How do you remove old wallpaper paste that is fairly thick?

I;m removing old wallcovering from a rescue mission, it has built up paste behind the paper, they want it painted. Any hints on easy removal of that paste?


  6 answers
  • Dee Dee on Jan 21, 2020

    Use a magic tiger scorer that you can get at Home Depot or Lowes. Mix 1/2 and half Downy fabric softener and warm water. Spray the wall paper.. Let sit for about 10 minutes. Use a plastic scraper, buy it in the auto department they are stronger there, scrape off the remaining wallpaper and paste. It should come off very easily. And smell terrific.

  • White vinegar and warm water - mix 1/4 cup of vinegar to 2 cups of warm water and spray on the walls. Use a scraper to remove the glue.

  • Sharon Sharon on Jan 21, 2020

    When I am doing a clients job, I sand it off with a small hand-held electric sander if it didn't scrape off with the softening solution on the second try.

    If the walls are not smooth enough for paint, I then skim coat the wals with joint compound and a 12" drywall knife. Then 2 coats of primer.

  • William William on Jan 21, 2020

    I use one cup of vinegar to one gallon hot water. Spray or sponge on and let it sit to work. Some will wipe off and some will need scraping off.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Jan 21, 2020

    Peel as much as possible from the walls.

    If you can't get to the backing, you may need to score the paper with a tool. Paper Tiger is easy to find. Light pressure because you don't want to damage the wall behind the paper.

    Mix 50/50 fabric softener & warm water in a spray bottle or garden sprayer. I've read that vinegar is as effective but I have never used it.

    Allow the mixture to sit for 5 - 10 minutes so that it saturates the adhesive on the paper backing.

    Scrape with a plastic scraper.

    Once it is all removed, wash the walls with warm soapy water (blue Dawn is my go-to) and a microfiber cloth.

  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Jan 21, 2020

    Yes, score it and use vinegar solutions. Easy on the scraping when close to the drywall.