How to Remove Painted Joint Compound

Joint compound is used when there is a crack or a nail pop in a wall. It is designed to cover the wall and work as a temporary patch. On occasion the joint compound will begin to crack or peel off. There is a way to remove this product to repair it with a more permanent product or repair the damage to the wall. You will only need a couple of tools to remove the joint compound that was painted.

Putty knife
120 grit sandpaper

Instructions

- 1
  Locate the beginning and the end of the bad section on the wall. The joint compound will have a different texture than the original paint. it is important to pay attention to the edge of the joint compound. This is where you will want to finish the process.
- 2
  Use the sandpaper to scrap off the joint compound that you can see. If there is a crack in the middle of the joint compound you can use the putty knife sideways to remove the joint compound from around the crack.
- 3
  Sand all of the area with the joint compound on it. You will be able to tell that you have gone through the joint compound when the original paint appears below the compound. When you see this original paint stop sanding. If you have exposed the cracks that the joint compound was sealing remove them with the pointy edge of the putty knife.

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