How to Repair Damaged Drywall After Removing Wallpaper

Many times it is preferable to remove wallpaper and paint the drywall underneath. No matter how carefully wallpaper is removed there is going to be minor damage to the drywall. Repairing the damage to drywall made by removing wallpaper is not a difficult task if the proper process and materials are used. Everything that is needed to do the repair can be purchased at any home improvement store for only a few dollars.

Things You'll Need

• Drywall knife, 6-inches
• Joint compound
• Drywall sanding sponge

Instructions

1. Clean any debris from the areas of the wall being repaired. The divots and dents should be as free from dirt and pieces of paper as possible. This will give the best chance for the repair to succeed.

2. Scoop a small amount of joint compound onto the end of the drywall knife. Make sure the joint compound is only covering about 1/2 inch of the end of the blade. Too much joint compound can be hard to work with and make a mess.

3. Smooth the joint compound over the area being repaired. Use the end of the blade to smooth out the joint compound leaving as little compound on the wall as possible but still filling in the low spot on the wall.

4. Sand the repaired area with a drywall sanding sponge after the joint compound has dried.

5. Repeat the process if the wall still is not smooth. Sometimes it may require several coats of joint compound with sanding in between to make the wall smooth.