I'm refurbishing my property and it was covered with woodchip wallpaper EVERYWHERE. I've done (I think) the hard part of removing all the paper but there is so much glue residue on the walls left over. The plaster is in good condition so I would rather save on getting the whole place replastered.
I've tried EVERYTHING - scrubbing with sugar soap, scrubbing with strong wallpaper remover, sanding down the walls but NOTHING seems to really work. If the walls are wet then you can still really feel the stickiness of the glue. Does this matter or can I just paint over this (after priming the wall etc)? I can't help but feel that sugar soap is just so weak.. Is there any magical product out there which just goes straight through the glue?
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
This would be my approach to this problem. Saturate the wall using a 9" roller loaded with soapy water. Roll bottom to top so that the foamy water doesn't go flying onto the floor. Keep applying the soapy water until the paste is really soft and the use a wide 12-15" spatula two handed and literally shave the soft paste off the wall working top down. It's messy so protect yourself and the flooring but this is the most effective way I've found of doing this. You should be left with virtually no paste left only a fine film. Let the wall dry thoroughly and lightly sand down with 120g and you're ready to paint.
Answered24 March 2016
11
Anonymous user
Unfortunately there is no easy way of removing stubborn glue residue. You can try mixing white distilled vinegar with hot water (50/50 mix) with some baking soda added. Apply with a sponge and work on an area of about 4 foot square at a time and make sure it is soaked, using another sponge rub in small circular movements and rinse sponge in fresh bucket of hot water every so often to remove softened glue. A stiff scrapper can also be used but be careful not to gouge the wall surface. Leave to dry for at least 24 hours and if needed repeat the process. A light sand once completed can also help. It wouldn't be wise to try and paint on top of existing glue as it will more than likely react and probably flake off. Always wear a form of protection on your hands (i,e nitrile gloves or similar) to protect from any possible chemicals. Like i said not an easy process but preparation of surfaces is key to getting a great finish.
Hope this helps.
Lance
Answered22 March 2016
5
Anonymous user
Have you tried using warm water with these products or a steam stripper to soften then scrape off. Also the walls will go sticky when wetting them as you are effectively reviving the old paste/adhesive but should dry again. Heavy duty sanding i.e electric, is recommended using P80 grade sandpaper or lower if old paste is heavy. You may find there will be some filling required in order to achieve complete smooth finish although do this after a coat of paint (ideally white matt) to identify areas that are needing repair. Hope this helps M.Wilson @MWCONTRACTS
Answered22 March 2016
5
Anonymous user
You could always line the walls it allows a nice surface for the paint to go on. Sometimes no matter how much washing the walls you do it always finds areas were it will craze up on the paint but with the walls lined it cant do that. M.B.E.
