Are you thinking about replacing your old wallpaper with a nice paint job instead? This is a great way to radically change the look of an older home, but it’s also going to be a lot of work. If anything, the actual tearing and stripping wallpaper is the easy (and fun!) part. The hard part is prepping the wall to receive a paint job later.
So, here are a few tips for wallpaper removal and painting the wall afterward.
How To Prep A Wall For Paint After Wallpaper Removal
- Fully remove ALL the wallpaper
You have to be completely thorough in removing the old wallpaper. Fortunately, there are liquid wallpaper stripping products available which make it easier to remove the deeper layers. It can be sprayed on the walls and will loosen up the wallpaper and its contact glue. Then it’s much easier to scrape the remains off.
- Clean and dry the walls
Once you’ve got all the wallpaper off, the walls need to be thoroughly cleaned. This can be done with plain water and the sprayer you used for the wallpaper stripper. Completely hose down the walls, while using soft sponges to clean off any remaining wallpaper adhesive. In removing wall coverings, be sure not to damage your walls. Be sure to use drop cloth to protect your floors.
Then, you’ll need to let the walls dry for a day or two. They need to be completely dry before painting can happen. Try to keep the room(s) closed off, so they don’t get dirty again.
- Sand and prep with oil-based paint
The next step is to sand down the walls with a sanding block, at least 120 grit. Once they’re sanded, they need to be sealed. There are oil-based paints specifically for this purpose. They seal in any remaining oils or other contaminants that might disrupt your final paint job.
- Fill in any holes or cracks
Finally, you want a smooth wall surface for painting. Drywall repair means filling in any holes, cracks, or other dents in the wall. This should be done with joint compound and a putty knife. The goal is to make the walls as smooth as possible, hiding any damage. Then once the compound dries, you’ll be ready to paint.
Let the Pros Handle Your Wallpaper Removal and Painting!
If this sounds like a lot of work, why go through the hassle? Genesis Pro Painting & Restoration is one of Westchester County’s most-trusted home painters with expertise in wallpaper removal services. Contact us today for a consultation and a free online estimate.
