1950's Plastic wall tile glue. Impossible to remove?

[slick-rides]

I don't know what this glue is, but it seems impossible to remove without taking plaster with it! Any suggestions on how to remove this so the walls can be painted? House was built in 1955 and has plastic wall tile in the bathroom and kitchen. Walls are plaster board or rock lath. This stuff is tough and doesn't seem to be water soluble. Is my only option to remove the plaster walls and install drywall?

 

[Snoonyb]

Welcome.
Removal and replace is one to consider, depending upon the area and time. back in the 60's we'd use a longer handled one of these; https://hydetools.com/collections/s...xtra-heavy-duty-chisel-extension-pole-scraper

They worked fairly well, but the area needed a new top coat after.

 

[slick-rides]

Welcome.
Removal and replace is one to consider, depending upon the area and time. back in the 60's we'd use a longer handled one of these; https://hydetools.com/collections/s...xtra-heavy-duty-chisel-extension-pole-scraper

They worked fairly well, but the area needed a new top coat after.

If I do attempt to remove and then top coat, would I need to use a hot mud or can an all purpose mud be used for easy sanding?

Thanks for the welcome and response.

 

[Snoonyb]

Were it I, I'd use a hot mud, however your skill level will be determinate.

When taping I use an 18" pan, a 6" knife, 3 scoops of 20min, 1 scoop of 5min. Learning to shift pressure across the knife, which ever product you use, reduces sanding, then topping, as the top coat, brush sand, prime & paint.

What you'll find is the "projected" dry time will be off so feel the surface and if it's cold, it's still not dry.