How to Remove Wallpaper Adhesive From Sheetrock

If you're involved in a project that requires peeling wallpaper from a wall, you might discover that most of the wallpaper adhesive remains stuck to the wall's surface. If the home is modern, it's likely the wall material is manufactured gypsum wallboard, or drywall, commonly known as Sheetrock, a well-known drywall brand. Secured tightly to Sheetrock's paper laminate exterior, wallpaper glue does not just come off cleanly when you're removing wallpaper. If you try to force it you'll tear the Sheetrock and mar your wall. To prevent damage to the Sheetrock surface, the adhesive requires a dissolving agent for removal. Once loosened, the glue scrapes easily from the Sheetrock.

Things You'll Need

• Large spray bottle
• 1 tsp. liquid dish soap
• 3 tbsp. liquid fabric softener
• Plastic or metal putty knife
• Old rags or newspapers

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Fill a large spray bottle 3/4 full with hot water. Add 1 tsp. liquid dish soap and 3 tbsp. liquid fabric softener to the spray bottle. Shake the bottle to disperse the ingredients.

   • 2

     Spray the wallpaper adhesive liberally with the mixture. Allow the mixture to loosen the adhesive for 15 to 20 minutes.

   • 3

     Position a wide metal or plastic putty knife at the edge of the adhesive. Level the putty knife flush with the Sheetrock to avoid gouging the surface.

   • 4

     Scrape the adhesive from the Sheetrock. Wipe the putty knife with an old rag or newspaper after each swipe to remove the glue. Continue scraping, removing all the adhesive. If stubborn spots remain, respray the glue with the mixture and allow it to remain for 30 minutes before scraping.