Refinishing Operable Partitions

When the idea of refinishing your operable partition becomes a reality, there are factors to consider that will allow or inhibit the process to go smoothly. 

In most cases, operable partitions are covered with a vinyl fabric.  If this is the case on your partition, the application of new wall covering is fairly quick and simple.  There is no need to remove the old vinyl unless the new vinyl does not have any texture.  The texture on the new wall covering hides the texture of the wall covering from being visible through it.  When adhering the new wall covering to the old vinyl, a professional wall covering contractor will use an adhesive that doesn’t require the use of multiple chemicals.  This process is called vinyl-over-vinyl (VOV).  If your existing finish is wall carpet or fabric, it must be removed prior to installing the new wall covering.  This is where the substrate of the partition is important.  There are numerous substrates that are used in the industry; however, the most common are gypsum board and steel. 

If you have a gypsum board substrate, the process of removing the existing wall carpet or fabric will, in most cases, also remove the gypsum board paper.  When this occurs, the gypsum surface must be skim-coated before any new wall covering can be applied.  This process is labor intensive and requires drying time between skim-coats.  During this time, the operable partition is unusable.  If the damaged gypsum board is not repaired, the imperfections will be seen through the new wall covering and the adhesive is not as effective.  Once the skim coat has been applied and the surface has been prepared, the new wall covering can be installed.

If you have a steel substrate, the process of removing the existing wall carpet or fabric is much quicker and easier.  Many professional wall covering contractors will use solvents to aid in the removal of the existing material so as to not create as much mess and to preserve their energy.  Removing wall covering from steel faces without solvents is very difficult and the contractor will tire quickly.  Once the old wall covering is removed, an industrial cleaner will remove the old adhesive and prepare it for the new wall covering.

The partition is now ready to install the new wall covering.  The best way to get the operable partition to look like new is to wrap the edges of the new wall covering beneath the vertical and any horizontal trim pieces.

Prepared by Garrett Easton

Operable Partition Project Manager