How to Remove Wallpaper Paste Residue

Wallpaper paste residue keeps paint and other wall coverings from bonding with the wall.

Removing old wallpaper is a tedious job to tackle. Removing the wallpaper paste residue can be worse than removing the wallpaper in some cases. The residue must be completely removed before painting or applying another wall covering. Plaster walls may sustain some damage when you remove the wallpaper paste residue. It is important to take your time and work in small sections to make the job less overwhelming.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic drop cloths
• Painters tape
• Large sponge
• Bucket
• Hot water
• Trisodium phosphate
• Fine-grit sandpaper
• Wide wall scraper
• Drywall compound or spackle

Instructions

1. Lay out the drop cloths to protect the floor and any furniture in the room. Cover the electrical outlets and light switches with painters tape.

2. Dissolve the trisodium phosphate (TSP) in a bucket with hot water according to the package directions. Wash the walls down using a large sponge and the TSP solution. Allow the walls to dry completely and check for any remaining wallpaper paste residue.

3. Scrape the walls with a wide wall scraper, like a drywall scraper, to remove as much of the wallpaper paste residue as possible. Using your hand, feel the surface of the wall to check for any rough areas of paste residue. Scrape off as much of the paste from the wall surface as possible.

4. Wash the walls with clean, hot water and a clean sponge to reveal any areas where the paste residue remains. Sand the areas with a fine grit sandpaper. Use a light touch to keep from damaging the wall surface.

5. Wipe the walls clean with a dry cloth. Apply drywall compound or spackle to any areas where the sandpaper or scraper gouged the wall. Allow the patches to dry and sand the surface smooth. Finish the walls as you wish with primer and paint or other wall covering.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are applying another type of wallpaper to the walls after cleaning, apply a wallpaper liner before applying the paste and wallpaper. The liner will make removal much easier.

References

• Corner Hardware: How to Remove Wallpaper
• Ask the Builder: Wallpaper Removal