How to Remove Caulking From Textured Drywall

Caulk is a versatile construction material that is used to seal gaps and waterproof areas of the home. It comes in different colors and is commonly applied to drywall surfaces where they meet trim work, windows, baseboards and other surfaces. If you have textured drywall, such as a swirl or a rough pattern, removing the caulk can be a challenge. However, the process is the same as removing caulk elsewhere in the home.

Utility knife
Disposable gloves
Nylon scrubber sponge
Damp cloth
Mineral spirits (optional)
Rubbing alcohol (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Install a new blade into a utility knife and place it at the bottom edge of the caulk bead on the textured drywall surface. Press in on the blade until it is the approximate depth of the caulk bead, typically 1/8 to 1/4 inch.
- 2
  Pull the utility knife along the entire bottom edge of the caulk bead to loosen it.
- 3
  Walk back to the starting location and turn the utility knife blade parallel to the textured drywall. Insert the blade flat against the top of the caulk bead and push down until you reach the depth of the bead.
- 4
  Pull the utility knife along the length of the bead again, to loosen the top of the caulk bead.
- 5
  Grasp the caulk with your fingers and pry it up in chunks from the wall surface, until as much as possible comes off.
- 6
  Put on disposable rubber gloves and scrub the surface with a nylon scrubber sponge to remove the remaining small particles from the textured drywall. As you scrub, use light circular motions so that you do not damage the texture.
- 7
  Wipe the drywall with a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining traces of caulk and clean the wall surface.

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