Wallpapers are a great way to change the look of your home and can be applied very easily. When changing the wall design wallpaper needs to be removed. When removing wallpaper, sometimes chunks of the underlying wall can come off with it. This often leaves unsightly holes and gaps in the wall that need to be repaired. Luckily, repairing walls is a fairly easy task that can be done in a few simple steps. In this article, we will provide you with guidelines on how to repair damaged drywall after removing wallpaper.
If still, you find it hard to renovate your walls you can ask for professional services by estate painting or visit our site for further detailed information. You will get the best strategies to repair the holes in the wall and prepare it for further painting.
Materials Needed
You’ll need this material to start your work
- Drop cloths: Protect your flooring from damage during the repair process by covering it with drop cloths.
- Sponges: Use moistened sponges to clean the wall and remove any residual adhesive.
- Cleaning solution: Mix a cleaning solution of one part water with one part vinegar. This will help to remove any stubborn adhesive residue.
- Utility scraper: A utility scraper can be used to remove large pieces of wallpaper. Be careful not to damage the wall surface.
- Damaged drywall repairs compound: Apply a thin layer of drywall compound to the damaged area with a putty knife. Allow it to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Sandpaper: Once the drywall compound is dry, sand it smoothly with a fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe away any dust with a damp cloth.
- Taping knife: If necessary, use a taping knife to apply painter’s tape along the loose edges of the repair area. This will help to keep the paint from bleeding onto the surrounding surfaces.
- Paint buckets, pans, and liners: You will need these supplies to store and transport your paint. Make sure to choose containers that are sized appropriately for your project.
- Primer: Apply primer to the repaired area with a brush or roller. This will help the paint to adhere better and provide a more even finish.
- Drill: Use a drill to mix your paint according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to wear protective goggles while operating the drill.
- Brushes and rollers: Paint can be applied with either brushes or rollers. Choose whichever method you are more comfortable with. If using a roller, select one that is appropriate for the type of paint you are using (e.g., foam, wool).
- Protective equipment: Always wear gloves and a mask when working with paints and other chemicals.
Damaged Wall Repair
After you’ve removed all the wallpaper, it’s time to prep your walls for painting or re-wallpapering. Here’s how:
Wash Your Walls
To get rid of any residual paste or dirt, wash your walls with a mix of warm water and dish soap. Use a sponge or rag to scrub away any stubborn spots. Rinse the wall with clean water and let it dry completely.
Scrape Away
If there are any pieces of wallpaper remaining, use a putty knife or scraper to remove them. You may also need to sand down the wall to create a smooth surface.
Prime The Wall
Once the wall is completely clean and smooth, it’s time to prime it. This will help to create an even surface for painting or wallpapering. Use a primer specifically designed for prepping walls for paint or wallpaper. Apply the primer with a brush or roller, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Let the primer dry completely before proceeding.
Sand And Scrape
After the primer is dried, sand the walls to smooth out any irregularities and remove any residual adhesive. A palm sander will make quick work of this job, but you can also use a sanding sponge or sandpaper. Be sure to wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling the dust.
Use Drywall Joint Compound
Once the walls are sanded, it’s time to apply joint compound or drywall mud. This will help to fill in any holes or cracks and give the surface a smooth finish. Use a joint compound taping knife or trowel to apply the joint compound, making sure to overlap the edges of the repair area.
Sand Again
Once the joint compound is dry, sand the area again until it is smooth. You may need to apply another layer of joint compound if there are still any irregularities.
Alternate Method To Repair Walls
There are other methods to repair the wall but that depends on the state of the walls. If the drywall damage is severe, it might be time to replace the torn drywall paper. This is a more involved process, but it will result in a brand-new surface that is ready to be painted or papered.
Skim Coating
It is a technique that smooths the wall surface and hides imperfections. After the wallpaper is removed you may need to skim-coat the walls before you can paint. The texture of the skim coat is like mashed potatoes. It will take about 24 hours to dry and then you can sand it before painting. Benefits of skim coat:
- It will save time and money if the wall is in bad condition
- provides a smooth surface for painting
- It will cover scratches, dents, or other imperfections on the surface of the wall.
Plaster
Plaster has been used for centuries to repair walls. It is a very durable material, and it can be tinted to match the surrounding wall. However, plaster is somewhat difficult to apply, and it requires a smooth surface to adhere properly. Benefits of plaster:
- It is a very durable material
- Can be tinted to match the surrounding wall
- It will fill in cracks and holes
Fast-Wall
The fast wall is a pre-mixed adhesive that you simply apply to the crack with a putty drywall knife. It dries clear and can be sanded, painted, or textured to match your existing wall. It is also much stronger than traditional drywall tape, making it less likely to crack again in the future. Here are some of the benefits of using Fast-Wall to repair your walls:
- It is quick and easy to use
- It doesn’t require any special tools or equipment
- It can be sanded, painted, or textured to match your existing wall
It is much stronger than traditional drywall tape, making it less likely to crack again in the future
Wallpaper Removal Techniques
Here are a few techniques for wallpaper removal.
Vinegar Water Mixture
To make a vinegar-water mixture, you will need a spray bottle, a cup of white vinegar, and water. Fill the spray bottle most of the way with water then add vinegar until the bottle is full. The amount of vinegar you should use depends on how strong you want the mixture to be. A 50/50 mix of water and vinegar is usually strong enough for most applications. Be sure to shake the bottle well before using it to mix the ingredients together.
Spray Hot Water
Pour hot water into a spray bottle and begin misting the wallpaper. Make sure to saturate paper well but be careful not to get the wall too wet or it could damage the drywall underneath. Allow the hot water to soak in for a few minutes then begin scraping the wallpaper away with a putty knife or other sharp implement. Repeat this process until all the wallpaper has been removed.
Steam Removal
This method is best suited for vinyl or pre-pasted wallpaper. To begin, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Next, hold the pot close to the wall and direct the steam onto the wallpaper. Be sure not to get too close or you could damage the wall. After a few minutes, the heat will cause the wallpaper glue to loosen and you should be able to peel it away easily. If necessary, you can use a knife or other sharp implements to scrape off any stubborn bits.
Chemical Removal
There are several commercially available chemicals that can be used to remove wallpaper but they can be quite toxic so it is important to use them safely and according to the manufacturer’s directions. You have to follow safety tips against the chemicals and for a chemical emergency, you can contact the helpers. Generally, you will need to apply the chemical solution with a sponge or brush and then wait for it to soak in for a few minutes before attempting to remove the wallpaper. Once again, a knife or other sharp instrument can be used to scrape off any bits that are resistant to coming loose. After removing all the wallpaper, be sure to wash any residual chemicals off your walls with soap and water.
Final Thoughts
After reading this, you should have a good understanding of the steps needed to repair your walls after removing wallpaper. Keep in mind that these are just guidelines and that each situation may be different. If you are not comfortable completing these repairs yourself, please contact an Estate painting professional for assistance.
