How To Fix Walls After Removing Wallpaper

How to Fix Walls After Removing Wallpaper

Removing wallpaper can be a daunting task, but it's often necessary to give your walls a fresh start. Once the old wallpaper is gone, you'll likely be left with a wall that is damaged, bumpy, or both. Don't worry, though! With a little bit of work, you can fix your walls and make them look good as new.

Materials You'll Need

Before you get started, you'll need to gather a few materials:

Spackling paste
Putty knife
Sandpaper
Primer
Paint

Step 1: Remove the Wallpaper

If you haven't already removed the wallpaper, you'll need to do so before you can start fixing the walls. Use a wallpaper scoring tool to score the surface of the wallpaper, then use a wallpaper steamer to loosen the adhesive. Once the wallpaper is loose, you can peel it off the wall.

Step 2: Repair the Walls

Once the wallpaper is removed, you'll need to repair any damage to the walls. This may include filling in holes, sanding down bumps, or patching up tears. Use spackling paste to fill in any holes or cracks, and let it dry completely. Once the spackling paste is dry, sand it down until it is flush with the wall.

Step 3: Prime the Walls

Before you paint the walls, you'll need to prime them. Primer helps to create a smooth, even surface for the paint to adhere to. Apply a coat of primer to the entire wall, and let it dry completely.

Step 4: Paint the Walls

Once the primer is dry, you can paint the walls. Use a high-quality paint and apply two coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before apply the next coat.

Tips for Removing Wallpaper

Here are a few tips for removing wallpaper:

Use a wallpaper scoring tool to score the surface of the wallpaper before you steam it. This will help the steam to penetrate the wallpaper and loosen the adhesive.
Be patient when steaming the wallpaper. Don't try to peel it off too quickly, or you may damage the wall.
If you're having trouble removing the wallpaper, try using a chemical stripper. Chemical strippers can be harsh, so be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

Tips for Repairing Walls

Here are a few tips for repairing walls:

Use a spackling paste that is specifically designed for drywall. Other types of spackling paste may not adhere to drywall properly.
Let the spackling paste dry completely before sanding it. If you sand it too soon, it may crack.
Use a fine-grit sandpaper to sand the spackling paste. This will help to create a smooth, even surface.

Tips for Painting Walls

Here are a few tips for painting walls:

Use a high-quality paint. Cheap paint may not cover well and may be more difficult to apply.
Apply two coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next coat. This will help to create a smooth, even finish.
Use a paintbrush or roller to apply the paint. A paintbrush will give you more control, but a roller is faster and easier.