“Vice is a monster of so frightful mien
As to be hated needs but to be seen;
Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face,
We first endure, then pity, then embrace.”
-Alexander Pope
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Monday, March 04, 2013
Impossible Jobs
My husband says I have a knack for nearly impossible home improvement projects. I start with an expectation of difficulty, but discover a reality of near impossibility.
Current example: Removing wallpaper from the kids' bedroom wall in our rental home. There was blue striped floral wallpaper that was essentially falling off the walls at certain spots. It needed to go. I got the required permission from the landlord and started the task, knowing wallpaper removal was a tough job.
Under the blue striped wallpaper I discovered a layer of dull green paint, a layer of peach paint, maybe a layer of pink paint, and two more layers of wallpaper on top of the original plaster walls.
Who thinks it's a good idea to paint over wallpaper? Not me. I'm saving the worst wall for last. A previous resident here tried to paint over the peeling blue striped floral wallpaper and failed. It's bubbling to the point that my three year old can easily tear off patches--but only patches. Sheesh. Old house charm, I guess. I hope I can finish this project with my sanity intact.
I have big lovely plans of white wainscotting and warm gray walls with splashes of colorful wall hangings when I'm done with the nightmarish wallpaper removal.
Current example: Removing wallpaper from the kids' bedroom wall in our rental home. There was blue striped floral wallpaper that was essentially falling off the walls at certain spots. It needed to go. I got the required permission from the landlord and started the task, knowing wallpaper removal was a tough job.
Under the blue striped wallpaper I discovered a layer of dull green paint, a layer of peach paint, maybe a layer of pink paint, and two more layers of wallpaper on top of the original plaster walls.
Who thinks it's a good idea to paint over wallpaper? Not me. I'm saving the worst wall for last. A previous resident here tried to paint over the peeling blue striped floral wallpaper and failed. It's bubbling to the point that my three year old can easily tear off patches--but only patches. Sheesh. Old house charm, I guess. I hope I can finish this project with my sanity intact.
I have big lovely plans of white wainscotting and warm gray walls with splashes of colorful wall hangings when I'm done with the nightmarish wallpaper removal.
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