Q&A for How to Remove Wallpaper Paste

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I'm down to the drywall. Is there anything that I can put on the walls to cover up the flaws and make them smooth enough to paint?

Community Answer

Sure, use sheetrock compound. Fill all the holes, making the surface as smooth as you can. When totally dry, use a medium grit sandpaper over the wall. Be sure to wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove all the dust. When dry, apply two coats of latex primer. Then you are good to paint.

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Question

Can I sand the walls to remove excess paste?

Community Answer

The short answer is "No." You really need to use the general process outlined above. First, get the old wallpaper off. Then, wash the walls with one of the mixtures noted above and rub down the wet walls with towels. I usually use a scraper first -- you will be amazed at the amount of old paste/glue you will get -- and then finish with a damp sponge. Sanding your walls could damage them or make them rough and unsightly.

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Question

How do I remove heavy back wallpaper with a putty coating?

Community Answer

Using a wide putty knife blade, 4-6 inches wide, remove the wallpaper from underneath, sliding the knife upward. It's a lot of work, but it will come off. If the paper is not too layered, you could also soak the wallpaper first. It then will peel off easier. It's a mess, but the process does work.

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Question

Should I use Kilz to make sure the paint goes on evenly and doesn't peel?

Community Answer

Kilz is oil-based. An oil-based primer should be used to lessen the chance that any remaining glue won't reappear through your paint. The Kilz seals the wall. I will be putting Kilz on after I get all the glue off.

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Can I paint over walls that still have wallpaper paste on them?

Community Answer

No. The paste will bleed through the paint and make sticky streaks on the wall, even if you have used an oil-based primer.

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