Wall covering dilemma. What to do...

[svaron]

We have a 1990 54 ED. The wall covering is original and in the last few years the vinyl has broken down to such a degree that the wall has become extremely tacky...Almost like fly paper.
We would like to remove the existing wall covering and replace with new vinyl. The one issue is that my wife is concerned that the odor from the contact cement ( most likely 3M) will linger on for quite a while and become a health issue.
Question, has anyone:
1) used a similar product and if so, how long did it off gas and leave the odor
2) used a water base "odorless" product and if so, was it strong enough to hold the vinyl and what product is it
3) just removed the wall covering and painted the walls in a solid off white color? If so, what was the outcome and do you have any pictures to share.

Thank you as always for your input!!!

 

[rustybucket]

1) used a similar product and if so, how long did it off gas and leave the odor
2) used a water base "odorless" product and if so, was it strong enough to hold the vinyl and what product is it
3) just removed the wall covering and painted the walls in a solid off white color? If so, what was the outcome and do you have any pictures to share.

Thank you as always for your input!!!

In our old Ocean 38 we did option 3. Not sure I would ever go that route again. Although the finished product was nice it took a LOT to get there. We ended up finding about 5 different types/layers of adhesives (including but not limited to super glue, super glue gel, gorilla glue, contact cement...etc) under the various wall coverings. Some were fairly easy to remove, others not so much... Getting all the adhesive removed was a major undertaking. Think 3 people spent 2 weekends just scraping the old adhesive off. Compounded the small enclosed spaces of a boat cabin we had to route in ventilator fans and even with that and respirators the various solvent fumes was tough to deal with.

I guess if you had access to cheap labor to remove all the wall coverings and associated glues/adhesives and people to paint prep #3 would be the best option.

I've never noticed a lingering smell/odor with 3m contact adhesives.

The bio-friendly adhesives may (or may not) work. I do know that a boat cabin really puts any adhesive to the test, the wildly fluctuating temps, moisture extremes...etc all really fight against the adhesives making all but the best quality adhesives pretty much useless on a boat.

If I were considering something un-tested I'd test a spot in a closet or something that is not visible.

The vinyl was probably cleaned with a non-compatible cleaner at some point. I've seen them goo up like that after certain cleaners were used.

 

[R D Young]

I had the same issue in my salon in 2013. I found a company called Toto Fabrics www.totofabrics.com They sell mostly remnants and have a ton of vinyls at huge discounts off of retail. They are very good with sending out a bunch of samples. I bought a beige ultra suede fabric and used 3M spray to install. No smell after the first day. I've had it in place for 6 years and no chipping, cracking, peeling (like the infomercial guys promise) and it is washable.

 

[svaron]

Thank you both for your great feedback.
we are going to use a softside brand vinyl with 3m adhesive. I am concerned about the water base for the reasons that you have stated.

 

[Pascal]

I ve used Wellwod contact cement on board (Formica in cabinetry) and smell goes away quickly. Not a concern

 

[Rich60175]

Both will work well, can also use vinyl top adhesive for car vinyl tops. All three the smell will go away with in a day with Windows doors open. Just make sire that the adhesive is left to dry for 15min so it is not tacky as you will have a better chance of putting it up with out wrinkles. You are spraying both the wall and the fabric or vinyl. I used to manage an upholstery shop and we did air craft, boats and cars. Some fabrics will show glue on face side if sprayed too heavy. If more loose style fabric spray multiple light coats and let flash 10min between.to keep from bleeding through. Just don't spray and apply right away. With the glue not tacky you can hang fabric and light pressure will hold it as you get wrinkles out and fabric layer out if patterns is straight and streached. Once it is set as you like it then put pressure with hands or a roller/rolling pin to press to wall. Good luck take your time and don't rush the install. Doing it this way you can also tuck ends into a track of edge with a rounded off dull 1.5 inch putty knofe as apushing tool