Removing Adhesive From Painted Sheetrock Wall

Verify the type of wall you are removing adhesive from. The two most common adhesive-bearing walls are drywall and plaster walls. Ensure that your wall is Sheetrock by knocking on the wall. It should sound hollow and not like you're knocking on rock or smooth concrete. Methods for removing adhesives differ, depending on the wall type.

Check what type of adhesive you are removing. Removal methods also depend on adhesive type. Determine whether you're removing wallpaper adhesive, tape or plastic hook adhesive. Put the removed adhesive in a bucket if you are removing wallpaper adhesive from an entire wall or multiple walls.

Choose an adhesive removal method for the job. Remove as much as you can by dry stripping whatever material you're removing. Use a putty knife or razor blade without damaging the paint if that's a concern. Otherwise, apply warm water mixed with a removal solvent. Apply solvent using a paint roller for larger areas. Use vinegar for smaller areas instead of commercial solvents and apply it with a brush.

Remove adhesive from the painted Sheetrock wall. Before getting too involved, though, implement the easiest method first. Some products, such as adhesive hooks, allow the adhesive to be removed by a simple downward tug. For other style hooks, apply solvent to the glued area. Alternatively, heat the glued area with a hair dryer to soften the adhesive and remove it with sewing thread, dental floss or a razor blade.

Soak an area that you can scrape within 15 minutes if removal encompasses a large area. Soaking painted drywall longer than that can damage the wall. Put down cloths or plastic at the base of the wall to protect flooring. Roughen the wall surface with sandpaper if necessary so the adhesive absorbs the solvent more easily. Scrape and remove with putty knife.