Stripper in my hallway! (Black & Decker Wallpaper Stripper)

Name: Tamarind

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Product:	Black & Decker Wallpaper Stripper
Date:	21/03/08 (88 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good for removing stubborn wallpaper

Disadvantages: Heavy to hold

A couple of weeks ago I decided to redecorate my hall. Not a job I was particularly looking forward to, too many doors to paint for a start! However, before I could even contemplate painting, I had to strip off the old wallpaper and border. I always do all my own decorating so looked out my trusty scrapper and soaked the walls. After giving the water time to soak in, I started to scrape. Nothing happened, it wouldn't budge. Perhaps I hadn't waited long enough or soaked it sufficiently? I then soaked the paper a further couple of times but still it wouldn't move. Had someone sneaked in and super-glued it to the walls whilst I had my back turned? I thought what am I going to do? Then I remembered the Black & Decker wallpaper stripper I had inherited a few years earlier but had refused to use. (If water and a scrapper were good enough for my parents, it was good enough for me!)

I dusted down the box, filled the stripper with water and plugged it in. With the appliance in one hand and a scrapper in the other, I set to work. I couldn't believe it - the wallpaper came off very easily. I don't want you to think the paper fell off the walls as that is not the case. Elbow grease is still required but it was much easier to remove than using my original method. Although impressed with the results, I must admit there were a few down sides for me. Firstly, I found it quite tiring holding it up all the time. I don't think this was entirely due to me being female, as my husband complained about it too! Secondly, you have to refill the tank quite often as this model only holds about a litre of water and I sometimes found it fiddly to remove the tank. Saying that, the tank is the only removeable piece, as they are no other attachements. Thirdly, it can be quite noisey but that is bearable compared to the weight. Lastly, and this will only apply to menopausal women - the amount of steam it produces certainly brings on numerous hot flushes!

To summarise, you fill it up, it produces steam you hold it to the wall - simple really. I don't know that I would use it every time I decorate, but for stubborn wallpapers I would find it hard to beat.

Summary: Would only use when soaking by hand didn't work