How to Repair Sheetrock After Wallpaper Removal

Joint compound fills and hides the damage caused during wallpaper removal.

Removing dated wallpaper can have a profound effect on the look of the walls in your home. Unfortunately, the process can damage the sheetrock or wallboard on which the wall paper was glued. Gouging, cracking and paper tearing are common damages. Luckily, all sheet rock damage is repairable with simple joint compound and once sanded and painted the repaired area will blend into the rest of the wall.

Things You'll Need

• Safety glasses
• Particulate respirator
• Drywall sanding sponge
• Dry rag
• Joint compound
• 6-inch spackling knife
• Fine grit sanding screens
• Sanding pad
• Primer
• 4-inch paintbrush

Instructions

1. Don a particulate respirator and a pair of safety glasses.

2. Lightly sand the damaged areas with a drywall sanding sponge. If the sponge is clogged with sanding dust, rinse it, allow it to dry and continue sanding.

3. Wipe sanding dust from the sheetrock with a dry rag.

4. Apply a thin coat of joint compound to the damaged area with a 6-inch spackling knife, holding the knife at a 5-degree angle while you pull it over the damaged area. Allow the compound to dry and then apply a second coat.

5. Attach a fine grit sanding screen to the sanding pad per its usage instructions.

6. Sand the repaired area until it is even with the rest of the sheetrock.

7. Wipe the dust with a dry rag.

8. Coat the repaired are of sheet rock with primer using a 4-inch brush before repainting the repair.

References

• Tim Carter: Drywall Repair - Plaster Repair