Wallpaper stripping can make a rewarding home improvement project and one of the most challenging tasks a homeowner encounters is the sticky wallpaper paste that is left behind. When this residual is not removed, it may cause the new wallpaper to not stick to the wall or paint to stick to the wall. Luckily, it is possible to take away wallpaper paste on walls using proper tools, methods and by exercising a bit of patience.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
These are the key tools you need to prepare before getting in:
- Warm water
- Vinegar or fabric softener
- Spray bottle or sponge
- Plastic scraper/ putty knife
- Bucket
- Microfiber cloth or rag
- Protective gloves
- Drop cloth or old towels.
The availability of these products will make the process easier and assist in preventing the destruction of your walls.
Step 1: Prepare the Room
Prepare your working place:
- Furniture should be moved out of the walls or placed with a drop cloth.
- Place a drop cloth to collect the drips and debris.
- Wear gloves to ensure that your hands are not exposed to a long time of contact with water and cleaning solutions.
It saves mess and preserves your walls as well as your furniture.
Step 2: Test a Small Area
It is prudent to test a small and insignificant point before implementing any solution to the whole wall. This will make sure that your cleaning procedure does not ruin the paint or dry wall below.
Step 3: Soften the Wallpaper Paste
It is important to make the wallpaper paste soft in order to remove it, These are two viable techniques:
Method 1: Warm Water
- Spray bottle or bucket Fill with warm water.
- Mist the water or sponge the water over the paste on the wallpaper.
- Allow to dry 5-10 minutes to loosen the paste.
Method 2: Vinegar or Fabric Softener Solution
If water alone doesn’t work:
Vinegar solution: Add an equal portion of warm water and white vinegar.
Fabric softener solution: Add one part fabric softener with three parts warm water.
Using a sponge or spray bottle apply the solution and allow it to dry out in 10-15 minutes. Vinegar and fabric softener are both useful in dissolving the adhesive that is not easily removed.
Step 4: Scrape Off the Paste
Once the paste has softened, it’s time to scrape:
- A plastic scraper or putty knife should be used to remove the paste off the wall.
- Work in bits, one on top and downwards.
- Do not use metal scrapers since they may destroy the drywall or plaster.
Be patient, attempts to remove hardened paste too vigorously may cause scratches or gouges.
Step 5: Rinse and Clean the Wall
It is possible that some residue will be left after scraping. Rinse the wall thoroughly:
- Wipe the remaining paste using a clean sponge moistened in warm water.
- Rinse the sponge often to prevent the paste from spreading around.
In the case of the stubborn spots, repeat the vinegar or fabric softener mixture and scrape once more.
Step 6: Dry the Wall
It is important not to paint or put up new wallpaper before thoroughly drying and then drying your walls:
- Wipe the wall using a clean towel or microfiber cloth.
- Allow it to dry thoroughly in a number of hours.
The remaining moisture may influence the sticking of paints or pasting of wall papers.
Step 7: Optional: Sanding for a Smooth Finish
In case the wall surface remains uneven after the removal of paste:
- Sprinkle the surface with fine-grit sandpaper.
- Clean the wall using a wet cloth.
The sanding provides a smooth finish, which can be repainted or it can even be covered with new wallpaper.
Tips for Easier Wallpaper Paste Removal
- Break down the work into small portions to avoid drying up of the solution before scraping.
- Hot water is advisable, since it is quicker to soften the adhesive.
- Take your time because it may take time to remove a wallpaper paste. Rushing can damage the wall.
- Open the windows and ventilate the room, and add vinegar or fabric softener solutions in order to mitigate odors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Omitting the softening stage – any attempt to wipe off wet paste will tend to ruin the wall.
Unnecessary use of harsh chemicals – in most cases, vinegar and fabric softener are effective and safe on the walls.
Neglecting residual leftovers – even a thin coat of paste will interfere with new wallpaper or paint.
The process of washing off wallpaper paste on walls does not necessarily have to be a stressful one. With a little preparation of your room, warm water or a weak solution to soften the adhesive, being careful with the scraping and thoroughly rinsing the surface will give you a clean smooth surface to continue with your next decorating project. The combination of patience and the appropriate methods will ensure that your walls look new and are ready to have a new appearance.
