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Removing Faux Brick From Sheetrock

If you have faux brick wall panels over Sheetrock walls and would like to make a change, first you will have to remove the panels. This type of faux finished panel cannot be covered over well, and it is best to rip it down and start back from scratch with the Sheetrock. This job will require some patching once the paneling is down.

Things You'll Need

  • Dropcloth
  • Masking tape
  • Pry bar
  • Hammer
  • Joint compound
  • Drywall knife
  • Fine-grit sanding block
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cover the area under the wall with dropcloths. The dropcloth will protect your flooring from any pieces of the paneling that come off and will make the cleanup easier. Tape the cloths down to prevent shifting.

    • 2

      Pry off the top corner of the faux brick paneling with your pry bar. Insert the tip of the bar underneath the edge of the paneling. Lever it away from the wall to pop the paneling off.

    • 3

      Remove the entire sheet of paneling. Repeat prying the panel off until it is free from its nails or adhesive. Dispose of the paneling.

    • 4

      Remove any nails from the Sheetrock. If the nails did not come off with the paneling, use the back of your hammer to pry them out of the wall studs.

    • 5

      Fill in the nail holes with joint compound. Scrape the compound on using a drywall knife. Do not use too much compound -- only enough to fill the holes. Scrape off the excess compound with the edge of your knife. Let this set until it is hard.

    • 6

      Sand over the compound with a fine-grit sanding block. The patched holes need to be flush with the rest of the Sheetrock. Sand until the area is smooth and level. You can now prime and paint the wall.