How can I get wallpaper sizing off in order to paint it?

I removed 2 layers of old wallpaper, but streaks of sizing remain on the drywall making it lumpy and it will look awful if I paint it like this.

  9 answers
  • Charlene F Freeman James Charlene F Freeman James on Mar 18, 2019

    Im working to remove wall paper in a 1920s house. I used a steamer on parts and when a mixture of 1/2 fabric softener and water. Let sit 30 minutes and drag a putting knift across to remove old build up and / or paper backing. If you run into unsmooth walls a painter taught me about plumbers caulking. Put it on the putty knift and drag over the indentations it fills everything in nicely. I was able to paint a short time later.

    • Denise Martin Krytus Denise Martin Krytus on Mar 18, 2019

      Thank you! I will try fabric softener & water on the sizing. I already filled in indents with joint compound.

  • William William on Mar 18, 2019

    Wash it off with a 50/50 mix of vinegar and hot water. May need to scrape off with a putty knife.

  • Dee Dee on Mar 18, 2019

    Use fabric softener and water, spray on wall. Let sit about a half an hour then use a scraper to take off the sizing. Works like a charm.

  • Shari Fryrear Shari Fryrear on Mar 18, 2019

    I would use vinegar half and half. If that doesn't work check WalMart they have lots of products for wall paper removal

  • Trish Townsend Trish Townsend on Mar 18, 2019

    Use fabric softener and water I've done it many a Time

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Dec 07, 2023

    Try Steamer!

  • Mogie Mogie on Dec 09, 2023

    Combine hot water, a few drops of liquid dish soap, and a tablespoon of baking soda in a bucket and mix well. If the adhesive on the walls is particularly stubborn, add one cup of vinegar for every gallon of water used. Tip: Transfer the cleaning solution into a spray bottle as an alternative to a sponge and bucket.

  • Dee Dee on Dec 09, 2023

    Fabric softener will loosen it and you can scrape it off with a plastic scraper

  • Mogie Mogie on Dec 14, 2023

    Begin to scrape the sizing away: Use a simply putty knife to scrape the remaining adhesive. Wipe the wall with a clean sponge or cloth: Remove any residue that may have been left behind after scraping.