Wallpaper Glue Removal

Wallpaper glue removal can be the toughest part of the job of removing wallpaper.

For some people, removing wallpaper isn't that difficult. It's the icky residue that is left behind that causes so many problems. There isn't one specific solution to wallpaper glue removal. In fact, getting rid of all that glue and creating a smooth, clean surface often takes lots of elbow grease and plenty of patience.

Some people find that mixing fabric softener with warm water works well. Because some fabric softeners are thinner than others, you may need to experiment with different solution amounts.

• Try mixing with three parts fabric softener and one part warm water to begin with.
• Mix the solution in some type of spray bottle, and be sure you label the bottle as well.
• Divide your work area into sections, working on one wall at a time.
• Begin by spraying a wall, then let the softener penetrate the glue for about five minutes.
• After the softener has had time to work, begin scraping the glue off the wall.
• You'll need to use a plastic scraper as opposed to a metal one to keep from gouging the wall as you work.
• Keep plenty of paper towels on hand, as well as a garbage can. You'll need to continuously wipe all the gooey glue and softener mixture off the scraper.
• Once you've removed the majority of the glue, wipe the walls clean with a damp cloth.
• Try to avoid getting the wall too wet, however, so as not to damage the sheetrock or drywall.
• Not only should this do the trick, but your room will smell great!

Another method that has been proven to work for some people attempting wallpaper glue removal is to create a mixture of dishwashing liquid and hot water. While you can try any dishwashing liquid on the market, the best success appears to have been found with Dawn dishwashing liquid.

• Apply the solution to the walls either with a spray bottle or with a sponge.
• Wait about five minutes, then add a second coating of the mixture.
• Wait another five or 10 minutes, then begin scraping the glue off the wall.
• Again, you should use a plastic scraper as opposed to a metal one to keep from damaging the walls.
• Once you've removed most of the glue, wipe the walls clean with warm water.
• You may need to wipe and dry several times before the wall is completely clean and ready for paint.

A vinegar and water mixture has been used with success in the past, but this was often due to the type of wallpaper and glue that used to be used. Today, not as many people have success with a vinegar/water mixture simply because most wallpaper is vinyl coated. In the past, the majority of wallpaper was made out of pulp paper and applied with a starch adhesive. The acidity of the vinegar would eat away at the adhesive, making wallpaper glue removal fairly easy. Today, this method doesn't usually work as well.

There are several wallpaper adhesive removal solutions on the market that are ready to use. Some are enzyme based, and while they can handle the job, the chemicals can be harsh to work with.

There are other solutions that are more environmentally friendly, such as Safe and Simple. Professionals use solutions by filling a pump sprayer or using a propane-powered wallpaper steamer to remove wallpaper and glue. You can usually rent one of these steamers at a local home improvement center.

No matter what solution or method you choose, removing wallpaper glue is often a tedious and time-consuming job. Even if you are very careful as you scrape the glue from the wall, you may damage the wall in some areas.

If this happens, you should spackle these small scrapes and gouges and use a joint compound for larger dents and holes. Once the spackle or compound has dried, lightly sand it smooth. Before you paint the wall, consider using an odorless primer that should cover any other small imperfections and leave a smooth surface for applying paint.

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