Wall Spackling Removal

Wet Spackle

• Wet spackle that has fallen from the work site can be removed using a damp cloth. When removing spackle from carpet or other fabric, dab the spot with a wet paper towel, being careful not to scrub or otherwise drive the spackle further into the material. Spackle that has been applied to a wall and has not yet dried can likewise be removed with a damp rag or sponge.

Large Amounts of Dried Spackle

• When using spackle for the first time, homeowners will occasionally be overzealous with its application and find themselves needing to remove large amounts of dried spackle from their walls. While sanding is always an option, it creates copious amounts of dust and take a long time. Large amounts of dried spackle can be removed from walls using a metal scraper or putty knife. Gently scrape the dried material from your wall, being careful not to remove drywall as you go.

Smoothing Spackle

• When you want to remove only a small amount of spackle, such as when smoothing out rough edges around a patched hole, sanding is the way to go. Always wear proper eye protection and a face mask when sanding. Use 150-grit sandpaper wrapped around a block of wood to create a smooth and even finish. Sand slowly and methodically, rather than rapidly, to both keep the amount of airborne dust to a minimum and avoid damaging the surrounding wall.

Spackle on Hardwood

• Occasionally spackle will drip down onto the floor, leaving white marks and stains on the hardwood. Scraping the spackle risks scuffing the wood, and sanding will remove the hardwood finish along with the spackle. In this case, your best bet is to first attempt to remove the spackle stains using a solution of warm water and soap in a soft rag. If this doesn't do the trick, you can use a wet cloth and a clothes iron to attempt to steam the spackle from the hardwood. Place the wet cloth over the stain and apply the iron in two- or three-second bursts, checking to see if the spackle is loosening and ensuring that the surrounding hardwood is not being burned.