Quck answer
Removing wallpaper can leave behind damaged or uneven drywall. To fix this, follow these steps:
1. Prepare the surface by removing any loose wallpaper or adhesive residue.
2. Fill in any holes or gouges with spackling compound, using a putty knife to smooth it out.
3. Sand the patched areas until they are smooth and level with the surrounding wall.
4. Apply a primer to the repaired areas to ensure even paint coverage.
5. Once the primer is dry, paint the entire wall with your desired color.
6. If necessary, apply a second coat of paint for a seamless finish.
Following these steps will help you restore your drywall to its original condition after removing wallpaper.
When removing wallpaper, the drywall can be damaged in various ways, ranging from small nicks and scratches to torn paper and deep gouges. If you plan on painting the walls after removing the wallpaper, it is important to properly fix the drywall to ensure that your hard work pays off. While replacing the drywall may seem like an easier option in the worst case scenario, damaged drywall can usually be repaired and painted.
Things You’ll Need
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Wallpaper paste remover
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Vinegar
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Sponge
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Rags
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Oil- or shellac-based primer
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Drywall knives and mud pan
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Joint compound
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Drywall sander
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Drywall primer
How to Fix Drywall After Removing Wallpaper
Step 1: Clean the Walls
To remove any remaining wallpaper glue, wash the walls with a mixture of wallpaper paste remover or a combination of vinegar and water. Scrub the walls with a rough cloth or abrasive sponge, then rinse with clean water and rags. Allow the walls to dry.
Step 2: Remove Loose Paper
Using a drywall knife or stiff putty knife, peel or scrape off any loose paper. Smaller shreds of paper may need to be picked off with your fingers.
Step 3: Apply Primer
Prime the areas where the surface drywall paper has been torn away, exposing the brown paper layers underneath. Use shellac- or oil-based primer to prevent wrinkling and bubbling of the exposed paper when applying water-based products like spackle, drywall compound, or paint.
Warning
Ensure proper ventilation by opening windows and using fans, especially when using oil- or shellac-based primer. The fumes can be strong and cause dizziness or nausea.
Step 4: Smooth the Surface
After priming, sand and scrape the walls to remove any remaining loose paper or smooth out rough areas. Re-prime if more drywall paper is exposed.
Step 5: Make Additional Repairs
Fill gouges and other drywall damage with two or three applications of joint compound. Use a large drywall knife to extend the joint compound past the damaged area, allowing for sanding to create a flush surface.
Step 6: Skim Coat (if necessary)
If the damage is extensive, apply a skim coat of joint compound over the entire surface. Fill a drywall mud pan with drywall compound and apply a thin and even layer over the entire wall. Avoid working directly from the bucket to prevent contamination. Multiple applications may be needed for an even surface. Allow the compound to dry completely.
Tip
Look for “dust-free” joint compound that falls straight to the floor instead of floating in the air, making it easier to clean up.
Step 7: Sand the Surface Again
Using a flat drywall sander, sand the wall with 100-grit sandpaper or drywall sanding mesh. Using a pole attachment can make sanding large areas easier on your arms.
Step 8: Apply More Primer
Before painting, prime the repaired areas with water-based drywall primer.
