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OK, you guys wanna hear the latest news on my office project?

I went to the hardware store and the paint store yesterday afternoon, and told BOTH places what the situation is and asked their advice. They both said that it didn't sound like I needed to do anything major, but that I SHOULD try getting that last old layer of wallpaper off. I asked the paint store folks how to go about that, and he told me it SHOULD just come off with hot water, and that I could mix in some vinegar for the tough spots. I applied it with just a roller, and it WORKS! Old wall paper scrapes right off, easily. And they said all I have to do after that is spackle and paint. I don't really have any major holes, so I don't think I need the joint compound. The drywall is in pretty good shape, actually...a few scuffs, but nothing major.

I did get some primer, as the paint folks said it's really best to put on a coat of primer especially if you aren't painting over anything but bare drywall. So that should help as well.

I probably won't get around to painting for a few more weeks...I still have two walls to strip, and then I need to go over all the walls again with a sponge to get off old paste before spackling, sanding, and priming.

I did get some primer, as the paint folks said it's really best to put on a coat of primer

I know you've already gotten the primer, but can you take it back and get the folks at the paint store to tint it close to your finish color? I do that all the time now and it makes the paint job look that much richer! It's not strictly necessary, but it does look good! And depending on how well the tinted primer covers, you may be able to get by with just one coat of the finish paint! They can just use the formula of the 'Song Blue' to tint it.

That's great about how easily the wallpaper came off. And it's good news that the wall was in good shape. I'm not a wallpaper person, I'd much rather paint. Then if you get tired of it, you can just paint over it without all the rigamarole of removing one layer of wallpaper to put up another!

Sounds like things are going well with your redecorations! Mine is almost finished. I just need to caulk around the tub, then put a little jobber down that does the transition from the carpet to the vinyl and place one cabinet door that is giving us a little grief. Then I'll take some pictures!