How to Prep a Wall after Wallpaper Has Been Removed

When you're switching from wall coverings to paint, removing the old wallpaper is only the first step. If you look at your wall closely you will discover a thin crust of wallpaper adhesive, and it probably extends beneath the surface of your drywall or plaster wall. That would lead to serious problems when you tried to apply a latex paint directly to the wall because the dried glue would become sticky again when moistened by the water-based paint, and cause the paint to perform poorly. Fortunately, there are a set of well-tested methods for prepping your wall prior to successfully applying an interior latex paint.

Sanding block
Dusting cloth
Trisodium phosphate (TSP) or TSP substitute
Large sponge
Spackling compound
Wide putty knife
Alkyd primer
Paint brush
Paint roller

Instructions

- 1
  Sand down the entire surface of your wall with a sanding block. You may notice fine dust or grit coming off the wall as you do so. Use safety glasses and a filter mask to keep dust and grit out of your eyes and respiratory system when sanding drywall.
- 2
  Wipe down the wall with your dry dusting cloth after sanding and sweep or vacuum up all residue so it won't mar fresh paint.
- 3
  Mix a solution of trisodium phosphate (TSP) in a small bucket, following the manufacturer's recommended guidelines. Environmental concerns have led some communities to prohibit the sale of TSP, but TSP substitutes are available, and these perform equally well for this purpose.
- 4
  Wipe down your wall with a sponge dampened with the TSP or TSP substitute. Clean and refresh your sponge frequently. Do not over soak your wall.
- 5
  Let the wall dry off completely, and wipe it down with a clean, dry cloth.
- 6
  Fill any holes or indentations with spackling compound, using a putty knife, to produce a level, even surface. Allow the spackling compound to dry. Use the sanding block to smooth out any irregularities in the spackling compound after it has dried. Finish by wiping down any spackled areas with a clean, dry cloth.
- 7
  Apply two coats of alkyd primer using a paint brush or roller. Use a brush for finely detailed painting on areas adjacent to ceilings, baseboards, windows and ceilings. Once the primer has dried, you can apply any interior latex paint to your wall.

How to Remove Interior Paint

How to Spray Paint

Painting