How to Remove a Permanently Mounted Picture Frame From the Wall

Drywall repair equipment will be necessary after frame removal.

Some individuals become quite overzealous in their quest to make sure pictures don't fall off the wall. Applying adhesive to drywall to hold a picture frame guarantees the picture won't move regardless of how hard the door slams. Pulling, prodding and poking won't remove it. Removal requires a more concentrated effort to strip the picture frame from the wall as well as to deal with the damage left behind.

Things You'll Need

• Flashlight
• 3-inch metal putty knife
• Hammer
• Flathead screwdriver
• Sandpaper
• Drywall putty
• Plastic tarp
• Paint roller
• Paint tray
• Wall paint

Instructions

1. Take a close look at the edges of the picture frame to determine where the adhesive holds the tightest bond against the wallboard. Turn out the lights and hold a flashlight against the wall next to the edge of the picture frame. Look for areas where light penetrates behind the frame to the other side. If you're lucky, the picture isn't stuck to the wall around the entire perimeter of the frame. If adhesive bonds the entire frame, it's still possible to remove it safely without damaging the wall beyond repair.

2. Start at the bottom corner and slip the metal putty knife behind the picture. Don't jam it against the adhesive. Line up the bottom edge of the knife with the bottom corner of the picture.

3. Lightly tap the hammer onto the end of the putty knife to break the bond between the frame and the wall. Don't pull outward, but instead just hammer gently until the putty knife slides easily behind the frame.

4. Remove the putty knife from the first position and shift it upward directly above the first position. Tap lightly again to slip the blade behind the picture. Proceed around the entire frame in this manner until the picture slides off the wall. Avoid pulling after partially breaking the adhesive bond, as this motion will pull wallboard off the wall.

5. Use the putty knife to gently scrap the adhesive off the wall. Apply sandpaper to raised areas to smooth imperfections. Don't be surprised if gouges or bumps appear in the wall. Chemicals in the adhesive may have distorted the protective paper sheathing on the outside of the drywall.

6. Apply a thin layer of drywall putty to the gouges. Allow the product to dry according to manufacturer recommendations. Finish the task by sanding the area with fine-grit sandpaper. Multiple applications may be needed for areas with severe damage caused by the adhesive.

7. Place the tarp on the floor to protect carpet or flooring. Pour a small amount of paint into the paint tray and apply paint to the roller. Rub excess paint onto the grooved section of the paint tray to limit the amount applied to the wall. Apply a thin coat to the wall to blend the repaired area into the remainder of the wall, and repeat with a second coat after one hour.

References

• Woodwork Forums: Best method of removing wall tiles