Removing wallpaper glue is the critical process of stripping adhesive residue from walls to create a smooth, clean surface suitable for painting or re-papering. It leaves a professional finish and eliminates uneven bumps and chemical reactions that can cause paint to peel or crack.
For a quick overview, here are the key factors:
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Preparation: This includes covering floors, furniture, and electrical outlets to protect them from water and sticky residue during the cleanup.
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Solution: A simple DIY mixture of hot water, dish soap, and baking soda (or vinegar) effectively breaks down the adhesive bond without harsh chemicals.
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Technique: The process involves soaking the glue to soften it, gently scraping it away with a putty knife, and washing the wall to remove any lingering traces.
In this article, we will walk you through everything step-by-step, from mixing the perfect solution to ensuring your walls are perfectly smooth.
Essential Prep: Before You Remove Wallpaper Glue
Before you get started on removing that stubborn glue, you will want to cover furniture and flooring. Just like with removing the wallpaper or painting, you might find that the job is messy. Even if it doesn’t end up being that messy, you will still want to protect everything anyway. That also means wearing old clothes, too! There is no point ruining that new pair of jeans, right?
Another couple of things to think about are to have a few trash bags to hand, as well as using painters’ tape to cover any electrical outlets in the room. It is optional whether you want to turn the power off in the room or the house altogether. So, with all this in mind, let’s take a look at how to remove that wallpaper glue!
The Best Way to Remove Wallpaper Glue (DIY Solution)
Wallpaper glue can make you think that you have removed the paper to reveal a smooth wall. It is disheartening after all that initial work to find out that you have, in fact, just revealed stubborn wallpaper glue. When this happens, there are ways to effectively remove it without needing expensive tools or harsh industrial cleaners.
Step 1: Create Your Wallpaper Glue Remover Solution
The most effective DIY approach starts with a simple mixture. Using a bucket filled with hot water, add in a few squirts of liquid dish soap and a heaped tablespoon of baking soda. This combination acts as a surfactant, and many DIYers find this to be the best solution to remove wallpaper glue naturally.
If you want extra removal power, then you can also add vinegar to the mix. To do this, add a cup of white vinegar to every gallon of water. The acidity in the vinegar helps dissolve the starches in the paste, making this homemade wallpaper glue remover highly effective.
Step 2: Apply the Solution with a Sponge
Once you have made up the solution, you will want to apply it directly to the walls. You can do this by submerging a sponge in the hot water mixture. Once you pull the sponge out, squeeze all of the excess so the sponge doesn’t drip with water. You want it damp, not soaking wet, especially if you have drywall.
Rub the sponge gently over a small area of the glue. It might be tempting to want to do it all at once, but you will want to work in sections (about 3x3 feet) for the solution to be most effective.
To know if it is working, use your fingernail! If the glue moves under your fingernail and feels "jelly-like," then the solution has begun to work. If it hasn’t yet, put the sponge back into the hot water, squeeze out the excess, and reapply to the wall. Keep doing this in all areas with the glue until every area has been covered.
Step 3: Scrape and Wipe Away the Residue
Now that the glue has become tacky, you can begin the process. The first trick to try is using a rag to wipe away any of the sludge. A lot of it should come away easily, but for removing residual wallpaper glue, you may need to use a plastic putty knife to scrape off the rest.
Use gentle pressure to avoid gouging the wall. You will find that the adhesive will ruin any paint job you want to apply, so making sure to remove it all at this stage is very important. It might feel like a never-ending job, but it will be worth it in the end.
Step 4: Final Wash Down
Once you think you have removed everything, use a cloth that is clean to wipe the solution off the wall. You can do this in circular motions using fresh, clean water. This step removes any remaining soap or dried wallpaper glue. For the best effect, you may want to do the above steps in small sections. Whilst it might take a while, it will remove the glue well and leave you with a perfectly prepped surface.
Removing Stubborn Wallpaper Glue
Still having trouble? If you find that you really are struggling to remove the glue, then it might be time to admit defeat and buy a commercial wallpaper glue remover. There are many out there, such as the WP Chomp or DIF wallpaper glue remover.
Whilst you can remove wallpaper glue effectively with the above DIY method, sometimes it just won’t budge. This is common when removing wallpaper glue from plaster walls, which can hold onto adhesive more tightly than drywall. In extreme cases, you may need to rent a steamer to remove wallpaper glue before scraping.
Can You Paint Over Wallpaper Glue?
If you want to have a nice, smooth wall, then it isn’t recommended to paint over wallpaper glue. This is because most wallpaper glues are water-based. When you add paint to that, the moisture in the paint will reactivate the glue.
If the glue is reactivated, it will become sticky and gooey underneath your new paint layer. This obviously doesn’t create the best base for a smooth painted wall. Instead, it will look bumpy, crackle, and might clump together. Also, the paint may not stick to the wall very well, leading to flaking later on. This could mean that the paint will be patchy. So, if you want to avoid this happening, your best bet will be to remove it!
Final Thoughts: Is Removing Wallpaper Glue Worth It?
Taking the extra time to properly remove wallpaper glue is most definitely worth it if you are looking for a flawless finish for your renovation project. It ensures your walls are a clean slate, but here is what you need to remember for success:
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It works if you are thorough: It will give you the smooth surface you are dreaming of if you follow the steps correctly and wash away all residue before painting or re-papering.
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It prevents damage: Painting over wallpaper glue is not a suitable shortcut; the moisture in the paint will reactivate the glue, leading to cracks, texture issues, and peeling later on.
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It is manageable: Even if the adhesive is stubborn, simple DIY solutions like hot water and vinegar are effective enough to strip the wall clean without needing professional help.
We hope that this article has helped you decide on the best method to tackle your walls. Browse our extensive selection of wallpaper to continue your renovation, or check out our other helpful tips for your next home project!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to remove wallpaper glue with fabric softener?
To remove wallpaper glue with fabric softener, mix one part liquid fabric softener with three parts hot water in a spray bottle or bucket. Apply this solution to the wall and let it sit for 15–20 minutes. The softener helps penetrate the adhesive, making it easier to scrape off.
How do I remove wallpaper glue from drywall without damaging it?
When removing wallpaper glue from drywall (or sheetrock), it is crucial not to over-soak the wall, as moisture can damage the paper facing. Use a damp sponge rather than a soaking wet one, work in small sections, and avoid using metal scrapers that can gouge the surface; use a plastic putty knife instead.
What is the fastest way to remove wallpaper glue?
The fastest way to remove wallpaper glue usually involves using very hot water mixed with a commercial enzyme-based wallpaper stripper (like DIF). Apply it with a garden sprayer to saturate the glue quickly, wait the recommended time, and scrape. For purely DIY methods, adding vinegar to hot water is generally faster than water alone.
