bottle of DIE solution will do a 12 ft. x 24 ft. room. The original 2-gallon dilute solution can further be extended by additions of warm water as work proceeds. Warm water keeps the enzymes active and continues the breakdown of carbohy-drates in the paste.
Wetting Period
DIE functions somewhat like a paint remover. It must be given time to work to soften and break down the paste. Two applications, with 15 minute intervals after each application, are recommended to allow the enzyme solution time to penetrate the paper, soften the paste, and start the breakdown process. If there is not enough DIE solution left after the first wetting, refill bucket, adding warm water to any remaining solution.
Garden Sprayer Application
Fill with solution from the bucket and pump up pressure. Using fine mist, start to spray at one corner of room, beginning at the top of the wall. Wet wallpaper well but don't overwet so that solution runs off wall. Work your way around room until you reach starting point.
Refill bucket, adding warm water to any remaining solution, and refill sprayer.
Spray walls again, working your way around room as previously. It takes about 15 minutes for enzymes in formula to attack the wallpaper paste. So allow at least 15 minutes to circle room spraying slowly and wetting paper thoroughly.
Sponge Application
Follow same procedure as with sprayer, working from top to bottom and going slowly enough to wet paper thoroughly. Give walls two treatments, adding warm water to the bucket after room has been circled once. When applying solution, do not work sponge dry but dip into bucket while still moist. The wall must be thoroughly wet for DIE to work.
Scraping
After paper has been wet with DIE twice, add more hot water to sprayer or bucket, then start to remove one section at a time, first wetting each section that you are about to work on. Place blade of putty knife or wide blade scraper at top edge or side of section and separate paper from wall. It should come off neat and clean. Work your way down until the strip is removed.
Wall Clean-up
After all paper has been removed, use excess stripper solution or warm water to remove residual paste. Then wash walls and wood work with warm water and household bleach (½ cup to 1-2 gallons water). This destroys any mildew that is present. Let walls dry thoroughly before repapering or painting.
Precautions
- People with sensitive skin should use rubber gloves during application.
- Prolonged standing of DIF solution drips and puddles on woodwork, cabinets, doors, floors, etc. should be avoided. These should be wiped off while still wet. Wetting agents may discolor sensitive finishes on extended exposure.
Any remaining enzyme solution may be disposed of simply by pouring down the sink. After using the sprayer, the tank hose and nozzle should be rinsed with clean water. The nozzle cap should be removed and cleaned. The pump should be removed and the tank stored upside down so that the tank will dry thoroughly and not rust. Sponges or fluffy rollers can simply be rinsed under tap water.
Shelf Life
The concentrated DIF solution has indefinite shelf life.
Once the dilute solution has been prepared, the material should be used withing 24 hours while enzymes are still active.
Packaging
12 polyethylene DIE bottles (22 oz. capacity each) per case.
Case weight-21 pounds.
24IS Z3873 7/99 5M
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