Asked on May 14, 2016

How to remove black mastic from the walls

Dizzy_g5150
by Dizzy_g5150
We are redoing a 1951 home, found black mastic looking adhesive on the wall. Any ideas/tips for removal?
  9 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on May 15, 2016
    You can try Kleen strip,goof-off,goo-gone,or even WD40.
  • Susan Sease Susan Sease on May 15, 2016
    I had the same issue when I removed our bathroom mirror, but it was not smeared like that and I was able to pop it off of the Sheetrock (it removed the top layer of paper) and then I filled the area with spackling and sanded. However it looks like you may be better off cutting those sections or sheetrock (if it's Sheetrock) out and replacing it with new Sheetrock. Hope this helps, sorry I don't have a quick easy fix for you but I don't there is one...
  • Susan T Susan T on May 15, 2016
    Is it sheetrock ? I'd cut it out and replace it with a new piece.
  • Libbeymdm Libbeymdm on May 15, 2016
    Had the same problem with my kitchen floor. That black mastic is really nasty to remove. I discovered it after removing multiple layers of flooring materials. I tried a number of things until I gave up and went to the hardware store and threw myself on the mercy of the store owner. I can't remember the name of the stuff he recommended, but I can tell you it was very corrosive and toxic; keep the area well ventilated and wear heavy gloves. It was a thick viscous substance that came in a can. It may have been some heavy duty paint remover. I worked in small areas (9-12 tiles at a time) and would first pry up a few tiles, spread this stuff on the black mastic, wait 10 min or so and then remove the mess with a spatula and paper towels. It was a slow and messy job. I would suggest you use sheet rock. I still haven't removed the tiles from below my 'fridge or stove. Good luck!
  • Linda Johnson Linda Johnson on May 16, 2016
    I used "DeSolv All Citrus Solvent" to remove black mastic from a white carpet. It works like a champ, but isn't harmful. You need to rinse with clear water, though.
  • Darla Darla on May 16, 2016
    Goo gone, scrape, then clean with soap, then go over it all with glass cleaner to get off the goop. It might just be easier to cover it up with some sheet goods.
  • Mari Detto Mari Detto on May 24, 2016
    Cover the walls with 1/4" sheet rock, we covered plaster walls that were in bad shape over 3 years ago and they still are perfect to this day.
  • Use high quality hand held hair dryer on high setting, move slowly over black blob for about 15 seconds. Insert broad putty knife at edge and work slowly off. Spray with WD-40 to remove residue. This works!! Good luck.